Chris Leggett Funeral

Let me first say, I just had the privilege of praying with and putting my children to bed. Chris's children do not have that privilege tonight. "What if all you have tomorrow is what you give God thanks for today?"
David Souther (one of Chris's best friends) gave a tribute to Chris. David referenced Ephesians 3:13-21 and 2 Timothy 4:6. He also recognized Jackie as being a faithful servant for Christ. He listed several qualities that prepared Chris for missionary work.
1. Eternal Perspective--he was always asking the question "What will survive the fire?" This is in reference to walking through the fire when we reach judgement. The only things that will make it through the fire will be what we have accomplished for Christ.
2. Frugal-- Chris could get the most out of a dollar and a car etc. (This was needed in a country where resources were difficult to come by.)
3. Strong Business Background- Chris used this to manage funds and train/teach people in Africa.
4. Friend to All--David mentioned Chris's mom who wasn't a stranger to anyone. Chris was a friend to the friendless.
5. Endured Extreme Conditions (you can imagine)
6. Doer of the Word
7. The Influence of his Family and friends--David said that Chris had often talked about those who had taught him in Sunday School, taught him and Jr. High and H.S.

David Clark sang In Christ Alone with a couple of other guys that I did not know. They sung this very upbeat and celebratory. It brought glory! I worshipped!

Dr. Allan Lockerman gave the message entitled A Good Man as Far as Men Go. He said we all ask why when such a good father, husband, son, brother and Christ follower gets called home. He looked at Jackie and said, "The question is not why (and he referenced Romans 8:27,28). We will never know why until we get to heaven. The question is 'why not?' Why not Chris?
Jackie and Chris asked the question 'why not us?'when they answered the call to go to Africa. So why not Chris? Dr. Lockerman said that Chris's death seems abnormal. He explained that people have been dying for Christ for 2000 years. "This is not abnormal." What is abnormal is our air conditioned, nominal , Sunday only Christians." He went on to say that as good of a man as Chris was that he deserved hell and that the blood of Christ and Chris's relationship with Christ was what assures us that he is in heaven. Dr. Lockerman gave the full, clear, simple gospel and asked people to pray to recieve Christ. He finished by saying "just one life soon will pass, only what's done for Christ will last."

Someone had written and recorded a song in Chris' s memory entiltled "He gave his life because You gave Your Son. I need to get my hands on that!

It was a celebration but I was heartbroken watching Jackie and their four children walking behind the casket at the end of the funeral. What a loss for us, what a gain for Chris.

I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether in life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21.