This past weekend 80 year old Charles Colson passed away after suffering complications following a brain hemorrhage. Since his notorious role in Watergate, being known as Nixon’s “hatchet man,” Chuck Colson experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity. Over the past few decades, Colson became an evangelical leader in prison ministry, justice reform, Catholic-evangelical dialogue, and was a thoughtful commentator on political and cultural issues of our day. He was a prolific author and captivating speaker, an evangelical statesman and modern day hero to many. I had the privilege of knowing him through my years at Vision New England and more recently in connections with him at Gordon-Conwell. I am grateful for his many contributions to building up the Kingdom of God and serving the body of Christ.

When I went on the Prison Fellowship/Colson Center website to read their tributes, I was struck by the following quote by Colson, “One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that I don’t ever get up in the morning and wonder if what I do matters. I live every day to the fullest because I can live it through Christ and I know no matter what I do today, I’m going to do something to advance the Kingdom of God.”
Chuck Colson crafted and fulfilled his personal rule of life! He knew with certainty his roles, gifts, desires, vision and mission. He lived with purposeful passion and as a result his legacy will live on in the ministries he started and served. I thank God for this great man of faith, and look back with fondness to the times I heard him speak, watched him interact with others, read his many books and articles, and observed firsthand the ministries he impacted and many lives transformed as a result.

For more inspiring information on this great man’s life story go to www.chuckcolson.org – amazing grace, how sweet the sound!