February 2008

Kyle Becchetti (left) and Leslie Thengvall

In our line of work, we talk a lot about “making a difference”. I’d like to take a break from our usual Noel & Kyle CSM letter to tell you about two CSM people who have really made a difference. This may be the first time you have seen this letter; it’s because I want to get the word out about these folks to as many people in our network as I possibly can.

I met Leslie Bungerz Thengvall (that’s her up there next to Kyle) in 1975, when we were both part of a Christian student group called InterVarsity at Chico State University in northern California. We became, and stayed, friends ever since. (I had the privilege of playing at her wedding to Dennis Thengvall in 1982.) Several years ago (after repeated begging on my part) she joined our CSM Board as Treasurer, where she served until her tragic and untimely death this past January 17.

Kyle and I were driving up to Northern California when we got the call from Dennis that Leslie had been struck and killed by a pickup truck while on her usual morning walk. We were able to change our plans and spend the better part of the next week in Richvale, California, where she and Dennis lived and raised their daughters Kristen and Carrie. We were able to help with the arrangements and details that must be made at a time like that, and be part of the funeral service held at their home church, First Evangelical Free Church of Richvale.

Which was a really good thing, ‘cause while I thought I knew Leslie pretty well, I had no idea of the full impact of her life. Richvale is a rice-farming town of around 250 residents; nearly 500 people attended her service. During the “open mike” sharing time, literally dozens of people, young and old, rose to talk about the difference Leslie had made in their lives. These included colleagues at Chico State (where she taught accounting for years), colleagues from the Rice Growers Association (where she served on the board), longtime buddies from our InterVarsity group, family, neighbors, churchmates, and friends…most importantly, friends. This woman knew how to make, and keep, friends—friends she invested in, cared about, laughed with, mentored, loved. I only hope that my life has half the impact that Leslie packed into her 53 years on this earth.

Justin and Krista Perry

Justin Perry served CSM with distinction as our Philadelphia City Director through the fall of 2007, when he transitioned to a full-time position as Life Counselor with the Bethesda shelter in Philly. (His wife, Krista, is still with CSM as our current Philly City Director—that’s them in the photo above.) Justin is a soft-spoken, man-of-few-words guy; his faith and values are expressed through his actions.

Justin and Anthony Morgan became friends and roommates in college. Anthony, who had been born with only one deformed kidney, was then functioning on a kidney donated by his father when Anthony was eight years old. A few years ago, Anthony was struck by a viral infection that wiped out that kidney. After nine months in the hospital, he was put on five-day-a-week dialysis.

Anthony asked his close friends to consider if they would be willing to be tested as a kidney donor. Justin stepped up, got tested, discovered that he was a match, and just recently, donated one of his kidneys to his friend Anthony. The kidney has been working wonderfully since minute one, and after a very painful first week, Justin is recovering well.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” This is close enough for me. We throw the term “hero” around pretty loosely these days. In my book, Justin is a hero—as is his wife Krista, who has supported Justin making this sacrifice for his friend.

I mentioned “making a difference” in the opening of this letter—another term we throw around pretty loosely, especially in the short-term mission and service world. Leslie and Justin have made, and are making, a difference. I’m proud that they have been a part of CSM’s family and ministry, and I’m glad to have the chance to introduce them to you.

Blessings,

Noel Becchetti, President

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