The Legacy of Brian Tan

I first met Brian and his family when they came to our church. "The boy survived brain cancer when he was four," I was told. Later on I got to know him better when I start teaching his Sunday School class. I didn't know how much he went through until after I read his testimony, which he wrote before he was baptized.

The cancer came back stronger than ever 10 years after. When the doctor open his skull to see if there is anything he can do; he simply closed closed it back because the cancer has spread all over his brain, neck, and spine. "There's nothing can be done," he said.

Instead of getting upset or angry, Brian and his family chose to keep trusting and worship God. The recording of him playing "The Old Rugged Cross" was after the diagnosis, which we later on use to sing at his celebration service.

Tears kept flowing each time I remember him. What a precious life. He inspires so many in his 15 years of life. Cancer didn't stop him from smiling, making jokes, going to school, playing piano, singing, sharing his games with another kids - including mine, teaching other kids how to make legos at his Youtube channel.

When the doctor told him he only has 6 months to live he said, "I was supposed go "home" 10 years ago when I got brain cancer the first time."

When his mom cried upon receiving the news that the cancer came back and he now has 3 different kind of cancer; two of which have no cure; he told her, "it's okay mom, it will look good on my college application if I beat this.." "He still can joke about it," she said.

When his right hand starting to lose its strength he kept on working on the exercise and writing that the doctor told him to do even though it takes so much times and energy. He fought hard to the end. When the doctor said it's only a matter of hours; he still fighting for a few more days and some of us got to see him, pray, and witness his faith and resilient.

We prayed hard for healing but His way is different that ours. We are grieving and we can
 only imagine the pain that the parents experience right now. When my family went biking through this pretty path this morning; I wonder how much prettier the path he took to Heaven yesterday. He is home, in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father waiting to greet us when our turn come. Cancer may take his body but not his spirit. Thank you Brian for showing us how to live, love, play, fight, and die well. We will keep praying, caring and checking on your parents.

Even after he passed away he is still ministering to others by playing the piano; encouraging us to stay faithful just like he did. The kids sang not because we told them to but because they want to; to honor their brother whom they love and prayed for every single day these past few months. Praying that we all can be faithful to cling to the cross to the end just like you did Koko Brian. The Old Rugged Cross On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross The emblem of suff'ring and shame And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain So I'll cherish the old rugged Cros Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it this day for a crown ❤️️ #choosingtocherish #1000gifts #celebrationservice #childrencancerawareness #hymn #oldruggedcross

A video posted by Kiki (@choosingtocherish) on Dec 12, 2016 at 12:21am PST

 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
 For as the heavens are higher than the earth. So are My ways higher than your ways. And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9