A service offered on behalf of a True Champion
- Sami Burnette & Jimmy Okech
- Feb 14
- 2 min read
It has been a few weeks since Gary’s memorial service, yet I still find myself reflecting on the powerful testimonies shared that day. Speaker after speaker spoke of their wonderful experiences with Gary, highlighting his tireless devotion to helping others, a quality that seemed to flow from him effortlessly.
Never to be forgotten
One moment that stands out was when Pastor described their work together, taking phone calls for the Billy Graham 24-7 prayer line. He shared a lighthearted story about receiving their first call: it was in Spanish, a language neither of them spoke. In that moment of shared confusion and laughter, I realized that Gary’s heart and influence transcended language barriers and cultural lines. It was a beautiful, bright spot of joy during our collective grief.
I first met Gary in California during George’s graduation. I can still see him now: a tall, steady figure standing beside George like the father he truly was. He was the mentor and father figure George had always needed, a role Gary stepped into with natural grace. I saw such radiant pride in Gary’s face that day—proud of his son’s hard work and all he had achieved. It was clear to me then that George was exactly where he belonged: by Gary’s side. They were a team united by profound love and mutual care. There was a light in George’s face that day, the smile of a young champion bolstered by the man standing next to him.
I believe deeply in the community of Everlasting Hope. Gary left us with the blessing of a simple lesson: give to others, even when the gesture seems small. As a community, a network, friends, family and a church, we have learned so much from his example.
With love,
Jimmy.
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