Brian.

I would like you to meet Brian. I don't want to sound like Sally Struthers here so I am not going to beg or guilt you into doing anything. I want to introduce you to Brian and let you know what is going on so that if you choose to help, you may.

Brian is a youth worker, and has been for a while. He recently moved from the Midwest to Washington State to work on a boat. The boat happened to be operated by someone else who ministers to youth. Brian is married and I believe has children. Life was going along just fine and then something happened. He became very ill and was rushed to Seattle from his boat. They informed him his kidneys were shot and he needed a transplant, dialysis began immediately. Well he had a job and insurance, but that doesn't cut all of it, and its gonna be a while, like years, before he can work again. In the mean time, the finances are, well, lets just say its not a pretty sounding picture. Right now he is fighting for his life as well as fighting to maintain his family.

I have never met Brian in person, he is a member of YMX like me and we have chatted and debated and argued online about many things. What computer to buy, why liberals are better looking, why conservatives are smarter, we have discussed theology, economy and urinal habits together. I know Brian by the name Jespeachy.

So, what can we do?

First off, Brian is a youth minister and a Christian (duh). So what we can and should do first is pray for him. Pray for him, his family, and all of those who are challenged by this trial. Pray for healing, mending, guidance, strength, wisdom and the presents of God's hand on his life. Pray Gods will and His mercy.

Second, we can help him in a worldly way as well. At the top of the blog on the right hand side you will see something called the Raising Lazarus fund. Any money that is given through this connection from this blog goes straight to helping hurting youth workers. No administration fees, nothing. A dollar in a dollar out, period. Its done through a non profit foundation set up to assist hurting youth workers. The fund has many purposes but I put the link on this blog to help Brian. If you want to learn more about Raising Lazarus, click on the Youth Ministry Exchange link above my picture.

Praying for you Brian, Gods speed, and Gods Peace.