REMEMBERING GARY THOMAS

      In these last few weeks we have lost 2 NFL coaches, John Madden and Dan Reeves as well as two actors, Betty White and Sidney Poitier. I'm sure there are others I might have missed. At my job I have heard many say how sad they are at these recent deaths. We were all hoping Betty White was going to turn 100. She was 18 days short. The Fox Network had a Special about John Madden not realizing 4 days later he died suddenly. Death is always a shock to all of us. It is one thing that is guaranteed. One day we will die! In early December, I heard the sad news of a dear friend I met at Northeastern Bible College who died after a long bout with cancer. Gary Thomas. In this week's blog, I would like to honor my dear friend who went to be with his Lord in early December.

     I met Gary, or as we all called him"Brother Gary" in the fall of 1982 when I started as a freshman at Northeastern Bible College. If I could describe Gary in a few short sentences, he was the kind of guy who loved everyone and he sincerely wanted everyone to get along and like each other. He loved the Lord with his whole heart and he had a huge heart for evangelism. He started at NBC in the fall of 1979 and to be honest I think he was a senior for many years. Whenever he walked into a room or the cafeteria, the place would light up. He always always always had a smile on his face. I can only think of one time since I've known him when he lost his temper. It was at the end of a Talent Show our school had. Other than that he was always in a good mood and he loved making friends, meeting new people and most of all telling people that Jesus loved them. I remember one time I asked him if he could follow me to my Uncle's Service station in Madison, NJ. It's about a 20 minute ride from our college. I thought my Uncle would need the car overnight but he put my new tires on so I wouldn't have to wait. I apologized to Gary about his wasted trip but he was okay with it. He wasn't sure how to get back to the school so he told me he would wait with me. I went in to talk to my Uncle for a minute and I went back to Gary thinking "Hey, we can get a cup of coffee at Dunkin' Donuts!" I couldn't find Gary! I know he didn't leave! I looked over by the gas pump and there I saw Gary talking to the young kid who pumps the gas. As I got closer I listened to their conversation and realized Gary was sharing the gospel with this young kid. That was Gary! Always thinking about others. 

     Many times Gary came to my room to either pray or discuss sports. Gary grew up in Media, PA and I grew up in NY. He loved all the Philadelphia teams while I was a NY sports fan. When his favorite basketball team, the Philadelphia 76ers won the NBA title in 1983, he was the first person I thought of. I was happy for him. Gary graduated from NBC in 1985, He is the only student I ever knew to receive a standing ovation as he walked up to receive his diploma. I think deep down he never wanted to leave the school. I have not seen Gary since he graduated. Life gets busy and time marches on. Gary never got married and worked for a Medical Supply Company after graduating. Knowing Gary, I am sure he made it a point to tell everyone how much God loves them! Tomorrow is his funeral service and unfortunately I cannot attend since I have missed many days at work with back issues and being sick. I did want to blog about my dear friend and like many, I look forward to seeing him in Glory. I'm sure he is shooting baskets and smiling from ear to ear. Rest in peace my friend! You will be missed!