In 45 years of campus ministry at the University of Delaware, Will Metzger has discipled a lot of students. But none of them became like part of his family, until he met Leonardo Le San.
Low Expectations
The parents of a young lady that Leonardo was dating wanted Will to meet with Leonardo because they were concerned that his interest in spiritual matters was just an excuse to get closer to their daughter. Will at first declined and then agreed, certain that Leonardo would be a no-show.
Two weeks later Leonardo showed up. They not only hit it off, but continued to meet on a regular basis. "During the whole time I helped him get things straightened out and solidify his faith," Will said. "We just kind of hit it off, he's a very smart and passionate person."
"Since he was not a Christian, I warned him against using God to win a woman's heart. Then, I very slowly went over the gospel with him for an hour and a half. He left with a list of Bible passages to study. Two weeks later, he returned and described the changes that had come into his life, having now encountered Jesus for the first time."
Leonardo’s passions and impulsiveness had caused him problems with personal relationships and also with relationships in the music department at the University of Delaware, where he was enrolled. Gradually, with Will's help, those relationships were repaired.
A Passion for Putting Scripture into Practice
As Will met with Leonardo over a period of several years he was surprised at Leonardo’s desire for spiritual maturity. "He would come in wanting to put into practice what he read in scripture. I tried to open the door for him and it opened up wider than I expected."
Leonardo graduated, married, and settled in Philadelphia. He released a recording of solo classical piano performance in 2006, which was well received. He has performed in Europe, South America, and the U.S. On June 26, 2010, he appeared at Carnegie Hall in New York City, performing classical works as well as several of his personal compositions.
Will attended the Carnegie Hall concert, which was a very emotional experience for him. “I was overflowing with thankfulness to the Lord that I could be a witness to this performance at one of the sacred temples of music,” he said.
The Story of Nathan Henn
Unlike Leonardo, Will’s contacts with Nathan Henn never developed into a relationship. Nathan was involved with the InterVarsity chapter while he was a student and rugby player at Delaware. "I knew him and talked with him a few times. He didn't have a lot of contact with staff but we all knew him,” Will said.
Nate’s involvement with InterVarsity may have contributed to his growth in the faith after he left Delaware. A year and a half ago he began working with Invisible Children, a ministry that works for the freedom of child soldiers abducted into a private army in Uganda. Nate was watching the World Cup with a crowd of people in Uganda when a terrorist’s bomb went off. Nate was the only American killed in the explosion.
A funeral service for Nathan Henn was held Saturday, July 31, 2010, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Wilmington, DE. Will Metzger was in attendance.
