What price do you put on your dreams? What are they worth? Are they worth your life?

Dr. Richard Kowalske died over the weekend pursuing his. A successful Gainesville chiropractor, Dr. Kowalske, had a dream that God gave him and sold everything to pursue it. Here's the story in his own words:

As I was falling asleep on the night of August 15, 2002, in my mind I was seeing the possibilities of a camp property, and how it could be used so effectively in God's ministry for the youth of Bolivia, which in time, could affect the whole country of Bolivia. How awesome it would be if I could use all the talents and skills God had given me to be a part of that vision!!

During the night, God showed me what I needed to do to become a part of that vision. I dreamed about the rich man described by Matthew in the Bible. He was a good man, following all of God's commandments, and asked Jesus, "What do I still lack?" Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man went away sorrowful because he had great possessions. He was unwilling to give all to follow Jesus. In my dream, I saw Jesus looking at me...He did not speak, but pointed to me as if asking, "Will you give all to follow me?" I then saw the camp as it could be....dormitories, filled with children from all over Bolivia; sports fields; a modern kitchen; a chapel; auditorium, for presentation of the evangelistic programs; and nearby, missionary housing.

On the morning of August 16, I woke up with a new plan and purpose. I knew my life would never be the same.

Before we left Bolivia, we had made the commitment to sell everything and follow Jesus. Our first work was to be the ministry in Bolivia - to build missionary housing, to help establish a permanent camp facility to reach the youth of Bolivia for Jesus Christ, and to establish our medical ministry as an avenue to bring people to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We knew God would lead us where He wanted us. Our part would be to step out in faith.

Helping Hands Foreign Missions was formed to support this ministry. With outstretched hands, we want to go into all the world, using our skills to help Christian missionaries in any country where we are needed.

Dr. Kowalske shared an office in Gainesville with AIM. This month, on one of his mission trips, he contracted cerebral malaria. It was too late to do anything about it when he checked into the local hospital. And while we grieve with his wife and family, we can't help but be inspired by his heroic life and the price that he put on the dream God gave him.

May we be as courageous as Dr. Kowalske in the pursuit of the dreams God gives us.