That he spent two summers of his young life there, sharing the gospel with untold numbers of people, leading many of them to Christ, is compelling. That upon his return from the second summer, he found he was host to something that was unthinkable, is alarming. That he knew his days were numbered and found the motivation through his Savior to take advantage of every opportunity was an example.

One of his teammates declared, "BJ must be the rule, not the exception!"

His teammate is right.

When I read and re-read the texts of writings from my son, and the words from those who knew him, it becomes very clear. He spent his life being busy about his Father's business. He was so anxious to see those around him do likewise.

There are so many of us in the world who pursue livings, hobbies, and life itself for the purpose of finding maximum satisfaction. We want joy and happiness from what we do, from who we are, and from our relationships. So few actually find it. So few actually understand that their life is a whisp of wind that touches your cheek and and rushes away.

We have no promises of the next moment, yet we choose to live like we have forever.

BJ's understanding of how to live his life came from many teachers. Some at home, some at church, and some at school. He was a student who sought to withdraw every drop of truth and knowledge from others, and then would go home and in the quiet of his time alone with Christ, seek it's accuracy from Scripture. He tested what he learned against the Word of God, and if it was "found wanting," he either discarded it or forged ahead to see what elements of it may be true. When he was finished he had learned, he had grown, and he would apply it his life.

We can sit in church our entire lives and hear the Truth proclaimed, and be unmoved as we may be unwilling to allow the Holy Spirit to help us apply it.

Beej was able to touch so many because so many are hungry. Henry Blackaby says something along the lines of "find where the Lord is already working, and join him there." BJ understood this concept and he used it to further the Lord's Kingdom.

He knew the world was filled with people who did not believe they were even sinners, but were starving for Truth.

I once rode a chair lift with a young man at a ski resort, who told me that he had never sinned. His definition of sin was murder, stealing, rape, etc. His view of the world did not include Truth.

In that situation, I was able to share Christ with him, and the Holy Spirit brought conviction into his life. He was hungry, he was starving, but he did not know where to find real Truth. When suddenly it was before him, he grabbed onto it, realizing it was what he had been longing for.

BJ took stories like these and those he heard from others, and made them his own. He walked the halls everyday with others who were just like this young man. He could see their need. He had a heart to do something about it. His mission was one of mercy, one of bringing light and healing.

He alone was not called to this role.

I have heard from many across our great nation after sharing his journey with them, words that are intended to encourage. People say things like, "what a touching story," or "what a remarkable young man." I understand that those things are true.

I know these folks mean well. I think I even understand why they say these things. It is a difficult story to hear. It leaves you grieving for us, the parents and sisters. I do understand that.

However, the cost of his life was not just to be a touching story. He spent it willingly, but he did so because he knew his Father in heaven called him to pattern his life after his own Son, Jesus. This is an even harder thing for most to accept.

This testimony is intended to point people to Jesus. It is intended to bring about change from those who warm the pews each week but rise to leave with the same cold hearts. It is intended to reach generations of non-believers and believers alike, and to motivate them to the life Christ calls us each to.

None of us has life figured out, if we are not impacting this world for our Savior. It is why we are here. It is why life and breath continue to course through our collective veins. Are we taking that seriously? Do we understand the Word of God and what we are called to do?

Everyday, broken people pass us by, while seeking the Truth of Jesus.

How many will hear that Truth today?

Will I be found faithful?

Will you?

dad