Hearing the stories of how God used my uncle was both exciting and convicting. His pastor spoke of how he brought pastors together from churches all over Springfield, across denominations, where now these pastors have formed an organization called Springfield for Christ, and pray together weekly for each other and for the city. My uncle has left but this will continue on.
Others told of how he was constantly telling those around him about the love of Christ. His desire was to see as many people come to a saving knowledge of Christ as he could. He died playing tennis, a game he loved, but also a game he played to reach others with the truth of the gospel, because he loved them as God loved them. On that same note, on the day he died, he recorded this spot for the radio. What great last words.
My aunt and others spoke of his generosity. He read the book, The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn, which changed his life. He gave away much to help others in times of need, some even being strangers. One of the things he did, and encouraged others to do through his radio station, was something called the Drive-thru Difference. He would, when paying at the drive-thru, pay for the meal of the car behind him in addition to his own.
At his funeral, though there was sorrow on the part of those of us who miss him, there was much to worship God for. In fact, with help from the leadership of the praise band from his church, we did worship God. It was fitting, for it was God that worked in him and through him, and it was God that deserved the praise.
He was in the middle of Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper, when he died. I couldn't help thinking, and saying, that he was already living it out.
