DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- As most every one knows, we suffered the loss of a friend and inspiration, Javan Camon.
 I regret that I was not able to be at the game when this tragedy happened. My wife and I were arriving back into the states after a 2-week foreign mission trip. We arrived in Daytona Beach after the game had ended. Thunder ZEO Zack McDonald picked us up at the airport and informed us that Javan was killed on the field of play. We had come in high on the victories and experiences from our trip from Germany then were completely deflated from the devastating news that we received at the airport. This kind of news, the loss of someone you know, makes everything else seem secondary.
When we got back to the RV, I had to pray about Javan. God gave me a peace in my heart and reminded me of how a few days before we left for Germany I had lunch with Javan and I had shared some of what God has done in my life and asked about the relationship that he had with Jesus. Javan confessed to knowing our Savior and wanted more of Him in his life. This was a simple conversation over a meal but the words brought new life. The things in this world pass on the eternal keeps going. What really is important is what we do with the life we are given here.
Javan lived two lifetimes in the short 25 years he had on earth. After hearing the people close to Javan share about the impact that he had to so many lives, makes the rest of us reflect and wonder what kind of impact are we having on others. It came natural for Javan to help others. He did not think twice about coaching others even if they were competing for the same position on the team. This was the heart of someone that cared for others but was also someone that was confident in whom he was. He had a special gift that made him stand apart from the others. But this gift will also bring out the best in those that loved him and set them apart also.
 Javan loved the game of football and he used the talent God gave him to the fullest in this sport. This is the message Javan gave us with his life. We should use the gifts God has given us to their fullest. Whether we are involved in sports, work construction, teach, in sales, ministers of the Gospel or anything else. In all these gifts and talents we need to acknowledge God and glorify Him in all that we do.
My prayer;Lord God help us to be strong for family and friends in this time of grief. That we know this is not a separation but a graduation. Your word tells us that to be away from the body is to be with Christ. That our friend is Yours now and we know that is the best place for any of us. Give us the strength to accept Your will in all things and that You desire not one to perish, not one. Eternal life was your plan for us. Let our words be a comfort to one another. That we remember to edify You in all we say and do. Please guide our steps and be a light to our path. Let us honor our friend by living every day with our friends and love ones as You would have us to do. That through our lives You are edified and Your Glory is revealed. Let Your peace be with us now and forever more. Amen.