Beyond Borders

Ty & Terri Schenzel

Mourning the Loss of My Friends

On Friday I was checking out some Facebook posts, and I noticed the picture of my friends, Ty & Terri Schenzel. Then when I explored further I was shocked to learn they had been involved in a fatal car accident on Thursday, August 20th.

Ty and Terri led exemplary lives and their reach in Omaha, Nebraska went far. It’s sad to see such wonderful people leave this earth. Heaven is richer for it as we mourn their loss.

See video news report and article click here…. The news report does a great job at capturing the significant impact that Ty and Terri made in their community.

It Began at Seminary in Arrowhead Springs

Ty Schenzel is second from the right with seminary roommates from left to right, Dave Diaso, Craig Collie, Ralph Elliott, Ty Schenzel and Dale Goodman

I first met Ty and Terri while I was attending seminary in Arrowhead Springs, San Bernardino, California at the International School of Theology (ISOT). Ty and I became friends right away as we prepared for the ministry. Our first year at school we were involved in the Core Module, led by Dr. William Iverson. The Core Module wed theology with practical ministry.

It was a great place to practice theology with skin on, as Dr. Iverson liked to call it. I have many fond memories of our time together at ISOT as those were some of the best years of my life.

Ty also met Terri at ISOT. They fell in love, and they were married while in seminary. God blessed them with a loving marriage that few couples are able to match. I admire them for that as much or more than I do for all their amazing accomplishments in ministry.

Students from ISOT in the Core Module – led by Dr. William Iverson

I remember that Ty knew from the beginning what he wanted to do. After he graduated from seminary his goal was to return to Omaha, Nebraska and to work with youth.

His fun-loving, energetic passionate personality made him a huge success with all the kids he ministered to.

As Ty and Terri ministered together they were a loving ball of energy that wanted to be spent pouring their lives out for Christ. I think they accomplished their goal. They lived well, and served faithfully.

God Used Them in a Powerful Way

Ty and Terri went on to accomplish many things in ministry. They touched thousands with the gospel. Their hallmark was the founding of Hope Center for at risk youth. The Lord used Ty with Terri at his side to bring hope to a place that was without hope.

I’m deeply saddened to see them depart this earth earlier than I would have liked, but what a legacy they left. Their life is an encouragement and a challenge to all of us to be ready when the Lord calls us home. It’s a reminder to make use of each moment the Lord has given us.

This picture of Ty (on the left) with Dick Elwell was taken in Mexico City on a month-long summer missions project in the back of a Volkswagen Van, our main mode of transportation.

My heart aches at their loss. My prayers go out to their children, and their family. They will be missed. They are leaving a big hole that someone else must step in and fill.

With Ty and Terri’s wonderful sense of humor, I’m sure that heaven is filled with more laughter. While we mourn for them, we can rejoice in their life well lived. I pray that we might follow their example to live life to the fullest, and to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, and soul.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org