Mike Fuller is a close friend of some in this congregation. His name will be remembered by followers of the San Diego Chargers. After he played there, he went back to Cincinnati to play for the Bengals. After retiring from professional football, he took a job in Alabama. About a year and a half ago, at the age of 37, he was diagnosed as having Hodgkin's disease, a form of cancer.

A few months ago, I had the privilege of speaking with Mike, and I was deeply impressed with the sincerity of his faith and profound peace in his life. Mike said, "It's like the song says: I fear no evil. God has been with me since day one. I don't have any fear of this disease or the word death. Jesus Christ has overcome death, and all I have to do is rely on him and his strength."

About a year ago, I flew to Austin, Texas, to visit my close friend Alan Lewis. At the time, we thought he wouldn't live more than a day or two. His first words to me when I entered the hospital room were "Don, I'm not afraid. For underneath is the solid rock of the resurrection. "