God knew what He was doing when two college guys worked the summer of 1962 at a Christian Science camp, then didn’t see each other again until 2010, each having found their way to the Cross in the years between. Jim Ritchie of Alabama (R) was reunited with John Andrews of Colorado this week,

presenting three talks on his spiritual journey for students at Colorado Christian University. Jim’s testimony, “A Chaplain’s Story,” was posted here 18 months ago.

With the first hug at my office door on the campus Tuesday afternoon, we told each other jokingly, “You haven’t changed a bit.” While not outwardly true, that was quite accurate as far as the heart connection between two lifelong Jesus pilgrims is concerned. I’ve never had a clearer illustration of Proverbs 18:24, “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Jim’s pilgrimage now takes him to a new home in northern New Mexico, where his law career will give way to lay ministry at a PCA church in White Rock, NM. Godspeed, old friend! This blog will await reports from your next mission field.