The story has an unlikely beginning: I was observing a beautiful galaxy pair in the Northern skies. When I observe the heavens I am usually thankful for the opportunity to see the God’s extravagant creation. June 2 was clear and still, so my wife and I were enjoying good viewing of the heavens. M51 is the spiral galaxy on the left side of the sketch. I could see the structure of the galaxy arms, the dark lanes within the arms, and the whitish bluish color. In conrast, the galaxy on the right is smaller in appearance, a little less bright, softer, and yellowish. It is the pair together that makes this deep sky object so enticing for observers. The combined appearance is truly remarkable. God knew that most people would not be able to see a view like this from their back yard until just recently, when specialized astro-video cameras and decent size telescopes could be obtained by regular every day people. I felt that the scripture from Colossians was an appropriate way to point to the splendor of God displayed by the object. It was a good evening to give thanks. But that is not where to story ends. 
As I pondered the observing period the next day, I also happened to be reviewing some pictures taken on recent ministry trips. We have taken equipment to give and taught observing on two continents in the last 3 years. It is hard to describe the excitement of people when they look at the heavens for the first time using binoculars or a small telescope, and both of these men had experienced that excitement.
Alan is from Uganda. One night we were talking on the porch of the home where he lived and we were staying. Rain was coming down in torrents. We talked about being thankful to God and the heavens that He created. I mentioned that the storm would end in about an hour and we would probably see a full moon rise through receding clouds. He looked amazed that I would know this, but I explained how the thunderstorms formed and typically moved but also how the skies typically cleared afterwards. I knew the full moon was to rise that night. An hour later we went together to the East side of the property and watched a glorious moon rise. The picture above was taken a few days later when he was helping me learn how to wash clothes by hand–properly. My first attempt was bad, so I asked him to show me. My wife caught it on camera. But he did much more. He was a companion on trips; I went to prayer meetings and services with him; he showed me his pineapple crop that he was growing; and I observed him taking care of orphan children many evenings. He was truly a working pastor with a good heart.
Last year I met Deo and his lovely wife, Ros. During our stay in the Philippines he helped repeatedly: driving me from place to place, assisting me with practical observing classes, getting me things I needed, and being a source of information. His wife was also very helpful. I watched Deo handle his children, teachers, and responsibility in the local ministry. We had good fellowship, and I learned from his stories of outreach and helps that the ministry had done during difficult times. Like Alan, I count him as my friend.
These two men make my heart warm. They know God’s love and mercy; they show evidence of the life of Christ within. They have never met but they are alike. They helped me like a brother in Christ. They love people. It was really my honor to be with them.
Now you can see why M51 and its nearby companion, NGC5195, will never quite be the same again. Now they remind me of these two men from two entirely different continents but the same God. Men and women like them that have been a blessing to my wife and me. While we have sought to be a blessing to others, we keep running into people who know Him and love him but also become a blessing to us.
So gentlemen, this sketch is dedicated to you, your households, the ministries you work with, and the One who has loved each of us.
For the reader who is believes in Jesus Christ, be encouraged. Isn’t God good? For the unbeliever, consider the greatness of our God of whom we speak–able to love men in remote places in such a way that they share a common bond and a common love.
