Monday, October 23, 2006

What a refreshing and blessing of a weekend the Lord provided! We saw family, friends, and got to share in two different churches in Indiana.

I am told Deanna did a great job, and the hearts of some lost and broken people in attendance were moved, deeply.

On our return flight, our plane stopped in Kansas City. Deanna and I remained on our plane for the final leg to Tulsa. There was an empty seat beside us, and we were sitting at the front.

On walked a small young man with his right leg in a brace. He asked in his pre-pubescent voice if the seat was taken. We invited him to sit down with us. He was an incredibly friendly and talkative young man, with incredible manners.

We began to talk about where we were headed, where we had come from, and what we enjoyed in life. His name is Keegan, and he is 13 years old. His birthday was a few days ago.

I asked why his leg was in a brace. He said proudly, "football." This little man was playing defensive tackle on his football team. He was injured while shooting under the centers legs and trying to grab the football. I was impressed. He was enthused.

He began to tell me how he traveled once a month between KC and Tulsa because of a broken family. His mom and his younger siblings lived in the former. His dad in the latter. His dad is a wrestling coach. Keegan who enjoyed football, had missed the junior Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling by one place. Clearly, this was an accomplished and well spoken young man.

He continued the conversation as if he had been waiting for it all day (reminds me of someone else). He moved from topic to topic, and expressed himself quite well. He spoke of being the smallest in his class, his favorite video games and why, and his desire to be an anesthesiologist when he grew up. Apparently he had recently taken an aptitude test, and the medical field ranked high in his interests and desires.

He said most adults don't get that, and think it is an odd pursuit for a 13 year old. I tried to encourage him to say the course, if that is where he felt led.

Then he asked the question. "How many children do you have?" I responded without hesitation, as I had been silently praying for an opening to share with him. I told him about my daughters, then I told him about my son. I gave him an abbreviated version of BJ's testimony (this was a short flight). He seemed to hang on every word.

When I was done, he immediately began to speak. Three weeks ago, his stepmother died in an automobile accident. She had had a really stressful day, took something to calm her, then fell asleep at the wheel and flipped the car. She died instantly.

Keegan fought emotion as he recounted the story. He was a brave young man. We talked about death, then we talked about life...Eternal life. He listened intently. He declared his desire to give his heart to Jesus. As the plane descended from the sky into Tulsa, young Keegan gave his heart to the Lord.

As we deplaned. He stopped, turned around and waited for me. He extended his hand, and said, "it was really great to meet you, Brent. Thank you."

Incredible!

This 13 year old already seemed to be a man. He seemed to get things in a way most people his age do not. The Lord melted my heart for him, and his disposition.

Deanna sat silently throughout, praying. Praying for the salvation of one who reminded us so much of our own. Praise God! He truly answers our prayers!

brent

15 Comments:

At 9:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! It's awesome all the opportunities that we are given to do just what you did. Many of us do not see them, or do not act. Brent and Deanna, you have such a ministry today. Your story moves people. Keep up the work!

 
At 10:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love it! Thank you Lord for using us in Your work!!

Keep up the bold race!

 
At 11:17 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Halleujah!

 
At 11:20 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

God continues to work in such wonderful ways, through others and through the work of the Holy Spirit. But as we all know, the servant must be willing to step up to the plate to share. Praise you both for what you are doing, even when it might be difficult, bringing up pain and emotions. And of course, praise Keegan for having an open heart. I'm sure his life will be changed forever because of that brief time in flight.

A group of about 10 left from our church today to go to Sithobel, Africa. It is totally a spiritual mission trip as there will be no pounding of nails, etc. They are there to reach out to those in need, share their testimonies and their love of Christ. Please pray for this group from Crossroads Presbyterian CHurch in WI.

Blessings, Tina

 
At 11:35 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! \o/

 
At 1:33 PM, Blogger natenamy said...

WOW! That story gives me shivers! Keegan, welcome to Eternal Life, buddy. Brent and Deanna, thanks for listening to His voice and being available to listen and minister to this young man!
It was so great to see you again! We loved every minute of it.
Be blessed today!
All our love, hugs, and kisses,
Amy (and Nate)

 
At 4:38 PM, Blogger Kim Mierau said...

what a great story. pappy, thank you for being willing to step out and talk to him. deanna, thank you for quietly praying throughout, for lifting keegan to the LORD as brent tried to lead him there. you are both so amazing. love *kim

 
At 5:24 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

What a terrific post today. We are so happy that you had a wonderful weekend with family and friends and that you were able to minister to those in need.

Welcome to the biggest family ever Keegan.

Why am I not surprised that Deanna sat quietly the whole time praying. Deanna you have such a gentle sweet spirit that just glows from within and shines outwardly.

May He continue to bless you abundantly in all that you do.

In His Love
Linda and Kevin

P.S. We just returned from a wonderful weekend visit with Hollie, God is doing an awesome job on her heart.

 
At 5:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

And the angels sing PRAISE to God - GLORY TO GOD ON HIGH! Man, I'm in tears and I LOVE IT! I love you guys - I'm praying for you guys - and I pray that your first reaction to that question will ALWAYS be that you have THREE children! I have a loved one who is VERY dear to my heart, that says she has 4 kids, but one is in heaven with Jesus! What a GIFT they are and I don't believe that God EVER takes His gifts back - He just separates us for a while and brings us home together again where we get to PRAISE HIM!

Hallelujah!!

Loving you in San Diego,

Laurel

 
At 6:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

mom and dad--

Praise the Lord! YEAH! thats so exciting! i think the fact that it was in KC had something to do w/it! b/c Kansas City is FULL of cool people!

i love you guys! i'll be there in less than 2 weeks!

praying always..
~kristin

 
At 7:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

AMAZING

jonathan

 
At 8:59 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dad,

Yeah!!! Way to be a willing witness. How awesome to have a new brother. Take care

 
At 7:27 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Amen! What a great story with a great ending. Your faithfulness has touched me. God is amazing!

 
At 1:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

that is so great - praise God. May he continue to grow into a young man of GOd, of wisdom, of boldness, speaking into his family situation words of hope and comfort.
x Nikki (England)

 
At 1:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Now that was a precious blog. Somedays it seems you are looking for something to say. Today, you had something amazing to say. Well, God had something amazing to share with all of us!!
Thank you for sharing with Keegan. Keep in touch with him!!

 

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