To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain - A Final Conversation

So this video or audio you're about to listen to is very different from anything I've done. Um it's kind of almost an accident. Uh so a friend of mine is dying and I hadn't talked to him in years and when I heard about it, I gave him a call and uh he was just speaking so much life by his words or something about talking to someone on what potentially could be the last day of his life and when we're done, I was like, "Gosh, I I wish everyone could hear that."

And he says, "Well, actually my wife videoed this." You know, and uh the words he shared were so powerful that I asked, "Is there any way I could get a copy of that and just share it with people?" It's one thing for a person to preach or to teach the word when like right now for me to share something with you.

It's another thing if I'm about to face God. Um and it's so imminent. And so this wasn't meant to be a podcast and so it'll be a little personal and um it's a guy that I've known for many years and but I I really want us to dwell on it and be blessed by it and understand this is the hope.

This is the way we ought to be at the end of our lives. So I I'd rather have him uh I'd rather experience the power of Christ every day that he gives me than the power than no power at all. So I get to trust him and entrust my day with him and and I I could entrust that God my God is infinitely wise and and sovereign and and his love for me is steadfast.

So so I'm just basking in uh all the things that I've learned so far in my Christian life that uh he will never leave me or forsake me and then That's right. and that even with this pain he knows what he's doing cuz he won't give me more than what I can handle.

Yeah. And every time I I walk away from the pain he shows me that uh the way out of the and the escape that he talks about in Corinthians that he'll show me a way out of it. Wow. And one day that the way out of this is that I get to wake up in the presence of my savior and and I'll be with him forever.

So Wow. there's a lot of hope in me in that. Wow. Wow. Man, that is so awesome. You've just been feeling closer to him during these days. >> I I don't think I've never been like for example if someone will ask me would I trade this intimacy with God Mm. and or be healed it'll be a real toss-up.

Wow. Yeah. So I I >> feel most of the time that I'd rather stay where I am because I don't want to ever go back. Francis, I don't want to ever go back and and and be who I was >> uh I want to go where he's taking me.

Mm. And and and I have to trust and entrust my whole entire being in his hands knowing that I'm in the best hands ever. Wow. That is so awesome, man. And it's so great to hear you talking like this. So I have >> Such an encouragement. I have no despair, Francis.

I have none. Yeah. I have no blame. I have no The Lord has spoken. And you know, I was counting how many years I've been a pastor and it's been a long time. And I have lived a life that he wanted me to live. And and I believe I'm finishing the course that he asked me to finish and run.

Mm. So um so I am so grateful Wow. that not only that he saved me that he allowed me to serve him that he was able to use a rans a ransom and a wretched life in however he chooses. So I am I'm in the best I think I'm in the best place possible outside of the physical part.

Wow. Wow. I love it. I love it. >> that's kind of where I am. Yeah. So has it been has it been rough for a while? Uh actually October October 5th was the last time I I preached and it's been it's been rough ever since. Wow. But um I get to wake up every morning and so this is the story I tell Francis is that Yeah. today people will wake up today and never say goodbye to their spouses and to their children and and they will never come home.

Yeah. For the last 3 months I'm able to struggle and and get up and get knocked down and get up and get knocked down uh and then when I'm able to say celebrate with people goodbye say goodbye to people and encourage people and I'm able to um share them the love of Christ more than I've ever before.

Mm. And and who can not say that's not a privilege that I have that I get to say goodbye. Some people don't get the opportunity to do it. I get the opportunity to do it. I mean, what an amazing privilege that God has given me. So I'll take I'll take the pain if I could still preach the gospel.

Yeah. Wow. Wow. So that's kind of where my state of being is that Wow. Yeah. So I am I am my soul is doing so well. I have no no qualms about it. The physical pain is excruciating at times, but Yeah. Yeah. I know he will never leave me, Francis, or forsake me.

Wow. And I know that um Mm. I am not outside of his will. I am not outside of his uh Wow. of his care. I know. And there's no glory without the cross. There's no glory without suffering. So I I I take it. Oh gosh. I'm like smiling from ear to ear right now as I listen to you speak.

Okay. This is exactly the way we should feel Mm. as we're getting closer to the Lord. >> Yep. A friend of mine just there's a gal in his church >> Mm. who uh was dying of cancer she'd just given birth to their third child. >> Oh. And uh as she was fighting till the end, she she told my friend who's the pastor of the church, "Hey, can you just tell the church that this isn't hard."

Right. And I was like, "Wow. Praise God." Yeah. It's this is our hope. This is what we've longed for and we've been seeking since we've come to know him and Yeah. it should get clearer and clearer >> Oh, absolutely. and closer and closer and enjoy him more and more. >> Yep.

Yep. And then and then it gets to the point where God I just have to say, "You I I can't get enough of you." >> Mm. I'm so looking forward to his embrace, Francis. I'm so looking forward to >> to waking up and that he will I will never leave him and he will never leave me.

That's right. And I don't really mean stuff now, but you means that this is momentary. This pain is momentary and it's only here. And my body groans for my new body for sure. No question about it, but I'm looking forward to my new body that's not made with hands, but is made in the heavens.

And I'm I'm looking forward to that. I mean, this world this this world got nothing on me. It doesn't it really doesn't. >> And what this world has is just pain and suffering and and that's why Jesus came and died and and this is part I accept the fact this is part of the fall.

This is sin. This is not cancer. This is sin. And the reason why I'm in this predicament is because of sin, not because of what I ate or what I didn't eat or if I exercised or didn't exercise because of the fall of man. And but Jesus Christ came and rescued me not only my my my body, but he rescued my soul.

And what could I ask for that he use that for 28 years that he's able to use a ransom life in whatever he chooses. So I am so good, Francis. I tell you I am so I and I mean I think I'm in the best place I've ever been in my Christian life.

I don't think I've ever been in this place before and I would not trade it. I will not go back. I will not go back. I love it. I love it. So are you at home now? I am at home. Um because that was our prayer that uh I will not be hooked into I will not hook into anything and and God has done miracles after miracles after miracles, Francis.

Really? And and the doctors all shot down so here. So Wow. And um and I said maybe my race is not quite done yet. So I told the Lord last night God, whoever this last person is that you want me to be a warning of us to I I am I am ready.

And whenever you are you're always ready so I'm ready whenever you are. Yeah. So that's so that's kind of where I am. I I'm able to overcome the physical pain with the peace of God that passes all understanding. And all of this, Francis, I could tell you that I never felt how he guards my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.

Mhm. And he takes all my anxiety out even through the pain. Mhm. And I finally knew what Paul meant that everything in prayer, everything. There's not one thing I can do apart from prayer. Wow. Yeah. Wow. So that's kind of where I am. I'm not worried about the physical part.

I mean there's times where um the enemy reminds me that um he thinks he could defeat me but the victory is already been won. Yeah. I already won. Wow. >> And it's just the transition part of the battle that I'm fighting with. Mhm. So Is there anything that anything that you that I can pray for you? >> Oh.

You just keep praying that um whoever the last person that whoever my last person of the race will be will will come and God will say, "Okay, now you're finished." Cuz I had to repent a lot uh Francis because I I was presuming on God that I could just say, "Oh, I'm done, God.

I'm done. I'm done. No more. I can't stand it." And I had to really repent and submit to God and say, "God, thy will be done." Whenever you want me to do, I know that each day is painful. But thy will be done. Thy will be done. Thy will be done.

So I keep reminding myself that my time is in his standing not mine and I can't add another minute to it. Yeah. >> So why not just find contentment? Yeah. So that's kind of where pray for my contentment. I really that's the number one prayer I have is that that I will keep fighting for contentment cuz it's not a one-time deal for sure.

I mean my experience now is like I got to find contentment every day. Yeah. Yeah. Wow. Yeah, so that's kind of where I am physically, mentally, spiritually and physically and I'm just taking it as um I see this. And the way I apply God is infinitely wise. Mhm. >> And and because he's infinitely wise he knows everything that is happening to me and he's not a God who is absent.

He He is very present with me right now at this moment. And exactly in pain with me because of sin. Yeah. But he's going to rescue me, Francis. It's coming. Mhm. That's right. That's right. Oh. So I would I would not I it would be a really hard trade whether God will say, "You want to heal or you want to be close to me?"

I think I'll I'll I think I'll do the latter. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, it's just so beautiful. So amazing. And were you able to share a lot of these thoughts? >> I have never I have never in a in a concentration of time I've never met so many people in my life that I'm able to encourage and pray for and encourage them to walk with Christ and knowing the Lord that knowing telling them that pain is one way that we get close to God and you know I finally realized what he means to when when he said in Philippians to share in the fellowship of suffering.

And right now if someone will ask me in a summary where I'm at, I'm in the fellowship of my suffering with my God. Mhm. And so I am and now I could feel that not only his power but the fellowship of it. Mhm. So that's kind of where my mind goes all the time.

Wow. That's so great. Yeah, so >> all the scriptures that I've thought and all the scriptures that I have learned is coming to fruition. And and I I know, Francis, I could tell you now this is for the first time in my life Yeah. I know what it means to be still and know that he is God.

Wow. Cuz in the midst of pain that medicine cannot remedy Yes. the only remedy I have is the stillness of my God. That's right. Oh. Yeah, so that is the only uh Man, I'm experiencing things that I've never experienced before. Wow. >> And I didn't think I would have this experience without the pain.

So I'll take it. Wow. I will take it. I wouldn't trade it. I would not trade it, Francis. I would not trade it at all. Mhm. I am where he wants me to be. I am where he's called me to be. I am exactly where he needs me to be.

Mhm. So I'm looking forward to whatever he has next for me. Whether today is a painful day, praise the Lord. If if it's a relief day, praise the Lord. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Blessed be still the name of the Lord. And I will still I will keep singing hallelujah.

Wow. Wow. You know, I just uh I was with like a week or two ago I was with Joni Eareckson Tada. >> Mhm. Mhm. And uh just hearing you speak reminds me of her. Mhm. You know, I just there is a confidence. There is a a just a spirit-filled you know biblically saturated speech. >> Mhm.

Um that you know, like she would say that there's she was like, "It's my only option." Mhm. You know, it's like there's nothing else that's going to satisfy. Mhm. And hearing the way that she would talk, you know, because we've all heard sermons. Sure. Um anyone can say the words. >> Mhm.

Mhm. But it's uh it's in the midst of the trial, in the midst of you know, a situation like hers or like yours >> Mhm. that it I don't know, the spirit just speaks through you. Mhm. Um and it's it's a different it's a different power. That's our my God.

I wish everyone could hear this. I I believe, Francis, that I'm louder today and I'm clearer today and I'm more lucid than ever in my life. Wow. Wow. Yeah. I see more clearly I see more clearly who my Lord is. And Francis, he is beautiful. And I am more in love with him today than I ever been before.

Wow. In the midst of it. I love him so much. Mhm. And he's showing it to me not through He's showing it to me through the pain. The love. Mhm. Mhm. And I can't trade it. It's sweet to good inside. You know, outside not so good but inside it's so good that I can't It's not even tradeable.

Yeah. Yeah. I don't know if you know what I mean. I can't even trade it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Wow. So that's kind of where I my state of mind is and and whatever my state of mind is is the state of my mind and my physical. Mhm.

How's the How's the family doing? How's that? >> Oh, I I could tell you this one time I've never been so in love with my wife uh than ever before because uh our our love is not based upon convenience. It it's it's based upon sacrifice and and pain and going through it together.

And we're able to pray more together. We're able to look at scriptures more together and and our three kids uh man, they are really trying to walk in the truth of the gospel. And so they know uh the emotional part which no one can predict. But this the spiritual part is the ability part.

They understand and so um I'm really praise God for that. That they are walking in the truth in the midst of this. And there's no blaming God. There's no pointing fingers. They are going to walk with truth. Wow. Yeah. How old are they? 23, 21, and 17. Wow.

Yeah, my youngest one is struggling a little bit but I believe that she will get it. It's just right now she wants uh she wants to remember me as is not as one in pain. So, her grieving her grieving process already started and and last night I was um telling the rest of the kids she has every right to grieve the way she wants to grieve and no one could invalidate her feelings.

Yeah. And and this is the way she her she God built her this way and no one has the right to say you can't feel, you can't think this way because there's more than one way to grieve. And so we were we were so we're walking into that tightrope.

Wow. Yeah, so and then the church I think Francis I think the church is healthier with her. We're not being there. Wow. Yeah, and and it's stronger and and when I was able to walk when October there was no worry in my mind. It's almost like when Paul was talking about his shipwreck and his care for the churches Yeah. he took that burden out of me of taking care for the churches and he said, "I will build my church and thank you up to this point that you have served it."

So, I wasn't despair a little bit yesterday during Yeah. live stream and um and then the Lord had to correct me right there and and and right there when he said "You you're you're being sad because you're not there because you're being sad because you're not participating, but how about all those years that I allowed you to participate?

How about the four and a half years that I didn't owe you anything to keep on pastoring? How about those years?" Yeah. What about those years? Can we just celebrate what God has already done in and through you and then find joy in that, not with what you want to have more of, but what God what Christ has already have done in and through you for his good pleasure?

Yeah. So, so that's where he's kind of taking me as far as church is concerned. Yeah. Wow. >> Yeah, so it's been uh oh, I tell you Francis it's been uh the journey is I can't say fun, but the journey is uh is peaceful and joyful. Wow. Wow, gosh.

Because I have no anxiety. Yeah. None at all. Wow. Wow. So, because of that um I remember peace with so many things. Mm. He and I realized a humbling way of looking at this is that he never called me to build this church, he just called me to serve it.

And I had a and I had a privilege of serving this church. Uh and and it's an honor it's been an honor and and to complain now is is sinful. Uh and not because I'm present in the church is what God counts. He already loves me whether I preach another sermon or or I serve another thing at church or serve another person.

His love for me will never change. Yeah. So, what do I have to perform? There's nothing to perform. Yeah. So, that's kind of where I am church-wise. Mm. I know that sometimes it's healthier, you know, but that's kind of where my state of mind is in regards to the church.

Yeah. Wow. So good. Yeah, so so that's kind of where overall Francis I could tell you this is that the love of God still compels me. Yeah. It's still the love of Christ is still compels me and nothing else is more attractive to me than the love of Christ.

Wow, that's so good. Yeah, and >> So good. And and so I'm I want I I told people do not ever use my situation for your good or for your advantage because this is the Lord and and because this is the Lord he has we use for his glory.

So, Olivia and I were contemplating whether uh people wants to do a celebration of life. I said, "I have only two rules. If it exalts Allen, you turn off their mic. If only it only allowed when it exalts Christ. And the only the rule I have is this, it's not what Allen has done in this earth, it's what Christ has done to a sinner.

Wow. And how a sinner is able to serve a holy holy God who's so deserving of all my glory and how undeserving I am in the midst of that and I could go back to your sermon in Isaiah 6 I could still say woe is me. Mm. And I could I just want to sing holy holy holy.

Mm. So, that's kind of my criteria for them. There's no expectation of Allen. There's always going to be the exaltation of Jesus Christ. That's right. That's right. So, that's kind of where where I am in that. Wow. Wow. Wow. So, in summary then I'm I'm really good. Wow.

Wow. I mean like I said, I I just I want I want everyone to hear what God is doing in your heart. Mm. Um and the peace like you said that is beyond comprehension and people in the world could never understand. >> Oh, absolutely. Um have you uh did you record anything that people could watch or Um I mean here and there we kind of um conversation here and there with people.

Olivia is a good recorder, so she's recording this now actually. So, yeah. I was just thinking I go, "Gosh, I wish I could record this whole talk." Yeah, she's recording this right now and and because uh she she feels like uh uh and I want this to be an encouragement to them that that at the last of my days that it will offer encouragement that this is not the end.

Wow. And I was quoting the other day D.L. Moody that one day you will hear that I am dead. No, they're wrong. I am more alive today than ever before. >> Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Wow. >> So, and and really I know what it means now Francis when he says "For me to lose Christ and to die is gain."

And I'm looking forward for my gain. I am really looking forward for my gain. And every day that I'm I'm absent from the Lord I'm away from the presence of the Lord. Yes. So, and I last night actually before I slept in a lot of pain, I said, "God, you promised me like you promised a thief you will be me with me in paradise."

So, I'm going to trust in that. Mm. That he will bring me to paradise. Oh, hallelujah. Yep. Hallelujah. Yep. Wow. >> So, that's kind of where I am. Yeah. Now, what do the doctors say as Any just any day. I mean I could go any day, any moment or God also could prolong my life.

So, where I am like in this medically or biologically is that I know I have no I have not lost faith that he can heal me. I have not. >> Wow. I I believe I believe too much in the power of Christ and his omnipotence. Uh Of course.

But my flesh cries out and prays "God, help my unbelief." Yeah. Yeah. So, that's kind of the state of my physical part of it is that I know you can heal me if you want to, if it's in your will I could be the leper. Mm. In your will I could be the blind man.

In your will I I could be any of those people that you healed. That's right. And at the conclusion of it I'm already healed. Yes. Because he already healed my soul forever. So, what healing am I really looking forward to or what healing do I really want? So, Francis to tell you really honest truth is if I if God will heal me and I will go back to my sinful fleshly nature I will say to the Lord, "No, thanks."

Yeah. If he would give me right now straight up trade total healing or in or continual intimacy with me in pain I will choose intimacy in pain any day. Mm. So, that's kind of that's kind of where I am. Mm. Praise God and praise God for how clearly you're speaking right now.

Mm. You know, I speak to a lot of people at the end and it's just they don't have the clarity. Mm. And yet God has blessed you with and you're this mind that that he's giving you right now, the mind of Christ Right. to think the thoughts that you're thinking.

Uh gosh, I I just it's beautiful. It's a beautiful thing. But I know one thing Francis is that I will drink the wine Yeah. at his kingdom. And I know there's a banquet table that is set for me. And I know there's a room that is made for me.

And so I I don't know what is to complain about when I have my preacher is not just bright, it's it's awesome. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, what is there to complain about? Mm. Mm. I mean right now, yes, it's painful, but let's talk about the next second.

So, what I've been preaching to people is uh into my children is the Lord said to Peter is one day is a thousand years. So, my missing you guys is only seconds. It's not even a full minute. So, the running joke I have with people is I'm in your welcoming committee, and I'm looking forward to it.

And I I told Olivia the other day was uh it's it's death is is inevitable. It's just we're only thinking about the order of this. I'm just going first. It's not that I have any advantage. I'm just going first. Yeah. So, if I'm just going first, that means I get to enjoy the Lord a little bit longer.

And I think that's an advantage more than a disadvantage. Yeah. Yeah. So, don't feel sorry for me. I And some people I said, I I In some ways, I feel sorry for you. Yeah. And so, Yeah. So, so that's kind of where my state of being is at.

Oh gosh, I love it. Yeah, and then yesterday, there was an unbeliever that um came to visit me, and I was able to sprinkle the gospel here and there using my situation about Yeah. how does it What does it mean to love your wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it.

And I reversed it a little bit and said, you know, Olivia has shown to me what it means to love me as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. And so, I was able to share with him that it's not about anything else but Christ. It's Christ, Christ, Christ, Christ.

It begins with Christ, it ends with Christ, and everything in the middle is Christ. Amen. So, that's kind of where uh I am totally. So, there's no despair in me. I tell people, don't cry over me, don't despair over me. Not interested. Wow. Wow. So, if you're going to come here and tell me, and you're going to blame God, why me?

Cuz I'm serving God? Yeah. The only thing that I deserve is judgment. Do you guys understand this? Yes. >> The only thing I deserve is hell. Mhm. And then he already rescued me. Could I just say, rejoice in the Lord, and and again I say, rejoice? Mhm. >> So, don't feel sorry for me.

Mhm. You guys got to be kidding me. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> I I I really sometimes don't understand people when Yeah. >> they don't know what hope means. I don't think they have an idea what a hope means. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> they have so much hope in this world that this world will rescue them.

There's no anchor better than Christ. No one will ever be a better anchor. Amen. So, so I I I tell people, I said, you guys got to be a joke, right? Amen. And so, they start blaming God, why me? Why now? I said, dude, he could have killed me.

Wow. Wow. >> He only owes me hell. He owes me nothing else apart from hell. Yeah. Nothing else. Yes. And yet he gave me life, and it's been an abundant life. Oh God, yes. Yes. The enemy came to kill my soul, the enemy came to destroy my my body, and and try to destroy my spirit.

No, he came to give me the abundant life that he promised. And I tell people, I'm already living that abundant life. Jesus is about to complete it. So, so that's all I've been focusing on is is that. Amen. And I have rich pearl like in my children, and and who gets the privilege, Francis, to give instructions like Solomon was able to give to his son?

Wow. Who who who gets that privilege? I am the most blessed man in the world. That I don't get the seconds with my children, I get not just minutes, but I get hours with them cuz I'm still here. I am so so blessed. Mhm. I can't be any more blessed than I am today.

Mhm. So, I don't understand why people have to feel sorry. I really don't. Yes, good. I get I get to have final instructions to my children and get part in the wisdom of Christ. Yes. And some people walked in out of their houses, and they're never going to come back.

They're not able to give final instruction. I am able to because of his grace. Wow. You know? And it's really so great because I know my sins are so many, but his mercy and his kindness is so much more. Yes. Yes. Yes. So, that's kind of uh this is the Ephe- Ephesians 3, I think it's ministered to me a lot.

I've been finally experiencing what it means the width, the depth, the length, and the height of the love of Christ. Wow. I have hit the pinnacle of what that means here on Earth. Wow. The width, the length, the width, and the height of the love of Christ. And whatever I'm experiencing right now, it's nothing because he's doing more than abundantly above all that I ask or think.

This is abundantly more than I ever ask or think. Yes. So, Wow. so that's kind of where my clarity is at. I love it. I mean, thank you so much for sharing all of this cuz I I feel like yeah, I think the way you do. Like, this is how we should feel at the end.

Why is it that I rarely hear this? You know? This is everything the Bible says. These are his promises, and and gosh, it's just it's it's so great to hear you talk like this, to worship God like this. And in fact, I just pray right now. Father, I just thank you for Alan.

I thank you for the way your spirit is just ministering to him. Mhm. I thank you for the way that he just knows your love. Mhm. >> That he's not doing this to earn anything. It's just it's the love is compelling him Mhm. to say these things. He can't say anything else. >> Mhm.

Mhm. He loves you. You've opened his eyes to your love for him. Mhm. How wide and long and high and deep >> Mhm. God, there's so many friends who don't get this. Mhm. And they can't rest and be still. Mhm. And just know who you are and enjoy you.

Mhm. Cuz the enemy is blind- Mhm. blinding them. I pray that you use Alan in whatever time you have remaining on the Earth. We don't dare even guess at that. Yes. Your thoughts are so far beyond ours. Your ways are so far beyond ours. God, I thank you that you've used this time to draw close to you.

That is all we want. Right. But we just want to get closer closer to you. And just just get put to death all the deeds of the flesh. Mhm. All the works of the enemy to take all those thoughts captive. Mhm. And so, God, I pray in the name of Jesus that any of these dark thoughts that the enemy want to put in his head, any doubts, anything that is not of your word, Mhm. that he would know to take it captive.

Mhm. ((music playing)) In the name of Jesus, Lord, that he would just continue to walk in this faith, Mhm. in glory. God, may the enemy have no victory, Mhm. no victory in his soul Mhm. as long as he is on this Earth. Just strength, God, from you. Peace, hope, joy.

Mhm. God, may these be his in abundance. Mhm. And God, we we have clarity right now that you can do Mhm. the all Mhm. all that we ask for. Mhm. Absolutely, God. God, that this would not be just survival mode, Mhm. but this would just be rejoicing deeper and deeper.

God, that you would just lift his head, and he would just see the unseen. Mhm. And so, Father, what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, >> Mhm. what God has prepared for those who love him. >> Mhm. But God has revealed it to us by his spirit.

Mhm. So, Father, I just pray that by your spirit, you would just continue to have Alan experience you more meaningfully, more deeply, until he sees your face. I pray for his kids. God, that they would draw close to you. Mhm. And that And that Alan would even get to experience that.

Mhm. Seeing you work in their lives. Thank you for Olivia and her faithfulness. God, continue to guard her heart and protect her. God, I just praise you for this time that we've had together in your presence, Lord. God, thank you for this sweet, sweet time. In Jesus' name.

Can I pray for you as well, Francis? What's that? >> Can I pray for you as well? Oh, please, please. Father, I commit my brother pastor, my friend, my fellow worker in the gospel, Francis. God, God, thank you, Lord, for his encouragement to me today, his affirming of your truth.

Not affirming of our feelings, but affirming of your truth. Lord, thank you for how you have used him and continue to use him. Cuz, Lord, Francis and I have one goal, to hear you say two words, "Well done." And And, Father, I pray that this Francis keep going.

Would you just finish it? Keep him healthy. That you bless his family as they walk with you. I pray, Lord, that as he continues to write, as he continues to preach this, that he will continue to exalt Christ. So Father, I pray, Lord, that in the midst of our suffering, in the midst of Francis' suffering, that we see more of you more clearly and more abundantly.

God, thank you, Lord, that this this conversation assures me of your immeasurable grace. So, Lord God, I I thank you for his friendship through the years. I thank you, Lord, for this phone call. I pray to you, Lord, that uh Francis and I, Lord, serve a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

That's right. And And, Lord, I pray that as Francis, Lord, continues uh his race, that he will finish the course, that he will keep the faith, that he will keep on battling the enemy. And And And And, Father, I pray that as he continues, Lord, the work that he has still in store for him, that he will do it in the power of Christ, in the power of your Holy Spirit.

Yes. So, Lord, I pray and I pray for Lisa and then the rest of the family. Uh that Lord, that they will continue to uh be his backbone here on Earth apart from you. But ultimately, we know, Lord, that you are ultimate help and that you are ultimate guide, and that you are ultimate Lord and Savior.

So, Lord God, I thank you for Francis and thank you for this phone call. And thank you, Lord, for uh allowing our paths to cross because, Lord, it was never accidental. It was always orchestrated. So, Lord, I I pray this in your precious name. Amen. Amen. Thank you.

Thank you, Francis. Thank you, Francis. So, I will I probably won't see you physically, but I know one thing One thing is for sure, I will see you real later, brother. That's right. That's right. Yes, keep your eyes on that. Oh, I'm fixed. I am so fixed. Yes, I love it.

You know, this has been one of the most encouraging conversations in my life. So, >> This is This is uh I think this was your sermon, Allen. So, he is finishing my faith, Francis. And who am I to not allow him to finish my faith? He started my faith.

And he's with me so that he will finish it. Yeah. So, I'm fixed. I am so fixed. Yeah, good. Thank you so much for your phone call, Francis. Yeah. Thank you for making my day. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Good night, Dave. And Olivia, anything you need, let me know.

Okay. Yes. Say hi to Lisa for me, I will. I will. Yeah, and who knows? I mean, I do have to go down there in a couple weeks. >> Okay. Um yeah, I'll I'll I'll keep in touch. Okay. And uh But thank you for making my day today, Francis.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Francis. >> Oh, this is great. Yes. All right, man. So, be safe. Be safe. Love you. Love you, Francis. Okay. Bye. All right. All right. Bye-bye. All right. Bye. I know we all get inundated with messages all day long and we jump from one thing to the next.

But there's just such a finality about this that I hope that what you just heard sticks with you. And if there's anything in you that's questioning whether you would have this type of peace before coming to the presence of God. I mean, understand this is this is it.

By the time you're watching this, most likely Allen is in the presence of God now. And that's huge. This is forever. That we like we stand before the judge and and the peace we can have from just really knowing him. This is what we have to have today.

Because you know, like Allen would tell me, he goes, like, I What a blessing. I get to have these last moments. I get to say these last words to my family and now to you. Um but we just don't know when it's going to be our time. And we have to be close to him.

We have to be assured that we know him. And so, if there's not peace in your life and in your relationship with God, you need to do whatever it takes today to just surrender yourself to him. Cry out to him. Tell him, Lord, I want to have that type of peace with you, that type of confidence.

Ask for his mercy. Tell him you believe in what he did on the cross, if you really believe that. Tell him you want that spirit in you so that you can follow him as he created you to do and begin this intimate relationship with God. Because the end is coming for all of us.

And it's at any moment. And we are going to stand before a holy God. And for those of us who are loved by him, it's going to be the greatest moment ever.