May 13, 2002

A final letter from a soldier and son
___Editor's note: The following items were provided by Arthur and Barbara Craig, parents of Texas Baptist Brian Craig, a U.S. Army staff sergeant who was killed in Afghanistan. Arthur Craig is pastor of Woodhaven Baptist Deaf Church in Spring Branch.

___Our son, Staff Sgt. Brian Craig, was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, April 15 while preparing to detonate some 107-millimeter Russian rockets left behind by the Taliban.
___The days to follow would reveal to us the impact Brian's life has had on a vast number of people and that God had ordered his steps to fulfill God's purpose through him.
___On Saturday, April 27, we received Brian's final letter written on April 8 to his dad. Obviously, God was preparing Brian for what would happen one week later. He seemed to be totally absorbed by a desire to draw near to the heart of God, to thank his parents and to impact others as a man of Christ.
___ We share Brian's letter with you, praying that God will strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ.
___Brian will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 22 at 3 p.m.
___We appreciate your continued prayers and love during this time.
___Arthur and Barbara Craig
___ Spring Branch

___Dear Dad,
___You have asked about my walk with Christ on the phone. I just wanted to write and let you know how things are going. I just started the book you sent, "The Four Pillars of Man's Heart." It seems as though every book that you send is an answer to my prayers. God has really blessed me with both a great father and mother. I am so fortunate to have two people that I can always come to for advice. Thank you.
___It is strange that of all my experiences in life, that here in Afghanistan I have really started to grow spiritually. The Bible study that I was having with the group of guys before was an answered prayer. When I come home, I will start to look for a weekly Bible study. I realize how important it is. I also realize how important prayer is. The book "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" was great.
___I have my good days and my bad days. I guess that is to be expected. I will do so good for a couple of days and then falter. I know as I continue to grow in the Lord, that my good days will outnumber my bad. I know that you pray for me, and I thank you. Just know that God is answering your prayers concerning me.
___I never thought that I could grow in my relationship with God around the people that I work with. I read in one of the books as Christians we know there is a hole we just don't know how deep it goes. I want to know how deep it goes. I don't know if I said that right, but you know what I mean.
___My life is changing, and I like it. I think that the guys I work with know that I am different. I just pray that I make a difference in their lives. I pray that I am a good example. Pray for me that I may be a good example of a man of Christ. Pray that I make the right decisions, say the right things, act the way that I should as a Christian.
___Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for being the great parents that you are. Thank you for all that you do for me. Thank you for being a role model. Thank you for being not only parents but great friends. I love you and Mom so much.
___Love,
___Brian
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