On Saturday January 12, I was in the hospital room with Neil when his courageous battle with cancer ended with total victory as he entered the presence of his Lord. Neil Graham was one of my best friends. He and his wife Karla were the first couple to join the church in Trophy Club on my first Sunday. When I finally decided to pursue one of my personal dreams of beginning Destiny International, Neil Graham was one of my biggest encouragers. He was a Dream Mate in every sense of the word. He and I spent countless hours at Starbucks, in my office or driving around in his truck talking, laughing and dreaming about ways to change the world.
A Strong and Courageous Man
I told the people gathered for a memorial service on Sunday night in Trophy Club that Neil Graham was the strongest and most courageous man I have ever met. He was strong physically. Looking at his picture as a young Marine serving our country in Vietnam, I certainly would not want to be the enemy facing him on the battlefield. He fought very bravely for his country serving in countless dangerous situations in special operations. What is most amazing is that about two years ago with chemotherapy drugs in his body he bench pressed 538 pounds three times at a local gym! That is not a misprint. 538 pounds! He was working for the State record for men over fifty when the cancer forced him to stop. He was a man’s man. He was my friend.
Neal’s testimony that he shared at our Date with Destiny conferences was how Jesus moved from his head to his heart. He had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I have wept and grieved all weekend over how much I will miss my friend but I do not sorrow as one with no hope (1Thessalonians 4:13). I believe in the Gospel as Neil did and expectantly look forward to a reunion one day.
Please pray for Karla and his daughter Cameron, stepdaughters Dawn and Chrissy, his Father and his beloved sisters Vivian, Nell and Paula. I will travel with the family this weekend for funeral services in Lumberton, North Carolina.
A Strong and Courageous Man
I told the people gathered for a memorial service on Sunday night in Trophy Club that Neil Graham was the strongest and most courageous man I have ever met. He was strong physically. Looking at his picture as a young Marine serving our country in Vietnam, I certainly would not want to be the enemy facing him on the battlefield. He fought very bravely for his country serving in countless dangerous situations in special operations. What is most amazing is that about two years ago with chemotherapy drugs in his body he bench pressed 538 pounds three times at a local gym! That is not a misprint. 538 pounds! He was working for the State record for men over fifty when the cancer forced him to stop. He was a man’s man. He was my friend.
Neal’s testimony that he shared at our Date with Destiny conferences was how Jesus moved from his head to his heart. He had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I have wept and grieved all weekend over how much I will miss my friend but I do not sorrow as one with no hope (1Thessalonians 4:13). I believe in the Gospel as Neil did and expectantly look forward to a reunion one day.
Please pray for Karla and his daughter Cameron, stepdaughters Dawn and Chrissy, his Father and his beloved sisters Vivian, Nell and Paula. I will travel with the family this weekend for funeral services in Lumberton, North Carolina.
