On January 27, 1995
a tragic bus/van collision took place just south of Champaign, Illinois. A church van, transporting grade school and high school basketball players and their coach, encountered a patch of ice and was hit broadside by a chartered bus. After the impact, the van exploded into flames and our three sons and four other Christian young men were ushered into the presence of their Heavenly Father.Though we grieve deeply for our boys, they are now with Jesus, God makes no mistakes! He loaned us our five children with the foreknowledge, beyond our human comprehension, of his perfect plan for our lives.
Joseph, Benjamin, and Aaron had all given themselves to the Lord and accepted Him as their personal Savior.
(John 1:12) "But as many as received Him..."We would like to share our boys and their decision with you.
.Joseph Timothy Burlingame
Born May 23, 1979
Upon returning from Bible camp, Joseph's mother had the privilege of leading him to the Lord at bedtime. He knew he wanted to be with Jesus when he died. He simply bowed his head and prayed, "Dear Jesus, you died for me. I want to go to heaven and be with you someday. Come into my heart. Thank you Jesus, Amen."Joseph's assurance was complete and in the following years up to the time of his home-going at age 15, he served his Lord.
Just weeks before the accident Joseph told his mother that he believed the Lord wanted him to go to Bob Jones University and study agriculture. Then once he had a farm, the Lord would have him open up a farm camp for young people to attend. Joseph cared!
Benjamin Allen Burlingame
Born October 31, 1982
Ben was a live wire, full of energy and contagious laughter. Ben had a tender heart and a ready smile and was a blessing to be around.He carried a wallet with him everywhere, and after the accident we were surprised to find that he had left the wallet home. We looked in it and found a note he had written to Jesus.
"Dear Jesus, I am sorry for my sin. Please come into my heart and save me. Thank you Jesus. Love, your son, Ben."
Benjamin cared, even though he was only 12 years old.
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Aaron Tyrel Burlingame
Born June 8, 1984
Joseph lead his youngest brother to the Lord. The three boys had been "bunking" together and talking about Jesus.Joseph asked Aaron if he would like to know that one day he would be in Heaven. Aaron, in his childlike faith, prayed and settled his question as to eternity, and at 10 years of age he met Jesus.
"Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." Luke 18:17
Aaron, Ben, and Joe ran downstairs all excited. They shared a very special moment, because Aaron cared to know where he stood with his God.
Aaron exemplified his trust in Christ by singing his favorite hymn, "Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine."
The Sunday before he went to Heaven, Aaron, his brother Ben, and one of their best friends, Jacob Hughes, sang this hymn in Junior Church together. Aaron cared!
They cared, Jesus cares... for you!
The Burlington boys were ready. Here is how you can be ready, too!
I Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."
Because God cares, He sent His Son to die that we might be assured of eternity in Heaven after death.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world (everyone) that He gave His only Begotten Son (Jesus) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Here is how you can know the assurance of Heaven.
1. There is a judgement for all. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement." Hebrews 9:27,
Revelation 20:15, 21:8.2. We are all sinners. "For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God." Romans 3:23
3. We deserve death. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
4. Eternal Life cannot be earned. There is no way to do enough good works to earn our way to Heaven. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
5. Eternal Life can be yours. "Whosoever (that word includes you) shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
Talk to God right now in prayer. Admit to Him your need as a sinner and trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. He will save you now and you will spend eternity in Heaven.
6. Here is an exciting and comforting guarantee! "And so shall we ever be with the Lord." I Thessalonians 4:17
If you have received God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, let us rejoice with you. Please write to:
Paster and Mrs. Tim Burlingame
c/o Calvary Baptist Church
2106 e. Windsor Road
Urbana, IL 61801
or call (217) 367-2262
