Brian and Miriam are members here at church. Justin, their son, was a singer with the choir.He got every solo in high-school, was in every play, and played the part of Jesus in God Spell. Brian and Justin started the adult contemporary choir 7 years ago, and every Saturday they rock out the gospel ... its very cool. Both Justin and Brian are amazing singers.
As a congregation, we stood along side of Brian and Miriam as we sent Justin off to the far away land of New York City to pursue an opera career. From time to time wed read about him in the church bulletin, and after service, during the fellowship hour, Miriam and Brian always talk about their only son and how wonderfully hes doing.
Brian is the maintenance man here, and also organizes our churchs picnic every year with his wife. He is a pillar in the community; he coaches the pee-wee football team, and still works with the boy scouts, even though Justin has long outgrown his troop.
Last year, we had some very bad news. Justin had a rare kidney disease that struck him at the least likely of times. Two weeks before his professional debut at Carnegie Hall, Justin was at the hospital fighting for his life. Miriam and Brian were at his side the entire time. Brian gave Justin the ultimate gift; he gave up one of his kidneys so his son could live.
Brian testified at services when he got home, and Ill never forget this as long as I live. Brian prayed to God the morning of his surgery. He prayed about knowing that God gave life to his son Justin, and that he knew that we only lease our bodies, and that we are only here to love and serve the Lord. He went on to explain that God gives us so many gifts, and as Justin is performing at Carnegie Hall this year, gives us the ability to give back to one another.
We pray together in Jesus's name with Brian and Miriam that Justin continues to be healthy and that we as a congregation take a note out of Brians book of giving and are the best stewards that we can be.