FOREVER 15

Brian William Tan, 15years old, passed away peacefully on Dec 4, 2016 in San Francisco, California after a decade long battle with cancer. Brian was born on September 7, 2001 in Montreal Canada. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Brian had touched many people throughout his life.   During a decade long battle with cancer, he possessed strength and perseverance. He never showed his illness nor complained.  People were surprised to learn on his medical condition from his parents because they would have never guessed it by looking at Brian.  Brian enjoyed making video, building lego set, playing video games, solving math problems and listening to Christian songs. He loved all feed good movie characters from Disney, Pokemon and many others.   Brian accepted the Lord as his savior in Dec 2014. In his short life, he left a lasting impression and become a witness on how to walk in God's path. A psalm of David is his testament of his love to the Lord

Brian Tan's baptism

When my son Brian turned to his 13th birthday last September 2014, I asked him if he is ready to be baptized. His answer was, " Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ and He has saved me many times in my life mommy, I am not going anywhere." Of course as a Christian parent , I am overjoyed with his answer.

I asked him to write a testimony letter that discern the genuineness of his faith and readiness for baptism, on his own will not mine. After reading it, I can't help to shed some tears.
God has blessed us with a son whom we love very much, we are grateful for all blessings the good and the bad in our life. With God's help and love, my husband and I accept the bad things that happened to us that create strength of character and strength of faith.

Here below is the letter Brian wrote, hope this letter will bring a blessing to some of you who are going through  hard times as it is to us :

 

Just In case Brian's hand writing is hard to read, I will type Brian's letter as well :

Hello, my name is Brian, and today I have accepted Christ as my savior. But why did I want to be baptized. Well, the answer to that is quite simple. I want to believe that Christ died for my sins, and he rose again. The story behind my answer changed my perspective toward Him, and He is the reason why I am here today.

When I was little, I didn't know much about God. I remember going to church and attending Sunday school. But I didn't understand the meaning behind it. Then when I was four, I stopped going to school and went to the hospital almost everyday. Later on, I found out that I had brain cancer. Everything I remember then was going through a lot of pain, needles, and throwing up daily.

One treatment that I didn't forget was when I had to wear a stiff mask and to be strapped onto a machine. The doctors and nurses tried to calm me down by saying I was going into a rocket. It was really a radiation machine that I had to go through. During radiation my mom asked me if I wanted to be put to sleep every time I did radiation, or to believe that Jesus was there with me holding my hand. I chose to hold Jesus hand and I was able to go through radiation for 31 days without sedation. And the whole time I believe that Jesus was there with me.

Here I am today, surviving cancer for 8 years. Going through 8 surgeries in total. It was very tough , but God was there to give me comfort. I am thankful to my parents, my friends and my church.

One verse that always give me hope is : Isaiah 41:10

It says, " So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

No human on earth has the power to heal us completely. They can only give us hope. But when it comes to God, His power is endless. He can take away our pain. I have accepted Christ into my heart, and I will follow Him everyday of my life.
Brian

Brian was finally baptized on December 21' 2014 at IEC. San Jose ( GII - Gereja Injili Indonesia di San Jose ) by Rev. Stephen Hosea and Rev. Timotius Tjing by his side.

 

Brian's testimony

 

Our son is still here and doing well by God 's grace. Praise God for His love and mercy!

Message to our son :
Every day is a gift ! I pray that you will love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and that you will serve Him all of your days.
May God would use all that you go through to refine you for His purposes, that you would be prepared for the work he has for you to do.

God graciously allowed me and your dad to be your parents.

Daddy and I love you , Brian

 

 

 

 

Why Have You Chosen me by Brian Tan

Why have You chosen me out of millions Your child to be
You know all the wrongs that I have done.
Oh how could You pardon me, forgive my iniquities
To save me give Jesus Your son.


O  Lord help me be what You want me to be
Your word I will strive to obey.

My life I now give, for You I will live
And walk by Your side all the way
.

Brian's Essay about his dad

Yesterday Brian had an English assignment from school . He said," Mom , do you know anyone who is successful and working hard for it ?" And I answered him, " Yes, that person is your daddy." I shared with him the story how I met his dad soon after high school in Canada and what he told me his life's dream when we were still dating .
I told Brian that I always admire his dad who is independent , responsible, persistent and hard worker to achieve his dream. After listening to my short story, he worked on his short essay as I continued cooking for dinner.
My husband and I were very touched when we read it. It's lovely and cute :)

Thank you God for this child .... Thank you ...Brian for being a wonderful son . I shared the essay bellow.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

My family wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous  New Year ...
from Brian, Ridwan and Natalia
 

Brian Tan ,Piano Recital , November 18' 2012

Having through a lot of difficulties ,pain and troubles in my life ( not only relating to Brian's health but also other life's obstacles  ),  I learn to remain focus on my blessings instead of life's difficulties.

If I did them in reverse, I would have fallen apart. Well.. It happened few times, that I thought  these problems were all hopeless . I had my times of doubt . I didn't turn to any medication to solve my problems. My heart said medication was not an answer ( I didn't judge to others who really need them, pls don't misunderstand me) , so I turned to God. I believe He hears me. I also turned to my sisters and brothers in Christ for prayers, support and words of wisdom. To all  my brothers and sisters in Christ , I want you all to know that I am forever grateful.

Some days are more challenging than others . However my  faith, hope, and love remind me that  in Jesus Christ I am never alone.

I cling to God’s words in time of trouble :

Psalm 18 :2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

Seeing Brian playing piano in Recital , It is amazing and a miracle.He didn't forget which keys he has to play :) his memory is fine, his motor function is fine and he looks fine, I don’t take this moment as granted, It is Priceless !

Learning to pray and trust His will is better than mine. And ask Him to take me to His side and not ask Him to be on my side.


Brian's Mom