This is Derek Reed.
Tomorrow he will board a plane at 7am to move to New York to go to school. He will be attending The King’s College in Manhattan. The school is actually in the Empire State Building… how cool is that.
When I came to NorthWood he was a 14 year-old emo kid who played a little bass. He is now a pro-level bass player with more potential than you can shake a stick at.
He loves God, can lay down a serious bass groove, and is disciplined enough to overcome any obstacle in his way. I can’t wait to see how God is going to use him.
Have a blast in New York. We are proud of you.
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I can attest to Dereks skill and willfull and passionate dedication to worshipping God. Derek, you will do great things and you will be greatly missed by everyone here. Love you buddy.
-Micah
When Brent first told me he had a high schooler who would play bass for us I was thinking, “Oh, just great…exactly what I need.” Then he said, “It’s Derek .” “Okay this might work then,” I thought. D, you have proven to be prompt, prepared and very responsible. You are also culturally aware and well grounded in your faith. Your parents built and lot into you. I pray that you flourish in NYC (and remember that since your school doesn’t have football team…HOOK ‘EM).
Derek, I appreciate greatly the dedication and maturity you’ve displayed leading worship with us. I know we’re all not as cool as the young people you could have chosen to hang out with, but you’ve been gracious, professional, skilled, and just awesome. What an amazing example you’ve been to other teens. You’ve set the bar high… thank you! My prayers are with you as you take on New York City and the world for Jesus!
Blessings,
Missy
I don’t know if “rockstar” would be the appropriate term, ha.
In the end though, I owe everyone in the worship and youth ministry a huge thanks. My time there has been the largest source of musical and spiritual growth that I have experienced. Who knows? Without it, I may have simply turned into an eighteen year-old emo kid who plays a little bass. To Brent, Jordan, Dustin, Mark, Karl, Micah, Missy and so many others, thank you for all of the time you invest in your ministry. I’m going to miss you guys.
Ok…so I might cry! D, it truly has been a blessing being a part of your life. It really does seem like yesterday that we were just meeting together in team in the little room in the children’s building. It is hard to believe that you are now grown up and moving on in your life. I thank you again for all the time that you spent investing in NSM’s worship ministry. There were times that I never thought you were going to be more than a screamo, emo, punk…but God still works miracles and worked one in you. I can’t wait to hear all the Kingdom impacts you make in NY and wherever God takes you. Love ya man!
D
Sucks you’re leaving, man. We’ll miss your skills(z) and your friendship. Enjoy NYC.
And where are those Christian emo songs you promised? “He got cut so you don’t have to cut yourself” or something like that.
Mark, I’ll get those songs to you just as soon as you get me my guitar parts! Who knows though… maybe I will really have to record them. I’ll have to get back to you on that.
As Derek’s Dad, I could not be more proud of him. I remember the emo phase. Praise God it was just a phase! Seriously, I have watched him grow into an extraordinary young man. I also am thankful that he has had such Godly mentors like Brent, Jordan, Dustin, Mark and Adam McManus. One of my prayers for my kids has always been that God would put the right mentors around them—people who have solid, Godly character but also skills and experience that Kelly and I lack. God answered that prayer with you guys and Derek has been the benefactor. If Fox News reports a blubbering idiot has been seen in Midtown Manhattan today, you know its me. Thanks guys.
Derek we’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished so far in your life and
know it it only a prelude to greater things. So many great memories of
the baseball, basketball, etc., and the great musicals we enjoyed so much.
We always remember you getting on your tricycle the first time, us wondering
how long it would take you to figure it out, and you take off down the sidewalk
like an experienced rider.
Only thing I could never understand was your lack of compassion for
those poor catfish trying to get across that busy street, at the “CATFISH CROSSING”
CROSSING” sign near Keller. Of course the sign is no longer there and they’re
probably being flattened regularly – ha! ha!
Have a good time in N.Y. – we’re praying for you.
Have been so proud of you through the years with your accomplishments in academics, pitching, music. etc. It sure would have been nicer if we could have attended ALL your games and choral performances. How exciting to be in NYC! Now I will have a reason that I can use to convince Paw-Paw to visit there sometime. We know you’ll be successful in anything you attempt with the Lord’s leading. He has a perfect plan for you. You’ll be in our prayers every day. I’ll be checking The King’s College website in hopes of seeing you on there.