Body of Christ,
Yes you can call me "dad" (for those who have asked), or "poppy" (Beej liked to call me that...don't know why).
I do not know how to share the map of all we have heard from with you all. It really is too small to see, even in a picture. I thought I might share with you where all we have heard from. Perhaps it will inspire, perhaps not. Just know that we are humbled and deeply touched to say we have heard from all of these places!
We have heard from believers in 40-45 of the 50 states in the US (our map does not show state divisions, so it is hard to tell, and I forget). Outside of the US, we have heard from multiple provinces in Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamaica, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, Romania, Lebanon, Iran, India, China, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and a tiny country south of Uganda, and between Congo and Tanzania...sorry my tired eyes cannot identify it on this map.
What a huge and significant work the Lord is doing. I do not profess to understand it, but am grateful to our Almighty God that He has seen fit to touch so many by one so small (BJ was 5'3" and weighed 115 lbs.). So often our Lord works in this way. Uses someone insignificant to accomplish His business.
BJ was all about the Savior's business. In reading his writings, it is both humbling and clear that he "got it" and wanted others to as well. He was far from perfect. As his dad, I saw some of his struggles. In his writings, they were revealed. It was so cool to see him work things out by bringing them before Jesus. His prayers for the Lord's help to conquer strongholds in his life. The Lord's faithfulness to do so.
Our prayer is that Jesus continues to receive all of the Glory from Beej's life and writings. If BJ were here, he would be quick to say "it is because of Christ, and Christ alone."
If you do not have the assurance of where you will be after death, please e-mail me or leave a blog. There is a large body of believers who want to support and encourage you. (my e-mail address is listed in the update below this one)
You too, can serve the King!
dad
posted by Pray for BJ @ 4:57 PM
38 comments
38 Comments:
Hello Brent,
It is sweet that BJ called you "papi," Spanish for Daddy. Papá is more common--dad, but papi is endearing, more loving.
He was trying to convert you to Peruvian!!!
Love, Jolene
Deer Park, TX
dad.. again let me reitterate what a privilege it was to finally meet all of you this past weekend. it blessed my soul. I am still praying for you all. Still praying that you are being "held" in the arms of our Father..and in the thoughts of our prayers. In the coming days and weeks..my prayers will not end. Your family has come to mean the world to me. Thank you for that. i love you all immensely
kristin..from KC aka.. "he loved the snot outta you guys" :)
I am so happy to see that you are still keeping us around. I went to Georgia this week from NY and I checked for every update from the hotel. It is just amazing to see all that God is still doing through BJ. I hope you don't mind I added BJ to my site. I want everyone to know BJ and the great faith he had. I will take it off if you wish for me too. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
IM STILL PRAYING 4
U AND YOUR FAMILY!!!
I LOVE U 3EVER AND 4EVER MORE!!!
U ALL MEAN A LOT 2 ME AND MY FAMILY!!!
I hope u got the email. cjpm9162@yahoo.com is me.
all of my prayers are with u!!!
amen
i brought my two boys (age 9.5 and 12) to bj's funeral. i am sure it will remain with them for their entire life. i asked why they didn't walk forward, they said, "mom, i'm only..." but i know the seed was planted. they had never seen their mother sing her heart out for jesus. the holy spirit was just so strong. if you have ever lost anyone else you love, you know the pain never goes away, but you learn to live with it. at any moment, years later, the stomach pain can come. often times you can turn it off, but then it builds up, and you must grieve. not for them, but for the ache you have in missing them. i don't long for death, but i long to see my loved ones. that's kind of what is neat about aging. it's like getting ready for something big. and if you're so excited to see your loved ones, think how it will feel to see the LORD.
Hey family, Just wanted to tell you a quick story about how BJ has effected my Brother.He is 10 years old. Last night I walked into his room and saw him reading his Bible beside it was a sprial notebook. I asked him what he was doing and he answered that he was reading his Bible and journaling his thoughts, well my bro doesnt write alot so I asked him what made him decide to keep a journal, he said BJ. He thinks it so cool how BJ wrote about God. Just by hearing about BJ has effected my brother and made him think about his own relationship with Christ as well as made me think about mine. It has reminded me of what I need to do that i havent been doing! Thank you for including us you been a true blessing to my family. Love ya Sierra
Continuing to hold all of you up in prayer...know that you still need your arms held up high as the battle continues to rage!
im a friend of Micheal Leaf who was Bj's friend...in Missouri.... i have put bj's family on a prayer list and we support his missionary workings under god...
WOW!!!! That is amazing....how many peoples lives have been touched by BJ's. Praise God!!!
Love in Christ,
Cathy
Absolutely amazing! God is so awesome. Thanks for keeping us updated, Brent. As a parent, I know how thrilled you must be with how God has (and will continue) to use BJ for His glory! At the same time, the pain of losing a child is excruciating....unbearable (I would imagine) without knowing Christ. After losing my son 4 years ago, I had to focus on how God was going to use his death. Looking back now, I can honestly say that I would go through it again because of the way God was glorified. Not that I don't wish my son was still here, but I'd go through it again because of how God worked.
Still praying for you all....
I love it! Pink shirts and Peruvian "papi"! Sounds like BJ played a part in converting uzi-toting policeman while at the same time subtly (or not) converting his dad as well!
We are remembering that for every story and smile there are tears as well. Trusting each of you will continue taking time to look to the One who holds them all, and holds you close. . .
Praying in pink,
Marti for the Pieper Family
Charleston, SC
one of those 40+ states--let's go for all 50!
Dear Ones,
I continue to check your posts daily, and lift B.J.'s loved ones in prayer!
I am so moved by the great works that I read here! So many believers from so far away, they have all come here together to share the WORD and to share the story of B.J.'s life! That is POWERFUL! Glory be to GOD!
I am sending you big hugs from Bethlehem, PA. Thank you Mr. Higgins for your posts here! I look forward to reading them, as I am sure are many others from near and far!
God Bless you and your family!
Love in Christ,
Mischel (mishs19@yahoo.com)
I am still praying for you guys. It amazes me to see all of the countries and states that people have blogged from. I got curious a couple weeks ago and counted them up. I think that at that time there were 42 states. The ones that I didn't see were NV, ID, Montana, ND, SD, WV, Delaware, and Rhode Island.
Heather IL
It is so amazing how many people were watching over and praying for BJ! It makes me so happy! I'm praying for your family.
Lots of love,
Lauren Szabo
Encinitas,CA
You guys dont know me but I was blessed to meet your whole family this past summer with the Chaulks when we went on a youth group retreat with the little people we had to your camp thingy(can't remember what it was called exactly). You guys are so awesome. I've never met a happier family. I remember one night sitting around the camp fire right before the storm was about to hit..it was just me Bj lauren and Rocky..once it started to pour i remember all of us start to run inside and Rocky ran right up to Bj and threw him over his shoulder as he ran back to the building....he was such a happy guy...i have changed my perspective completely. My life has truely changed since his death. I try to live my life FOR Jesus Christ and try to act more and more like a diciple every day. He has influenced me so much...WOW..thats all i can say is WOW!
Hello Family, I just want to say that I am so happy that I got to meet you guys this past weekend!! I would like you to know that through this whole situation my relationship with Christ has grown so much and I can see what He is doing in my families lifes too!! I also want to thank you for still posting, because I still check it many times during the day. I love you all!!
Meagann from Bristow, OK
Just wanted to let you all know that we are thinking about you.
We are touched, amazed, in awe, blessed, and forever changed to see the way that God is working through BJ and all of you to bring about His GLORY! We miss BJ tons, but praise God for his faithfulness and provisions everytime we think of and pray for all of you.
To the 97 who came forward at BJ's Worship Service, and to the 8 that gave your lives to our King... we are praying for each of you as well. We stand behind you 100% and hope to stand with you and serve as missionaries in some capcaity that has not yet been revealed to us! May God pour out His love and strength on you. Don't back down!
Brent, Deanna, Lauren, and Whitney... we love you, LOADS! Thanks for being an example in your trials. Your witness is awesome! We're praying... and we won't stop.
Sonshine tonight and always,
Nate and Amy
Brent-
The glory does belong to God. In all things. Many people have said to my husband & I that we did such a good job raising our daughter (20 yr old), she is so committed, so wise, perservers. I always say that I am thankful that I got out of God's way and He was able to refine her at an early age. He is the only one that could give this world the wonderful children each of us have. When ever I have doubt in what God is doing, I see what He did in my daughter and her steadfastness, and I fall to my knees in forgiveness for my lack of faith.
By His Grace,
Lela, Concord, CA
PS: looking forward to seeing the map.
Hello,
I am in AWE! of so many countries and states(U.S.A) you have heard from !!! I have an Idea,
if people could purchase a video
copy of B.J.'s memorial service and
have their lost friends watch it and also show it in their their churches, Who knows, maybe God would use it reach many people around the world? Just something to
think about.
Roger Allen(AWE Star Dad)and family
Pittsburg, California
Dear Higgins Family,
Thank you for continuing to share your messages and parts of BJ's journal. Thank you also for the memorial by audio.
It is such an encouragement and blessing to our faith and Christian walk. You all have such a special ministry with this blog.
Though BJ is no longer physically with us, he still speaks to us.
BJ prayed for unity in the Body of Christ, God answered that prayer as you see with all the responses from around the world.
We love you guys and BJ,
AWE STAR Dad & Mom
(Roger, Carol, Brittany(Uganda 2005) and Ryan Allen
Pittsburg, California
Ruairi40@hotmail.com
We continue to lift your family up in prayer.
Youngstown, OH
Good morning Higgins Family! Just wanted you to know we're thinking of you every day and lifting you up in prayer.
Under His Wing, Jerry & DeAnn
The first thing I did this morning was to check the blog. What a blessed way to start the day. God never slumbers or sleeps and it is evident as we continue to read comments on how people are being touched. I am still easily moved to tears as I think of the pain you are having to endure--something most of us could never imagine, but I stand in awe of the way you continue to hold steadfastly to the Lord and bear witness to Him. Not a moment has gone by that you have not given or brought Him glory. Know that you will be lifted in prayer many times today.
Love,
Toodie Awe Star Mom, Peru 05
Dear Ones,
I pray that while we have heard from every corner of the earth, that the world will hear from us and be reached for Christ as we are obedient to share the gospel, as God gives us opportunities. Beeg is not with us in body, but his memories are, and will forever be present. Brent, I will not call you "Dad", but will proudly call you "Bro."
KPO
Elsie Jay
Good Morning Family
I have not written for a few days but Please know i've been readind and praying. I hope you are all coping.
I pray Dear Lord guides all of you with strenth and peace in your hearts.
We all love you and are very greatful how you've shared BJ with all of us
We have been truly blessed.
Lisa Gresh/Meils
Good morning family.......
You all remain on my heart everyday. I remember when my Mom died one of the hardest things to do was get back to a "normal" life. At first it was almost as if I was being unfaithful or something. But then I heard my Mom saying, "Phil I prepared you to carry on after me" One of the greatest tributes we can give to our loved ones is to make the transition back to our lives before the illness or death. Certianly we never forget our loved ones, It's been 27 years since my Mom died and still not a day goes by I don't think of her. She died relatively young of cancer. She never met Paula or obviously her 3 grand children, but she will someday.
All of that is to say you have hundreds that continue to lift you for up to the Father. It's not going to be easy and please allow yourself time to grieve. Sure BJ is in a better place and we rejoice in that but we still grieve the loss. There is a huge void in your lives. Trust me, dear family, the Holy Spirit will begin to fill and heal that void. If there is anything Paula and I can do for you we are here for you !!
If I may say one more thing, please. It is imparative that parents of the 97 kids that came forward continue to fan the flames. I can already see that church life is returning to business as usual. We dare not let satan steal the passion and the calling that was evident last Friday at the Celebration. If I was younger, I would have been one who would have gone forward. Like BJ, for me to live is Christ and die is gain. Parents and PASTORS don't drop the torch. Please....NO More business as usual. I agree with Walker that we are sending out the "last generation" of missionaries. I will keep them all in my prayers and especially the four of you. Brent, Deanna, Lauren and Whitney.....I agape you !!!!!
Phil
Still praying in KC.
Stacy
Wow! That is amazing how many states and countries have people praying for ya'll. Still praying in Gulf Shores.
In Christ,
Kailey<><
Recently I went out with my youth group here. - One guy in there was having a really hard time. As one of his friends was in the hospital dying.
I recalled BJ's story to him and by the end. Tears we're streaming down both his and the pastors face. What the pastor had been trying to tell him all along was finally hitting home.
His friend has done his job. and now God was ready to take him home.
BJ continues to help people. Even though he is no longer on this earth. - God bless you and your family.
I continue to pray.
Ashley =D
Father,
This morning we ask that You would grant each member of the Higgins family special peace. That Your joy would be their strength and that they would continue to experience your grace in a new and fresh way. Heal their hearts and bless them to continue to grow in hope and faith. We know that You have a special plan for each of their lives and we pray that their hearts would be eager to follow wherever You lead. Thank You for making them such wonderful examples of faith and grace in action, but most of all thank You for your love which we know surrounds and comforts us during times of sorrow. We praise you for giving us the gift of BJ's example and passion, and we ask that you would continue to ignite that passion in anyone who is directed to this site by Your Holy Spirit.
Deanna, Brent, Lauren & Whitney,
Know that we are continuing to hold you up before the Lord. We are blessed by your family and pray that you know how much you are loved.
In Christ,
Dawn D.
The mental picture I received when reading this post was and is amazing. The body of believers all over the world all approaching the throne for one cause. Just beautiful.
I just wanted to let your family know that the story they did on KFOR 4 in Okc was beautiful. My friend Barbara Ann text messaged me before it came on and I recorded it in the hopes of you getting to see it. I believe she has already sent it to you or is planning to do so in the near future. It was so amazing to see a mainstream cultural reporting station openly using the term "Man of God" to describe the amazing man your son was. It was an encouragement to me and I'm praying that it will affect the lives of all the Oklahomans who saw it.
Still praying,
Katie Kyle
Piedmont, Oklahoma
Dear Brent and Deanna,
I think of you and the girls frequently. I pray that God is taking care of your needs. I often think of BJ's celebration service. During the service BJ was called an ordinary man that did "extraordinary" things. That really resonated with me. I believe one of the greatest gifts you gave BJ was a christian home that provided him the opportunity to be "extraordinary". Your example reminds me of the trust God shows us when we are picked to be parents. Thank you for being "extraordinary" parents.
Love,
Jonathan's Mom
Thank you so much for keeping this site going. It is so inspirational for me. You guys are amazing and such a role model for all. God Bless you guys. We're still praying for you and the decisions you have to make.
I will follow our leader!!!
ILL NEVER BE AS GOOD AS HIM!!
I will love him!!!
Julie Meils
Just a quick "hello" to let you know we are still thinking of all of you and praying for you. Hope you all are getting rested up and finding a "new normal" around the house. I can only imagine how hard it must be. We continue to pray for your strength and comfort. Love you all.
Love, Nancy
Hi family,
As I was absent mindedly thinking (as happens so often these days) I reallized that I have never told you the impact that BJ has had on my sister. You got to meet her briefly before the service, and she has posted several times (I don't expect you to remember her.) But she was one of the first to step forward to "take BJ's place" and on the drive home, I was able to ask her about how her life might be changed. Her response was almost overwhelming. There is so much to tell, but, in short, she has committed to living her life for God, WHATEVER He asks. I have longed for this devotion in my sister for a long time, and am so blessed to see her allow God to move in her. Her words were, "You have no idea the things I wouldn't know, the things I would have missed if it hadn't been for BJ, and the chance to meet his family."
Praise Jesus.
Love,
Kayla (Peru 2005)
o my goodness that is so much more than i expected...amazing
Chelsea Carlsbad CA
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