My brother Tim, wrangling in Walmart.

Tonight I just wanted to celebrate my brother Tim.

In three days, Tim will finally board a plane and leave Albuquerque to head halfway around the world- back to his country, back to his family, back to his new life in Melbourne.

Over the last three and some years, I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of Tim’s life, and in a lot of ways, his family. You’ve heard me talk about him a bit.

Tim’s really the reason our small group at church started- and in a lot of ways, stayed together for three years. Tim listened to me stumble through tough talks about love, faith, and failure. Tim set the bar for me in service- not only because he is someone willing to do whatever needs to be done to help others, but because he has committed himself to serve others. And the reason for that is simple: Tim loves Jesus.

And Tim loves Jesus not because he hasn’t considered that cost, but because he has, and because he is all in on Him. And Tim is a chemistry Ph.D. who deals daily with finessing nano-particles.

When Tim and I first met, we compared our journeys a bit, and discovered we were the same age- but how different our life paths have been. Born in Cambodia at the outbreak of the Vietnamese war and the rise of the Khmer Rouge to horrific power, a young Tim fled his homeland on foot, separated from his family and following an uncle, and spent some of his early years as a refugee in Thailand- in a camp where he made the most incredible discovery in his life: the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and the power of transformation through the Gospel message.

In time, Tim was able to get to Australia and rejoin much of his family. He went to school, went to university, and became a scientist.

And along the way, he never lost his heart- or his faith.

Tim, thanks for teaching me how to untangle a fishing line and how to cast a little farther. Thanks for taking time with me to talk about the past and the future, and to help me stay in the present. Thank you for being there at all of those early events at the church, meeting people, making contacts, handing out burgers and drinks, playing in the park- and reminding me that most times, love is shared in overtime. Outside of the church building, in someone else’s home, through painting or moving furniture, or taking stuff off to the dump, or holding an impromptu feast for all-takers. Love is what happens when you aren’t in the spotlight. You’ve been an incredible example of that to me.

Mostly, thank you for letting me know you are like you are because of who He is to you- and who He is in you. You live out our faith in the best possible way.

I hope I can visit you one day there in Melbourne, and I look forward to hearing how Sagebrush Melbourne is coming along out there under your faithful and pastoral hands and heart.

Tonight, our small group had a final get-together to just eat a potluck, sit and talk, and toast two departing from our company. It was a beautiful evening, and a great meal for sitting and reflecting. On the last few months. On the last few years. On a humble man dedicated to Christ and caring. It was a beautiful evening.

You will bless so many more around you and your family there, mate. Just like you have blessed so many of us here.

I am comforted remembering that in Him, there is no final end, but just seasons of separation, so I can just say “Go get ’em!”

Thanks for being a great friend, Tim. Love you, brother.

Lord, guide and bless Tim. He loves you with all of his heart.