In Memoriam – Brian Spann

If I told you a young man, with a huge heart for the Lord, recently passed away at 27 it would leave you feeling sad and pondering a life cut short. However, if that is all we shared then you would miss the real testimony of Brian’s life.

Brian was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as a young child. He was told by doctors that he would never be able to walk again and that it would be a miracle if he lived past his 17th birthday.

Against all odds, Brian graduated high school and went away to college. At DBU, Brian realized, that Christ was not an angry God and the extravagant grace that Jesus bestowed on him was enough to save him. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and said, “in tears of brokenness I finally felt love, grace, mercy and hope.”

Brian’s faith grew as he graduated and moved on to Dallas Theological Seminary. This is when our paths crossed as he became one of our Resident Leaders.  He touched the lives of other Residents and all he encountered. He shared his story with hundreds online and many more in person. Brian never let his physical limitations deter him as he subsequently moved into roles serving other ministries and at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.  As his illness became more severe, Brian wrote the following:

I write this as I begin to prepare to enter the gates of Heaven and in my remaining days I walk in confidence and faith that when I die I will run into the arms of Jesus Christ! But also in my remaining days on earth, the only regret I have is that I did not do everything in my power to proclaim the gospel of Jesus to every living soul I possibly could! I am a great sinner but I am saved by the eternal blood of Jesus Christ and in this I have confidence of my eternal resting place! This is my charge to you: do not mourn my death but celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ in my life, celebrate the fact that I am no longer bound by the clutches of a disease from hell but I find eternal healing in Jesus name! Please leave today passionate for the Lord and PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO THE VERY ENDS OF THE EARTH! Please go and make disciples in Jesus name! My name is Brian Kent Spann, I am a sinner saved by the grace of Christ and I dwell in the heavens with the King of Kings! Praise the King!

We were fortunate to know Brian and be part of his journey. He was a truly special person that reminded us of how much we are blessed, and that God’s grace is revealed in all circumstances. He will be missed.