"Death Bed" Viewer Reactions
The video topic was shocking, but this dying man lived just long enough to be able to testify his love of life, the Lord and his family. He did not blame God for his condition. The question everyone asks, is why did God - who is so loving and caring - create cancer, sickness and death? I heard somewhere that there are these occurances because without them, we could not appreciate the true beauty of our own life and existance. The simple things like getting out of bed and combing your hair or making your own meal to even feeding yourself,...just becomes so overwhelmingly difficult that someone HAS to do these simple things for you. We become dependent, vulnerable and sensitive, even depressed. But if we remember the glory of God and our life after this one, we can survive another minute, another day to continue to teach others about the Lord. Steve was a very brave man. I cried through the whole video. I appreciate my life, family and friends more now than ever because of his testimony. Although he is gone, there will always be a little bit of him in all of us. Each person is a creation of their experiences. Steve has placed his mark on my heart, and I will remember his loyalty, patience, understanding and faith. I never knew this man, but I am glad I had the chance to meet him now. Thank you for this opportunity. -Christy Wow. That was hard to watch. What an amazing testimony of God's love. I, too, have a friend dying of cancer and this hit me hard. I hope he is able to draw near to God like your friend was. Thank you for sharing his testimony. The world needs to hear of God's amazing love. -Tracy I was flipping through many media files to find something that I could put to a new home movie I'm making; and I stumbled upon this. Even though I couldn't apply this to the movie due to the format, it touched me in a deep way! I'm sorry for your loss, yet I know his heart belonged to the Lord, as does mine! I myself have a neurological disability "epilepsy" the grand mals eek! And the funny thing is I have no trace of it in my family whatsoever. Even though this prevents me from doing things like driving, and having to not say I have it until after I get the job I applied for, I blame no one for this occurrence! Steve is definitely with the Lord because even with his last breath he exalted the Lord's name. I am happy to see strong Christians like Steve and you; his friends and family. God Bless you all and thats coming from a God fearing sinner like myself! All I have to say is that he is in the best company now, as will we all be if we abide! From a fellow brother in Christ, this is Ron Parvin thanking you for helping me realize that even with your last dying breath God's name should not be taken in vain! Steve's with the angels now and I know he's loving it! -Ron Parvin First, I am truly sorry for your friends passing. However, I was amazed and inspired by his strong faith in the midst of great pain and adversity. We are all here a short time, and we must realize that! I was very moved by his humble testimony and trust in God. May God be with Steve's family and friends. -Scott That testimony was extremely impacting for me and I thought I would write you about it. It was so humbling for me to see a man just praising God the way he was. I am currently working as a youth pastor at Crossroads Community Church in La Habra. I told my Jr. High group that I had seen this video of one of my parent's friends who had an incredible faith. It is amazing to see how the holy spirit impacted that man's life. It was very encouraging for me and sad also because I watched it with my parents and they knew him. -Grant When I first saw Steve on the video I instantly thought of my Dad. He died of Bladder Cancer June 16, 1993. He had the same look as Steve. It was great that Steve had such faith and was willing to share the word in his final days. Such a true testament to what a great Lord we have. To Steve's family, I wish you all the best as you approach each new day. It does become easier, but it is always painful to no longer have the loved one with you physically. -Terri That was a very moving video. Thank you for sharing it. I just got done watching it. The part when he said walk hard after God really touched me. I'm thinking to myself, am I walking hard after God. I could do better. I wonder how much while in bed he thought about all the what ifs he could have done for Christ, how much harder he could have walked after God, but it was too late. I think they may have been part of why he said that. We don't know when we're going to go, as didn't Steve. I must with all I have give back to my master my all, and live each day as if it may be my last, staying eternally minded. It also was a good reminder that we all are going to fall asleep and it could be at any moment, and to not take advantage or neglect what we have been given. It was a good reminder to appreciate all I have, life, breath, hearing, seeing, walking, talking. It also is making me think about those family members who don't know Christ, and so many in the world and how close they are to death, and if they don't repent, they are headed to eternal damnation. It shows me the great urgency I have to make every effort to be a witness to them, otherwise WO is me if I don't preach the gospel, especially to those I am fortunate to be close enough to that they may listen. I prayed for his family and friends, and you that through his death many would be drawn to Christ, and closer to Him, and greatly stirred for the furtherance and committal of the kingdom of God only seeking and doing those things that will matter in eternity. I'm glad he knew the Lord and that he is in a better place. Once again thank you for sharing part of his life Tim. -Joshua Steve was such an example how we should finish the race. What a sobering reminder of how God has appointed each to die and how he chooses our end is all in his sovereign will. Thanks Tim. -Nix Your movie is very unique and profound. You did a great job on it, preserving dignity while conveying the message. The way you broke up the subject footage with the graphic/title inserts was well done. This could have been shocking, however, since it was done with excellent taste, the message that the dying man was providing was powerful. His message conveyed compassion for his beliefs, understanding, acceptance and love for God. This man also showed extreme bravery to not only do the shoot, but to sincerely have such a positive and loving attitude for God despite being in the throws of suffering and dying. He was, indeed, a very special man. Again, your approach and final editing offered a very fine piece of video that would serve well anyone who perhaps was living with a loved one who was facing a similar terminal end. -Ron Wow! That video was so moving. It really ministered to me because Gary, (the man I take care of) has been in bed since the 10th with a pressure sore on his bottom. We are both beginning to get cabin fever. But your video really puts things in perspective for both of us. We will be keeping Steve's family in prayer. I know he is with the Lord and I am sure they are happy for him. But the grief is still hard, the video reminded me so much of my dad's last days, it brings back both the pain and the joy. Steve and my dad are in heaven worshiping Jesus together. Thank God for the family, the body of Christ he has placed us in. I watched the video...about 2 weeks ago. Without a doubt it soberly reminded me of how I am not invincible, the reality of life and death, and how it pertains to the Glory of God. It was difficult to watch, and I admit that it brought me to tears. I was SO amazingly blown away at this man's precious heart to not question God's authority, when the 'world' would have told him that he has every right to. Thank you so much! -Jenny Beautiful! and very moving. -Jana Steve was a friend of mine from Lefiell. He and I shared the same music (Stevie Ray Von). LIfe by the Drop. Rest in peace, Stevie. Love, Tom Seeing the amount of love and faith he had in his heart is proof to me that he was truly blessed. -Mike I have sent the link to many friends. Hopefully those friends will also send out the link. I think that the Lord will certainly use all of this for His glory. Steve was much too wonderful to leave here so early and not touch many others. He already has and will continue to do so. I'm sure that God has a wonderful plan through all of this. -Annette Awesome video! What a testimony to God's goodness and grace. -Mona I want to thank you for sharing this with us. Your mom shared it with our CBS leadership. I am just recovering from a minor surgery, and this video completely gave me a heart of deep gratitude. For my good health, my family, and that no matter what should come to pass, He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us, with Him, forever. Holy is the Lord our God Almighty, indeed. You have spread God's light to many. Thank you so much for that. -Christy Steve is having a wonderful morning pain free and in his perfect new body today in heaven. Thank you so much for making the video and for sharing with me and others. I'll be sending your site to our CBS leaders' Prayer Chairman. I think that it would be great to share this with all of our leadership. I'll be praying for Steve's family. I know that God will be near to them and comfort them as He is so faithful in doing. -Sally We are praying for you and your family. My family was very touched by Steve's strength and love for God when others would have faltered. We feel blessed to have known such a man in our life time. God bless you and your family. -Ron and Julie It has been hard for me to respond...watching the video of Steve was seeing what my dad went through all over again. As my dad was getting worse and worse from the cancer...both my mom and I were unable to pray for his healing here on earth. I always struggled with the question was that just a lack of faith on my part, but I truly was convinced that God's purpose and plan was not to heal my dad here, but in heaven. For me, to hear Steve speak about God's plans being much bigger than ours, brought peace to my heart again and a reassurance of what I felt seven years ago. Often times we aren't able to see what God's purpose is in taking one of our loved ones, but months and probably years later my mom was 'sent' many women to minister to who had lost their husbands. And just one year later I was sent a girl on one of my teams, who also lost her dad from cancer. As a body we come along side each other in times of need...there is times to laugh and times to mourn. I was blessed by Steve's encouragement and inspiration to live our lives to the fullest. To not take for granted the time we do have here on earth. I want to love deeply and that in the form of action towards others. To be there to help where God sees fit and to live for the eternal and not this little breath we call life! We have a much longer time to live with our Father. Let's put our treasures in heaven. I want to quit saying and start doing it. -Mindy Steve’s faith in God and his ability to praise God and speak of His goodness even in the midst of his suffering is an encouragement to all of us. God is being glorified even in the midst of tragedy. Thanks for having him share his story. -Shannon and Mike Bill and I watched the video about a half hour ago. Very emotional. It was hard for us seeing him like that. His words about God being Love really touched us. And how he missed being with his family )-:And his crying in between answering your questions. It was done very well. -Belinda Our family just watched the video. Thanks for creating such a tribute for such a wonderful and caring man of God. You and Steve were able to provide true insight regarding the gifts of life, love, friendship, family, faith and eternity. -Julie Great guy. Very sad. Wish I could have done even a little bit to help. Lisa and I watched the disk that you produced a few minutes ago, and it was very powerful. Hard to know what to say at this point, except that Steve's right, "God is good". -Jim I was inspired by the way Steve was utterly human, yet utterly dependent on God. Steve didn't use clichés to deflect from the intensity of the moment. Rather he gave all glory and purpose to God while living in a moment where so many others would rather curse and find fault in God. Steve is truly a living example of how to continue the race of the Kingdom until the end. -Corey Please tell them that I am blessed by their testimony of God's love even in this difficult time. I am praying for them and praying for a full recovery. Blessed by seeing Steve desire for others to know the Love of God! -Sara I go through such small, insignificant things, and I struggle to keep God first. This man is dying, and God is number one. What an encouragement. I hear stories all the time of people having cancer, almost to the point where it doesn't effect me, but Steve’s story was genuine, and it made my eyes water watching a 8 min video. -Dustin I was incredibly blessed by Steve's selflessness and his immense of trust in the Lord. He is a true example of what our focus and attitude should be like while going through suffering. Like Paul, He desires and understands God's will is above ours. -Lauren I am inspired by what I have seen in Steve's life. He has given so many people hope in the Lord. -Mike Steve's emphasis on the goodness of God and the love of God stood out to me the most. He would seem to have every reason to be angry, bitter, or worried but he wasn't. He was still praising God. He had that peace-- that can only come from Christ-- in knowing that HIS plan is much bigger and better than his own idea of a good plan for his life. His words expressed such a confidence in his Savior-- he probably has the most accurate perception of God than anyone I can think of that is alive on this earth. In those short minutes I discovered a devoted soldier & bond servant of Christ whose words will inspire me for the rest of my life. -Elizabeth I used a bit of Steve's service and the reference to Romans 8:28 in my communion meditation today. I actually knew yesterday at the service that it was what I needed to say. I play keyboards in the praise band at First Christian Church in Torrance and had selected "Lamb of God" as the communion hymn. I ask what kind of father would let that happen to his son and what kind of God would let Steve suffer. I then gave them Steve's answer from Romans and the fact that God did not want either thing to happen, but that it was due to our sin. From Romans we could truly sing "I love the Holy Lamb of God". So you see, Steve's service did not and will not end. I thank you for seeing that his legacy lives on and that God's work done in his memory is accomplished. I would like to get a copy of the DVD to share with the Praise Band and maybe the congregation at First Christian Church in Torrance who were praying for Steve and his family and continue to pray for the family. Also I would like to share it with the Boeing Christian fellowship at Huntington Beach and my partner and friend in Seattle who has been praying for Steve and his family and has a friend of about the same age with brain cancer. -Ed