This story is bittersweet, but I feel like it needs to be told.
The whole story starts from last summer when Bethany, a close friend of mine, was admitted to the hospital. She had a heart transplant about thirteen years ago, but during her regular check up, the doctors discovered coronary artery disease.
When I heard she was in the hospital I was devastated. I visited her a few times while she was there. The doctors talked a lot about her possibly having another heart transplant. A lot of prayers went up for her and only one week later she was released from the hospital after having a stint put in.
During one of my visits, Bethany’s friend Will visited her as well. He had just gotten home from the World Race. Bethany was so excited about his trip and continued to ask him questions. She was more concerned with hearing about his trip than she was about her health. She was just that kind of person. Of course Will didn’t share much because of the circumstances, but that is when the seed was planted.
About two months later God brought that conversation back to my memory. That is when I found Will on facebook, messaged him, looked up the world race, and then applied.
If Bethany had not been in the hospital then I would not be here.
I would not have shared the gospel and seen 30 prisoners in Cambodia give their lives to Christ.
I would not have been able to share my faith with the prostitutes in Thailand.
I would not have been able to love on street children in Kenya and Nicaragua.
I would not have had the opportunity to work in the sex industry in Nepal.
And most of all, my life would not be changed.
It is because of her that I am on this trip. And it is because of this trip that I now want to commit my life to full-time ministry and possibly live overseas.
I am a life changed by Bethany Joy Midyette.
Bethany died this week, October 22nd, at the age of 25. It happened suddenly, her heart gave out. Her and I shared the same name and the same love for our Savior. I know that she is up there with her Daddy laughing and having a good time. She will be extremely missed. But I am thankful that I had a friend like her and that her life changed the course of mine.
Please keep her family and husband in your prayers during this time.
