Chuck

Chuck Frasier (8.25.51 - 11.18.10)

Chuck.

The world lost a GREAT man on Thursday of last week.  Chuck Frasier, the longtime director of Covenant Point Bible Camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, died of an apparent heart attack while out deer hunting.  His wife called the camp, concerned that Chuck hadn't come home once it had gotten dark out.  A couple of guys from camp went out to his deer stand and found him.  Just the day before he was telling one of the guys who found his body how much he looked forward to being out in his deer stand, as it was one of the high moments of the year when he spent some serious time praying and communing with God, alone out there in the peace and quiet of the woods.  For those of us who love Chuck, there is great comfort in the midst of our grief, in knowing that when he passed from this life into the next, he was in the intimate presence of the God he loved and served so faithfully.

The impact that Chuck has had on multiple generations of teenagers and young adults is immeasurable.  To think of the thousands of kids who have attended camp, worked on staff, or been mentored under Chuck's leadership, and knew him to be a modern day Barnabas, reveals the depth of blessing that he has been to the Evangelical Covenant Church, and Christ's Kingdom here on earth.  I know how deeply his work ethic, pasionate commitment to Jesus, and compassionate heart affected me as a young man just starting out in ministry.  There was just something about Chuck that oozed leadership and role model.  Within 5 minutes of being in his presence, you knew this was a person to emulate.  I know that a part of who I am today as a pastor has its roots in conversations with Chuck, and just watching him in action.  He will be dearly missed.

If you travel in Covenant circles in the Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan areas, and say that one simple word, "Chuck", you're bound to get a smile, a shake of the head, and a story of how Chuck touched their life, or the life of someone close to them.  One simple name: Chuck.  A name and a life that will not be forgotten.

Well done, good and faithful servant.