Today was such a special day.
Two of the three men that have influenced me the most in my life were here at World Help. It was a time to honor them for the years of faithful service they have given to God.
Fred, my father, has always been my number one hero. My uncle, Roscoe Brewer, is also a hero of mine who has profoundly shaped my life of missions. The third is Jerry Falwell and I’m sure he was looking down today from Heaven and smiling.
My dad has served in full time ministry for 65 years. I can’t think of a single other person who can say that. He was ordained in 1944 at the age of 19. He went on to pastor 6 churches and even planted 2 of those. He has also led evangelistic groups all over the world.
But my father took me, even as a young boy, with him when he preached and ministered to so many people. I 
was able to grow up seeing what God can accomplish through a single man. I still treasure those memories and they have built my faith and understanding of God.
Roscoe Brewer is my dad’s younger brother. In fact, there is only 8 years difference between Roscoe and I so growing up he was more of a big brother than an uncle. My very first trip outside of the US was to Mexico for a mission’s trip with Roscoe. On the first day he taught me three words, “Regalo . . . Gratis . . .Suyo”, “Free gift for you”. Every time I said those words I handed out a New Testament Bible in Spanish. It was on that trip that God gave me a passion for missions that continues to this day.
Roscoe founded EPIC, Enabling Partners in Church Planting, for the purpose of finishing the task of the Great Commission by reaching the unreached people groups. For over 45 years, he has implemented missionary ventures and projects worldwide. EPIC has distributed 2.5 million Bibles and Bible study books and planted 95,000 churches in unreached areas.
Roscoe is battling liver cancer and was given only six months to live. But, with aggressive immune system boosts his tumors are now shrinking. I am praying God will heal him. The World Help staff laid hands on Roscoe today and prayed over him. It was a very touching moment and I believe that God isn’t done with him yet.
Our time in this world is short and to often we only honor people after they are gone. We bring them flowers . . . but they can’t smell them when they’re gone. I think we should give them flowers while they can enjoy and smell them. And today was about honoring those 2 men who are leaving behind legacies of faithfulness. They are legacies that I hope I can leave and principles I try everyday to instill in my children.
Dad and Roscoe, I congratulate both of you on a lifetime of achievement!