www.spirit1023.com NOW HAS THE INTERVIEW POSTED. Just go to their website, then in the left menu screen, click on "Chris and Rebecca and Good Friends," and then click on "The Story of BJ Higgins." The story appears in 4 modules.

We want to thank you for your mighty prayer support! It was a true blessing to hear from so many of you! I must say we were very surprised. We honestly did not expect for many people to remember. We certainly did not expect to hear from so many of you. What a cool thing that each time we checked the site, there was more encouragement, and that went on into the evening. Thank you!

We enjoyed our day together, and the Lord blessed our time. We spent time walking and talking about Beej, about some of our favorite memories, some of our regrets, some of the funny things about him, and how his testimony continues to impact the world. I prepared omelettes for breakfast...well, they were supposed to be omelettes. They looked more like scrambled eggs with meat and cheese. We shared his favorite meal for dinner...ribs, at a local eatery. I don't think he would have been proud of how few we were able to put away, but we blame that on the refill of popcorn from the movie theater. We read through the many text messages, cards, e-mails and blogs. We were blessed by the flowers we received! Deanna received flowers from her former schools (Pleasant View Upper and Pleasant View Lower Elemantaries), and was very touched. We also got them from Aunt Maralyn and Uncle Ray and family. How precious of you all to remember this day in this way.

A college student from IWU (Justin) did something that touches us very deeply. We participated on the front end of his offering, but in all honesty, forgot all about it over the time that has passed since.

When Beej was with us, he had favorite shirts...those he wore routinely. He also had shirts that meant less to him, were but were keepsakes for us. The problem was, how do you keep such things and truly have them bring any element of reminder? Typically, they would be handed out to those they would be meaningful to (which we did with some), or stow them away somewhere in a closet to pull out on special occassions.

Justin had a better idea. He shared it with Lauren, who gathered what he needed, and he went to work.

As we watch the dvd which accompanies the "Die for You" song, we see many of the shirts he wore routinely. Those that were most comfortable, and those that felt the best, etc. When he was a freshman, he played soccer, so his old jersey...#17, is present. When he went to Peru both times, he returned with Awe Star shirts which he wore constantly. There was one from Highland Lakes, where we lived and I worked. Others bore Christian messages through unique means, they are there too.

These shirts that bring such vivid memories of him, are now all bound together in a very unusual way. One that we will use. One that will have to be a substitute hug from him. One that we can take mental journeys with, just by its presence in the room.

20 of his favorite shirts are bound together into a blanket. One side bears soft cotton warmth, and the other, his favorites T's!

I admit, I have never seen anything like this. When we first saw it, we were collectively moved. This single item holds so much of what we see when we remember him. It has not been fought over just yet, but it has been utilized consistanly, since its unveiling.

Thank you Justin!

Thank you to each of you for your consitant prayer support, and encouragement! God has blessed us through your efforts, and we are most greatful!

dad


Tonight, I am sharing BJ's story at the concluding service of a Revival at a church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Would you please pray for God's power and conviction to come, His healing to be administered, and for the responsiveness of those who are present?