In Memory of Stephen Lee Young

James and Edith Young were granted six children, all of them special gifts from God. However, there were two separate families. Three children came before James and Edith gave their hearts to Christ. James Byron was the first born. Kay and Jerry followed to complete the family. No more children were anticipated.

But God had other plans. He called James and Edith to put their faith in Christ. Their lives were radically changed, and God gave them a second family. Stephen was the first born. Edna and Rebecca followed to complete the family.

Believing that God was calling him to the Christian ministry, our father received basic Bible training at Moody Bible Institute. He became a pastor at the age of 40. Steve remembers giving his heart to Christ at the age of 9 after hearing dad preach at a small country church in Kansas. Our father later served two churches in Ohio, and Steve eventually graduated from Norwayne High School in Creston, Ohio.

The first family hardly left the nest before our father went home to be with Jesus. He was only 50 years old, and he left behind the second family. Stephen was 17, a junior in high school. Edna was 13 and Becky was 8. Edna and Becky remember that Steve was their hero. He was smart, handsome, popular at school, captain of the football team, president of his class. He encouraged them. He counseled them. They looked up to him.

So did mom. She brought all her important decisions to Steve for advice. He was wise for his years, and she appreciated his counsel. When Steve graduated from high school, the four of them moved to Winona Lake, Indiana, where Grace College is located. Steve became a college student. Officially, mom went to work in the snack bar at the college. Unofficially, she became the “mother in residence.” While at Grace, Steve was active in music and theater productions. He was also elected student body president by his fellow students.

James and Edith came from humble circumstances. They knew what it meant to go without the finer things of life. In the spirit of Christ, they chose to give their lives away for others. Stephen embodies the principles he learned from them. Others can testify that Steve never bragged about his education or his accomplishments. He was a humble man who always had time for others – especially those less privileged than he. He gave himself away.

For those of us who knew him well, the opportunity to work at Denver Seminary seemed like a dream come true. Stephen was unusually gifted and experienced as a leader, and he loved to teach. How surprised we were to hear that – after such a short time – God had other plans.
Thank you, Stephen. We saw the face of Jesus in your life, especially as he prepared you for your journey home. The words of the Apostle Paul came true for you.

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:16-18 NIV)

Goodbye brother. Welcome home.