In the summer of 2004, shortly after BJ's return from Peru, he and Deanna went to a reunion of my extended family. It was held in Wisconsin (I was unable to go as I had just begun a new job). The last time BJ had seen some of these folks was when he was 1 1/2 years old...I don't think he remembered.

He and Deanna thoroughly enjoyed the time. They hiked, sat by campfires, had picnics, and got reacquainted with family. BJ spent much of his time with his much younger cousins. They bonded very quickly. He came home talking about how adorable they all were, and how much fun he'd had.

He also spent considerable time around the campfire sharing about his Peru trip with the adults. He enjoyed the opportunity to tell about what God had done in the life of the Peruvian people, his team, and in his own walk. I'm sure the number of people around the fire dwindled as he talked, poked the fire, and talked, and talked. Undaunted, he continued on with my cousin Gregg (aka Blues). Thanks Gregg.

My Aunt Millie who lives there, knew about BJ's passion for Jesus. She honored him with a very special gift...one he was enthused about. She produced a very old Bible that had belonged to BJ's great great Grandmother Octa Porter (Any expectant parents out there may want to dump the girl names you were previously considering). As I sit here looking for the print date on this Bible, I am reminded that that is not what was important to him (that page has fallen out anyway).

BJ loved reading different versions of the Bible to compare them and to try to find the marrow of each truth. He had among his other Bibles a Comparative Study Bible with four side by side versions. He used it routinely.

His favorite didn't look like a Bible anymore. It resembled a cheap coverless paperback. For this reason, when he was moved onto ECMO (required a room change), and the hospital staff were cleaning his room, it was discarded (we were not allowed to retrieve items because he had been in isolation). We know it was not done intentionally, but Oh how we wish we had that Bible.

One other Bible story...well not a Bible story, but a story about a Bible...While Beej was in Peru this year, he was very excited to find a Bible that was a parallel English and Spanish version. As he relayed the story, he said, "I was in this hotel, and they had this English/Spanish Bible in the room. You know the Gideons put those there so you can take them, so I did!"

"BJ," I said, "the Gideons don't put those there so you can take them. They put them there so that they will be available in the room for unbelievers and believers alike." "They do?" he said. Then he quickly justified the whole experience by saying, "It's okay, I gave my old Spanish Bible to someone in Peru."

It is fitting that many have opted to donate $ to the Gideons. Hopefully, a new Spanish/English Bible will find it's way into that hotel room. (A Gideon or two have since told me that BJ was closer to right than I was...he would love that, and not let me forget it)

Whether you have one Bible or a dozen, please read them. You cannot grow closer to the Lord on Sunday Sermon Sundae's, and Wednesday night Snacks, alone! You make time for everything else you consider important, let's get into the Word as well.

dad

There is and artcile on BJ at www.md-times.com It is below and to the right of the picture of a boy.