The Legacy of Steve Brown’s Life Continues – by Christyne Brown

Continuing the connection — Cooper meets with Steve’s wife to share memories of how Steve’s faith and kindness impacted his life

We all have opportunities and abilities to be blessed with God’s spiritual gifts. Each of us is called to use them—uniquely and faithfully—for His glory.

A few years ago, my husband Steve was invited to speak to a group of youth. Among them was a young man named Cooper. After the session ended, Cooper stayed behind to talk with Steve. Their conversation lasted about 25 minutes. Before leaving, they exchanged phone numbers so they could stay in touch, and Steve later added me to the group text. As far as I know, this was the only time my husband ever did that.

Over the next several months, they exchanged messages now and then—simple conversations about life, faith, and following Christ. Then, about ten days after Steve went home to be with the Lord, a message from Cooper appeared on my phone. He had written to check in and say hello. I had to share with him the news about Steve’s passing.

His response deeply touched my heart. Cooper told me what a profound impact Steve had made on his life, how much he valued their friendship, and how special Steve was to him. Steve had a gift for reaching young people—he would listen, encourage, and point them toward Christ. His way of connecting was simple but powerful: he showed genuine care, and through that care, God’s love shone through.

A Lasting Connection

The following year, I returned to the same event where Steve had spoken. Beforehand, I contacted Cooper to let him know I would be there. He came by on the second day of the show, sat down with me, and we talked for a while about Steve—about how honored he felt to have met him, and how much that encounter had meant in his walk with Christ.

We stepped outside the tent and sat together on a bench for about 20 minutes, sharing stories about faith, life, and the hope of seeing Steve again one day. Cooper still had the walking stick Steve had given him—a reminder of their connection and of the message Steve shared. He accepted another one from me and later sent a picture of the two sticks side by side—a beautiful symbol of how God continues the work He begins in us.

Steve and Cooper at the outreach event — where a simple conversation and a shared love for Christ began a lasting friendship

Using God’s Gifts for His Glory

My husband and I shared many of the same spiritual gifts, though God also gave each of us unique ones. Together, those gifts strengthened and supported the ministry God entrusted to us. I am grateful that He trusted us enough to use what He placed in our hands—for His glory and for the encouragement of others.

As Mark 16:15 reminds us:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

That calling remains for every believer. The story of Steve and Cooper is a reminder that when we use our God-given gifts faithfully, the impact doesn’t end with us—it continues in the lives we touch, carrying forward the light of Christ to the next generation.