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Thursday, May 28, 2009

A Blog Tour

Hey All!
I am very excited to be able to post some information about BJ Higgins.

About the Authors:

As an ordained minister and youth pastor, Brent Higgins continues the faith journey his son, BJ, began a few years ago. He currently serves as Vice President of International Operations for Awe Star Ministries, a Christian nonprofit organization committed to equipping believers for life, speaking to more than 25,000 people each year.

As an accomplished musician and elementary school music teacher, Deanna Higgins opens the next chapter of BJ's missionary work by serving alongside her husband to lead mission trips for Awe Star Ministries. Brent and Deanna now reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

About the Book:

(Tulsa, OK) - "It's an honor just to be nominated": familiar words for Emmy and Grammy nominees. Still, Brent and Deanna Higgins never believed the phrase would pertain to their family. Outreach magazine has recently honored the Higgins' book, I Would Die for You, with a nomination as Outreach Resource of the Year.

That nomination, however, came with a great cost. I Would Die for You chronicles the life and death of their young son, BJ Higgins; along with his faith; his passion for missions and his love for God. Compelling excerpts from personal notes, blog entries school assignments and journals reveal his clear calling and enthusiasm for sharing the gospel of Christ. BJ's challenging words and example combine to inspire readers of all ages.

After returning from his second short-term international mission trip at the age of 15, BJ became seriously ill. Six days before his sixteenth birthday, he died. His story lives on throughout the pages of his parents' book.

In spite of the inevitable grief , Brent and Deanna share their son's message of selfless sacrifice through both I Would Die for You and Awe Star Ministries, the nonprofit ministry that coordinated his mission trips. Their prayer? That countless others will embrace BJ's vision and give their all for the cause of Christ.

What Teenagers are Saying:

BJ was just a year younger than me, and in his short life he had such a full life and could die with no regrets. He had a sense of urgency in telling the story of the gospel and its transforming power to others. He didn't worry about what they thought or if he would be rejected.

--T. Buse

Bonus Content

The New Normal: Facing Life after a Child's Death

by Marti Pieper

"Dad, I know you're scared. I believe the Lord will deliver me through this. But if he doesn't, I'm going home to be with him, and that's okay with me."--BJ Higgins, August 5, 2005

Brent and Deanna Higgins clung to these valiant words throughout their son's six-week hospitalization. BJ became ill with a mysterious infection after he returned from his second mission trip to Peru. His death on September 26, 2005, days before his sixteenth birthday, ushered their family (Brent, Deanna, and two college-aged daughters) into what they called the new normal: life without their beloved son and brother. The new normal also meant life without one who served as a role model for many, including his own family members. BJ's story and message of passionate obedience to Christ are chronicled in his parents' best-selling book, I Would Die for You: One Student's Story of Passion, Service, and Faith (Revell, 2008).

How do Brent and Deanna survive the new normal? The Higgins point to their relationship with God as the key. "The level of intimacy one truly has in a relationship with Christ is often reflected through the time of pain, suffering, and loss," says Brent, now vice president for international operations for their son's sending agency, Awe Star Ministries. He and Deanna recommend that others who face the loss of a child draw near to God. "When you do, He promises to draw near to you," Brent explains.

Drawing near to other people is important, too, Deanna says. "It helped to talk to other people about him, to remember who he was. Initially, just holding onto the people around us helped a lot."

Today, the Higgins lead teams of young missionaries like their son to take the Gospel of Christ to people around the world. More recently, God has opened the doors for ministry to others who have lost a child. "No two losses are exactly alike regardless of similar circumstances," says Brent. "I encourage parents to seek the Lord because He always listens."

"Everyone goes through it differently," says Deanna. "We each grieve in our own way, but God can handle our anger. He can handle anything." She urges other hurting parents to recognize the hope beyond their pain. "If you look, you'll find ways He's showing you He cares. He's showing you He's with you through it."

God's presence doesn't eliminate loneliness, however. The Higgins both admit that their work with students often brings back bittersweet memories of their son. "Certain students remind me of BJ in their passion for Christ, their hunger to know more," Brent says. At times, both Brent and Deanna find comfort in their son's journals (excerpted in the book) as well as videos and pictures of him. Music, an integral part of their family life, also serves as a source of strength.

Connecting with God and with others, especially young people like their son, helps them cope. Deanna says the loss of her son has left her more open to see the potential of these young men and women. Brent adds, "Before BJ passed, the things I taught were less experiential and more intellectual. The things the Lord has allowed me to walk through since that time have increased my own intensity and passion for seeing students truly understand what God calls them to do."

As part of a passionate declaration in one of his journals, BJ wrote, "It's time to raise a revolution. God will give me the strength." For his parents, the new normal means a commitment to extend his legacy--even when it hurts.


Blog Tour Questions:

1. Describe how BJ became involved in short-term mission trips. How did these trips impact BJ’s faith?

BJ watched other members of our family participate in church mission trips. He couldn’t wait for his turn! When Brent led a team to Kentucky to serve in a school, BJ went along. At age fourteen, he learned of an opportunity to minister in Peru. He served there with Awe Star Ministries two consecutive summers and his heart broke over the world’s lostness. His mission service ignited a passion to see the Gospel reach the nations.

2. Even as a young boy BJ’s passion for God shone through in his life. How did you see that passion then and as he grew?

In his childhood, his passion sometimes came across as judgmental. When he learned to share out of love, his witness became much more effective. He was bold and unafraid to share the Gospel in any way possible. After his mission trips, his heightened passion led him to spend more time in the Word, in prayer, in fellowship, and worship. BJ could turn almost any conversation to the things of God because he genuinely loved others.

3. Share the story of BJ’s illness and the time when God called him home.

Three weeks after his 2005 Peru trip, BJ became critically ill. On the way to the hospital, he told Brent, “Dad, I know you’re scared. I believe the Lord will deliver me through this. But if he doesn’t, I’m going home to be with him, and that’s okay with me.” Friends began a blog we still maintain, http://www.prayforbj.com/. It received thousands of hits as people across the world prayed for our son. After a six-week battle with a mysterious infection, BJ went to heaven days before his sixteenth birthday.

4. How did BJ’s faith journey become the inspiration for the song, “I Would Die For You” written by MercyMe’s lead singer, Bart Millard?

Within a week of BJ’s hospitalization Bart (a friend from the band’s early years) called Brent. Our oldest daughter had posted some of BJ’s journal entries on our blog and Bart was amazed at his spiritual depth. He emailed fans encouraging them to pray. MercyMe grieved deeply when BJ died. Our son’s life and writings inspired Bart to put words to a tune he already had, now the final song on the “Coming Up to Breathe” CD.

5. BJ’s life and death have touched many people. Which of his qualities and/or experiences seems to impact others the most?

People didn’t realize it was possible to live a life as sold out to Christ as BJ’s. They’re amazed at the boldness he showed when God told him to witness to four Peruvian policemen carrying uzis. As he wrote, he was “mucho scardios,” but all four accepted Christ. His passionate declaration, “I will not be satisfied. I will not let my passion be hid in a bottle” still touches people in deep ways.

6. As you both continue to partner with Awe Star Ministries, what are your hopes and dreams for this ministry? For this book?

We hope to impact students’ lives, discipling and partnering with them in missions. We long for them to realize that surrender to Christ can occur without crossing borders. God calls us to live a missionary lifestyle within our own culture. Our hope for the book is not that our son be glorified but that God multiply his message. We pray that God draws those who read it to embrace their Savior and live for Him as never before.

7. Where can readers learn more about BJ and I Would Die For You? Where can they learn more about Awe Star Ministries?

http://www.prayforbj.com/ contains devotionals, complete archives, pictures, and BJ’s own words. Recently, we posted a video of his life at www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNANk5rI2g. You’ll find I Would Die for You anywhere Christian books are sold. http://www.revellbooks.com/ contains a link for a free companion Bible study. Friend us on Facebook: Brent A. Higgins; Deanna Tucker Higgins.

Visit http://www.awestar.org/ to learn more about international missions opportunities. May God use you to extend BJ’s passion to reach the nations and “raise a revolution” in Him.



Parenting Tips from the Higgins

▪ Stay in the Word and in prayer if you expect your children to do so. Too many times, parents expect that the youth pastor is going to grow their children. You can’t expect your kids to live a lifestyle you’re not.



▪ Be sure you have a firm answer from God before you respond to your child about a request. For example, when BJ first wanted to serve overseas, our initial answer was “no,” but that was a knee-jerk reaction. Parents must be careful to hear from the Holy Spirit and not respond out of pure protectiveness or emotion.



▪ If at all possible, have a regular devotional time with your family. This should include prayer, not just rote prayer but significant time with God. This teaches kids how to pray and encourages them in their walk with the Lord



▪ Arrange to have dinner together as a family as often as you can. This gives you an opportunity to share as a family and also allows you to listen to your children. Kids won’t spill unless parents are willing to listen.



▪ Don’t be afraid to let your children fail. Sometimes kids need to try things and learn that failure is a part of life. They need all kinds of experiences as they move into adulthood.



▪ Encourage your children to be bold in their faith. Do activities as a family—mission trips and other projects—that require boldness. Encourage them to be involved in opportunities to share their faith.



▪ Listen, listen, and listen to your children. We say this humbly because we learned from our mistakes. Often your kids are telling you things by what they don’t tell you. (See the note about having dinner together above).



▪ When discouraging things happen, don’t remove your child’s opportunities to obey God. Your child’s relationship with God should never be used as a weapon. Opportunities for fellowship(youth group, etc.) shouldn’t be contingent on “good” behavior.



▪ If you make a commitment, follow through. If your child makes a commitment, help him or her follow through on it, too. The lesson here: your faithfulness sets an example for others.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Weekend Happenings

This weekend has been so full of events both good and sad. On Thurday, Danny and I went with some friends go karting and stayed out 'til pretty late talking and laughing in the parking lot of the go karting place. Pretty fun! Then Friday, our we went to Night at the Museum 2 with the Ralstons and said goodbye for at least 2 years to the Ralstons. It was a bummer but I'm so happy for them. Please pray that their transition to Congo will be a smooth one. We got home around 2 PM and 2 friends were waiting for us. They spent the night and Cesar came over for dinner. He's going back to MExico for good in December. I'll miss him alot. Please pray for his salvation so he can take the Gospel back to Morelos. The stars were incredibly bright last night by the way! Then we went to the park today and took my graduation pictures. Scary, huh! We got to witness to some young teens at the park. It was really cool. We didn't really share the Gospel with them alot. We gave them some tracts and started building relationships with them. Please pray that the seeds that were planted today will blossom and bloom into full fledged relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ. Our God is amazing!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Bittersweet moments...

Today was very emotional for me. Our friends are leaving for Congo this week and tonight was their last church service with us for 4 years! I was doing fine until the song "Pray for Me" by Michael W. Smith was played. That's when I totally lost it and sobbed my eyes out! That song gets me every stinkin' time I hear it! It's cool to see how the Lord has been working in the Ralston's lives since 2006. They are going to Congo, Africa to help with Pioneer Christian Hospital. Art will be the maintenance man and Danielle will be doing administrative work for the hospital. Please pray for them. I love them so, so much and am very happy to see them excited about leaving. It's killin' me though!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Monday Happenings

As you all know, this past weekend has been incredibly draining for my family and extended family. Yesterday, we were at the Lutzes house. We were all having problems and us Cases had to leave at 3 PM. Well, the minutes were slipping by so Erik called us together and said that we should pray together. Jenny suggested that we all go around and say one thing that we'd like prayer for about the car accident. So we all went around and said what was on our hearts. When we got to Katy, she said she wasn't feeling good at all and could we please go home. She was very listless and could hardly sit up. So Erik prayed for her, then Mrs. Lutz, Cody, and Jenny took her to the ER. Danny, Erik and I just watched the van pull out then Erik prayed again. I felt so helpless and useless. So I went outside and prayed, then came and found Christy who was very upset and tried to comfort her. Then we all just waited around for about 2 1/2 hours for everyone to get home. Katy's doing fine now. Last night, all the emotions hit me at once and I felt so, so depressed. But a good friend and younger brother called and prayed for me. So today has been going so much better! Praise the Lord.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Sunday Happenings

Sunday was so awesome!!! I attend a small (50-60 people) church. For years I've been praying that the Lord would grow our church with people, particularly teens and young kids. This past year, God has brought a family with 4 boys to our church, and also some other people! I've been praying for years for this, never really believing that God can do this. Why do I have so little faith all the time? For Papua New Guinea, I'm nearing the end of my needed support. But sometimes, I still find myself asking, "Where's the money now? I need more!" It's so wrong because the Lord has provided over $5,000 without me asking for a cent! Our GOd is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think --Ephesians 3:20. So, don't doubt God and trust Him for all your needs!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

An Interesting Weekend

This weekend has been very interesting for my family and friends. My 3 siblings and 4 friends were coming to my house yesterday and on the way had a 5 hour detour to the ER. They got in a car accident but aside from some bumps, bruises, and scratches, they're all fine. Praise the Lord!!! I wasn't in the car because I had to work but I still got to go to the ER and administer my comforting skills to everyone. God is so gracious to us! 2 weeks ago, 2 teens from my town were killed in a car accident. But my siblings and friends were spared. God would be good even if one or more people had gotten seriously injured or killed. But He protected my family! Jenny and Cody got to use their accident as a witnessing tool last night at Cafe Shiloh. I also got to talk to Jose for about 45 minutes about his life before Mexico, what he wants for his sons, and alot of other things. Really cool!!
So I'm just thankful that my family and extended family (the Lutzes) are ok. Again, PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Go Karting

Last night, Danny and I met with some friends and went go karting! I hadn't done it in years and had a blast. Today, I am incredibly sore. I think I pulled a muscle in my leg. I'm also bruised on my shoulder, knee, and back from getting slammed into quite a bit by certain people (Bethany). Then we ate ice cream and dinner. I got to practice my Spanish with everyone. I had a very good time.
Did I mention to everyone that I have been accepted to a community college? My sister and I are applying to physical therapy assistant and nursing programs so we'll get to take some science courses together. I didn't get into the nursing program this year, but hopefully next year I'll be able to. For this year, I'll be taking cell biology, chemistry, algebra, pyschology, 2 Spanish courses, english, sociology, and anatomy and physiology. I'm excited but nervous to leave my high school years behind and start into my college education.
It's so comforting to know that people are praying for me and my journey to PNG and to becoming a full time missionary. Please keep praying!

Monday, May 4, 2009

100%!!!

Just thought I'd tell you all that as of yesterday, I have all my money for PNG!!! God has been so good to me! He provided $5,300 for me without my ever asking anyone for a cent! Now I'm starting to work out small details for my trip like, what kind of luggage to use? I'm only allowed 50 lbs for my checked in bag. And I'm only allowed 1 bag. For my carry on, I'm thinking of taking a backpack and cramming alot into it! For the checked in, I'll probably end up taking a duffel bag. If anyone has a tip or 2 for me about luggage, I'd welcome them!
I can't believe that my trip is in less than 2 months! I'm so excited! Please keep praying for me!