The Story of Chad Browne

The oak tree is one of Earth’s great natural phenomena. It is fascinating to think that such a grandeur and durable tree was once a three (3) inch long acorn.

Its colossal stature rivals that of some of the world’s great monuments. Its branches envelope meters of terra firma, providing shade to passersby. Its beefy bark provides an impregnable habitat for its occupants.

These are all supported by an inordinate root system, which spreads far and wide to provide anchorage, and find the nearest water source for its nourishment.

Desperately moving in search of water. So that it may find nourishment to sustain further growth and development.

I can imagine the roots burrowing through the earth’s crust. Breaking and shifting every rock which impedes its path.

In the same way, I believe people’s hearts yearn for and go in search of intimacy. We desire to be seen, understood, remembered and accepted. So that we can flourish, just like the oak tree. Many of us spread far and wide, and go great depths, in search of sources, in order to satisfy this yearning. Yet, only One, truly satisfies. In this edition of Living ‘N’ Telling, I share with you the story of a young man who greatly desired intimacy.

Who struggled to experience the love of those around him. But, is currently in love with Jesus, and desires to make his love be known to men. He is a close friend of mine, and I hope you find encouragement in his story.

Chad Browne was born on October 29th 1992, in Boston, Massachusetts. Though he was borned in Boston, he was raised in Barbados. He didn’t spend much time in Massachusetts as his mother moved back to Barbadoes within a year of his birth.

Chad was a very quiet young man who was quite troublesome during his childhood years. He would often play fights with his friends, imitating what they see in the popular anime tv show; “ Dragon Ball Z”.

As well as beatboxing in front of his friends, as he was gifted in beatboxing. It was a selftaught skill that he developed over time through watching youtube videos.Chad accepted Christ at age five ( 5). However, he admitted that he became more serious about his faith at age 16.

Between that time, Chad had challenges accepting the responsibilities which came with growing up. He also experienced difficulty finding his identity in Christ.

Chad admitted that his fear of disappointing others, especially his loved ones, contributed to his unwillingness to embrace the responsibilities expected of him. After hearing so many times that “he can’t do this” or “he can’t do that”, Chad, at that age, concluded “why bother trying?”.

He believed it was more prudent to abstain from responsibilities, than to embrace them, then being later scolded for not doing it right. He was constantly mindful that if he embraced responsibilities entrusted to him, that he would somehow “Make a mess of things”.

His fear of failure made him reluctant to say yes whenever anyone would ask him to do something.

This fear persisted even when he became serious about his faith in Christ. However, with growing knowledge of God’s will, Chad grew to embrace the responsibilities given to him.

Chad also had issues finding his identity in Christ. He admitted that his identity was found in trying to please his friends. This led him down a wrong path.

In Secondary (High) school, Chad was known as the “School pervert”. Whenever he was around his friends, he would make sexual comments about the females at his school. Which his peers found hilarious. He enjoyed making his friends laugh. However, he didn't like what he was doing.

He sensed that what he was doing was wrong, but it was the only way he got some recognition from his peers.

He only did those things because he desired companionship. He admitted that throughout his youth, most times he was alone. Therefore, he was willing to compromise in this regard just so that he could be accepted by his peers.

However, when he became serious about his faith in Christ, Chad realized that he needed to separate from his friends.

As pleasing them was leading towards sexual perversion. Which he understood to be morally impure.

Chad's increased knowledge of scriptures guided him through his adolescent years. In 2012, he began his tertiary studies at the University of the West Indies, Cavehill. Where he studied Computer Science.

Within his first year at University, Chad was invited to be a part of Campus Crusade for Christ, the student-led movement of CruBarbados. Being a part of this movement helped Chad to grow in his identity in Christ, and challenged him to accept the responsibilities that came with that growth.

He was an active member of the movement on the Cave Hill campus. He would regularly meet up with members of the movement for fellowship and bible studies.

This helped him to grow in his interactions with other people. As his involvement with the movement grew, he was given the responsibility of coordinating prayer meetings and evangelism on the campus. Chad was reluctant at first; but, he eventually accepted the responsibilities and enjoyed doing it. This testified to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in his life, since he was previously reluctant to accept responsibilities.

Jesus, in Acts chapter 1 verse 8, assured the disciples that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be his witness throughout the Earth. It is by this same Spirit that we are empowered also, to be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ today. This was becoming evident in Chad’s life.

At university, he would often communicate his life’s journey with others through poetry.

Chad admitted that it was the Holy Spirit who taught him to write poems.

He would often use poetry to share the gospels with unbelievers. He would also use his poetry to promote sexual purity as a better way of life.

He continues to do this by uploading his poems to his blog “ AgapeWriters” on Poetizer.com. Despite being used by God in the ways stated above. Chad wrestled with comparing himself to his peers. As he was mindful that they were further ahead of him in certain aspects of their faith.

However, one day a close friend advised him never to compare himself with others. She reminded him that each person is at different stages in their faith in Christ.

Chad cherished this advice, admitting that these words helped him to be less willing to compare himself with others.

God’s work in us is unique and will always lead to goodness. This truth should be celebrated every day.

We may be at different stages in our faith in Christ, but we are always being transformed into his image (2nd Corinthians chapter 3 verse 18).

Chad encourages all believers to believe this. To keep our eyes on Jesus, who perfects our faith (Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2). Therefore, we continue to press forward in Christ. Knowing that He will complete the work He has started in us (Philippians chapter 1 verse 6).

Bearing this in mind, Chad looks forward to meeting Jesus in Heaven.

He also hopes to see his friends and family there as well. As a result, Chad remains steadfast in his faith.

The young man who desired to be accepted and understood, now finds rest in the finished work of Christ.

His search for love, led him to the One who loves him the most.

Chad’s story isn’t complete, but as he presses forward in Christ, I pray that his mind continues to be renewed, his heart remains steadfast, and his eyes remain amazed by the grace of God.