Local TV Station Honors Jeremiah’s Passing

Local football standout loses six-month battle with cancer

By John Carroll |

Posted: Mon 7:00 PM, Aug 27, 2018  | 
Updated: Mon 7:24 PM, Aug 27, 2018
     

WACO, Texas (KWTX) Parkview Christian Academy football standout Jeremiah Thomas, 16, died Sunday night at his family’s home in China Spring after a six-month battle with osteoblastic osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

Jeremiah Thomas with his father, Rusty. (Courtesy photo)

“We lost a fighter and a good one at that,” Parkview head football coach Bryce Frazier said Monday.

As a freshman, Thomas led the Parkview Pacers to the state semi-finals in six-man football and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Last year as a sophomore, Thomas won All-State honors for the second year in a row as the Pacers won the state championship.

He played every down on offense and defense.

“He loved everybody that he came in contact with, and showed love and he showed the love of Christ on everything he did and someone who could just could make you laugh,” Frazier said.

Thomas was also an anti-abortion activist.

His Make-a-Wish request, which was granted, was to talk to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott by phone so he could ask Abbott to abolish abortion in Texas.

The story went viral on news outlets across the country and around the world.

Thomas received a lot of hate mail as a result, but Frazier says he always responded in love.

In a video made during his last days, Jeremiah said: “Sometimes bravery involves giving up on everything you’ve ever known, for everyone you’ve ever loved or everything you’ve ever wanted for the sake of something greater.”

“I don’t know how much time I have left on this earth but with a time that I do have I want it to count for my God and for my generation,” he said in the video.

Jeremiah was the ninth of 13 children.

His locker at Parkview won’t be changed.

“We’re going to keep his locker here for him, make sure that he still lives on in this locker room too,” Frazier said.

Thomas wanted to become a minister, and believed strongly in conservative ideals that he gleaned from his father and the Bible.

A funeral service begins at 10 a.m. Friday at Antioch Community Church at 510 North 20th Street.

Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Visitation is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Church of the Open Door at 900 Loop 340 in Waco.

His family will take the field with his team Friday night for Parkview’s first game of the season against Fort Worth THESA.

“You know I asked them (the team) Friday night if they wanted to play and they said ‘yes they want to fight’ and that’s our word this year fight and it’s going to be a fight for him,” Frazier said.

 

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Waco Tribune Honors Jeremiah’s Passing

Brice Cherry: Parkview family loses their toughest warrior, but his legacy endures

Number 5 won’t be on the field for Parkview Christian Academy when the Pacers kick off their season on Friday night against Fort Worth THESA.

That jersey number will be affixed to the Pacers’ helmets and game balls, and will be featured on T-shirts worn by many of the fans. And you’d better believe that Number 5 will be in the hearts and minds of the Pacers.

Number 5 belonged to Jeremiah Thomas, one of the standouts of last year’s Pacer team that claimed the TCAL Division II six-man football state championship. On Sunday, Thomas died at the far-too-soon age of 16 after a long battle with bone cancer.

It’s a loss that cuts far deeper than any the Pacers will ever experience on the field.

“Everybody’s hurting, they’re all grieving in their own way,” Parkview Christian coach Bryce Frazier said. “He’s been sick for a while, so when it finally happened, it was kind of surreal. We didn’t want to believe that it had happened.”

As a football player, Thomas had been described as tough, gritty, the ultimate team guy. Last year he rushed for 852 yards, amassed 1,022 receiving yards, made 115 tackles, picked off three passes and scored 41 touchdowns as a do-it-all dynamo.

But Jeremiah’s impact on his community stretched far beyond what he could do with a football in his hands. Take, for instance, his greatest wish.

You’re probably familiar with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That non-profit organization works with the families of children and teenagers who have terminal illnesses to grant “wishes.” Typically, the experiences fall in the range of meeting a celebrity of some kind, maybe taking batting practice with Aaron Judge or volleying tennis balls with Serena Williams.

And why not? Those kids deserve a moment of joy.

Jeremiah Thomas used his wish differently. In a unique and amazingly sacrificial decision, he wanted to talk with Texas Governor Greg Abbott about his hope that the state might outlaw abortion. He ultimately got that opportunity.

Now, wherever you come down on the hot-button issue of abortion, you ought to admire a teenager who has such courage in his convictions that he wants to spend the last days of his life trying to affect change. Unfortunately, not everyone felt that way – as Jeremiah experienced a backlash of hateful comments on social media, including people who said that they wished he were dead.

Again, displaying a wisdom and a maturity far beyond his years, Jeremiah didn’t condemn his attackers.

“I pity them,” Jeremiah said in an interview with the website Operation Save America. “To have that much darkness in your heart that you’d want a kid with cancer to die. Makes me wonder what happened to them in their life. It’s a scary place to be — mentally and spiritually. I pray God would have mercy on them.”

Personally, I’m pro-life and consider a political candidate’s position on the abortion issue as the most important litmus test for my vote. So I’m grateful for young people like Jeremiah, who devote their lives to meaningful causes.

“He was a kid who stood up for what he believed in,” Frazier said. “He had a heart for others and cared for others, and when he got a chance to make a wish, he wanted to help others more than helping himself. I was his coach for just two years, but when I think of Jeremiah I always think of that smile on his face, and how he always wanted to please others.”

As his cancer worsened in recent weeks, Jeremiah still maintained his joyful spirit to the end. Frazier said that he visited his star player last Wednesday, and though it was gut-wrenching to see Jeremiah suffering, the coach also came away uplifted.

“I told my wife, it was probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life,” Frazier said. “I went over there, and he was obviously sick, but as soon I got there he grabbed my hand and went to shake my hand. I reached down and gave him a hug and told him I loved him, and he started telling me how much he was going to miss me. That broke me, man. … But I got some closure, and to see the peace that his family felt, given everything they’ve had to deal with, it was truly amazing.”

Services honoring the life of Jeremiah are scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Lakeshore Funeral Home, and on Friday at both the Church of the Open Door and at Oakwood Cemetery. Then, on Friday night, his parents will join the Parkview team and carry his jersey out onto the field prior to the Pacers’ season opener. It’s sure to be an emotional moment for all involved.

Even before Jeremiah lost his battle with cancer, Parkview had made the decision to dedicate this season to him, adopting the motto “Fight.”

The word’s meaning resonates now more than ever, Frazier said.

“In the past six months as he’s been sick, Jeremiah touched more people than most do in a hundred years,” Frazier said. “He had a huge impact. I told the team, ‘Don’t put that helmet on unless you’re ready to uphold his legacy.’ We’re going to try to live what’s on that shirt. That’s our motto, and it means even more now than it did a month ago.”

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Services Honoring our Lord and Jeremiah

Services honoring our Lord and His son, Jeremiah Thomas are as follows.

Thursday, August 30th, at 6 -8 PM at Lakeshore Funeral Home at 5201 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, TX 76708, 254- 752-5900

Friday, August 31st, Homecoming Service at Church of the Open Door from 10-noon. Address is 900 TX-340 Loop, Waco, TX 76705, 254-799-2656

Friday, August 31st, at 2 PM Graveside Service at Oakwood Cemetery. Address is 2124 S 5th Street, Waco TX 76706.

Jeremiah’s Obituary

Jeremiah Flip Thomas, 16 years old, passed on to glory Sunday, August 26th, at 7:20 PM.

A born-again child of God, he was the youngest son of thirteen children that make up the Thomas Nation. He was an All Star, State Champion football player with the Parkview Pacers. He ministered the Gospel of the Kingdom at Planned Parenthood on a weekly basis to save the lost and spare lives. He served diligently with the national ministry, Operation Save America.

Jeremiah did not waste his cancer. He wrote and released, “A Letter to My Generation.” It has gone worldwide. His Make A Wish went viral as well. Instead of going to Disney World or meeting a celebrity, Jeremiah asked to meet with Gov. Abbott to discuss a bill of abolition in Texas. Though Make a Wish could not make it happen, it happened anyway. His talk with Gov. Abbott about outlawing abortion in Texas circled the globe. Gov. Abbott responded, “Your wish has been granted.”

Jeremiah’s life, message, and testimony has reached into the church world, the sports world, the political world, and even Hollywood. His story has been picked up by national and international and news agencies, including Fox News. He was featured as a “Midnight Hero” on the Shannon Bream show.
The Daily Mail, the 2nd largest newspaper in London, also ran his story. Italy picked it up and the largest pro-life student group contacted him to discuss how to abolish abortion in their country.

Recent gubernatorial candidate for Governor from Oklahoma, Dan Fisher, did a special interview with Jeremiah since he ran on the platform of abolishing abortion in his state. State Representative Tony Tinderholt who has and will introduce another bill of abolition in Texas honored Jeremiah with a Texas State Resolution.

The Resolution stated in part, “Jeremiah Thomas…has confronted adversity with a spirit of self-less courage…Jeremiah has demonstrated a strength of character that is an inspiration to everyone around him…An exceptional young man…Jeremiah Thomas be honored for his extraordinary bravery and advocacy.”

His short life has brought great glory to God. He has touched and transformed many lives throughout the world. “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Good night for now precious son, we will see you in the morning.

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Jeremiah’s Battle is Over and Christ Has Won

Warrior Down! Jeremiah has finished the last lap of the race of faith. He crossed the finish line at 7:20 PM. The battle is over and Christ has won. He lived well for His Lord and died even better for Him.

Death where is thy sting and grave where is thy victory? Jesus Christ is the Resurrection and the Life! To Him be glory without end.

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Earnestly Contend for the Faith Poster

More details to come soon. The vision and mission spreads. Let’s work together to prepare the way of the Lord in Wisconsin. Hope to see you there.

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Kendra’s “Jeremiah is Sleeping Now”

Jeremiah is sleeping now…
He’s somewhere between our world and heaven.
When he sleeps he doesn’t feel his pain. His dry lips. His fatigue. His labored breathing.
He doesn’t feel his damaged nerve endings that make the gentlest of touches feel like a scratch or a droplet of lukewarm water feel like ice.
He doesn’t feel the pain of bandage changes or the need to bite his blanket to keep from moaning.
He doesn’t feel his rising temperature or the cold sweats. His shivering, his twitches, his blisters surrounding the tumor, his parched throat.
He doesn’t feel the stretching and tearing of his skin as the ulcerated tumor forces it’s way out of his chest and creates a second open wound.
He doesn’t feel nauseous from the stench of blood and the decaying flesh surrounding the tumor.
He doesn’t feel his momma’s tears on his cheek. His dad’s eyes, peering into him, searching for a miracle. Or his sisters fretful waiting outside his door, hoping he’ll be well enough for a visit.
He doesn’t feel his frustration over not being able to walk. His regret over the football season he’ll never play. Or his sorrow over the health and strength he’s lost.
~~~~~
Sleep is our friend now…
Even as it robs us of precious, fleeting time with him.
When sleep comes to Jeremiah it brings memories. Memories of running. Strength. Football. His older brothers. God.
Yesterday, in a moment of wakefulness, he told me he was praying in his dream. When he broke consciousness he found the prayers were still on his lips. He was praying for his dad. ????
As I write this, Jubilee is standing by her older brother’s bed. The room is dark. Quiet. We listen as another garbled prayer bubbles forth. We hear, “Do all this in My name.” His “Amen” is emphatic and strong, the way he answers, “Yes, sir” to his dad or shouts “ Let’s do this” on the field.
~~~~~
There are somethings I wish Jeremiah didn’t sleep through. Like visits from his friends. The special dinner his younger sisters’ made him that he was too tired to eat. The care his older sisters put into cleaning his room or massaging his feet. Nana, in housecoat and slippers, tiptoeing into his room to pray. The football team’s support. His best friend Jotham’s faithful visits to our home, just hoping for a chance to connect one more time.
Val’s midnight bed checks.
When Jeremiah is sleeping, he doesn’t see his little sister play her ukulele in the rain, “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You never know, Jer, how much I love you. Please don’t take my Jeremiah away.”
When he’s sleeping, he doesn’t see the “pink flamingo” dance his three year old niece performs. As the family listened to Josh Malone’s sad song for Jeremiah, Lily twirled and dipped her stuffed animal. At the saddest part of the song, she raised the flamingo over her head and stared deeply into its yellow glass eyes. She couldn’t communicate her grief like the adults, but Lily danced her mourning.
~~~~~
Throughout Jeremiah’s fight, I’ve thought, “Surely he’s dying” only to see him strengthened by the hand of God.
I don’t know if God will take Jeremiah today, tomorrow, or in two thousand tomorrows.
But I know that he’s withdrawn from people, stopped eating, rarely communicates, and slips in and out of dreams and reality.
I know he’s bedridden now, without the strength or health to sit up in his wheelchair.
I know his organs are shutting down.
I know the tumor in his chest has begun to bleed again. The radiation he received while at Mclane’s Children’s Hospital was palliative care. It was to stop the bleeding long enough for Jeremiah to rest on hospice. The tumor decreased in size temporarily, only to expand outward and upward like a bloody glacier.
I know his pain is increasing. Whereas it was localized to the tumor sites in his back and chest, the pain now radiates throughout his body.
I know yesterday his bones ached so much we had to put his shins up on pillows, his feet on a blanket, his bottom on a cushion, and his back against a pillow.
I know his stomach is distended and his bellybutton is far off center, likely due to tumor growth pushing against organs.
I know another long bumpy growth, like alligator skin, can be felt down the right side of his back.
~~~~~
But I know there is comfort in the midst of sorrow and beauty in the midst of the ugliness of cancer.
I saw it last night.
Bald head pressed against bald head.
A hoarse whisper, “Jeremiah, I couldn’t be more proud of you, son. I love the man you’ve become.”
“It’s all because of you, dad.”
Then there was yesterday.
The tender voice of a boy as I changed blood-soaked bandages, “Mom you’re so pretty.” ???? ❤️
~~~~~
I also know Jeremiah’s body is broken but his faith is strong. Despite his pain, he tried to join in the family Bible study yesterday from his bed. When I went back in to read with him, I found him sleeping. His spirit was willing but his flesh was weak (Matthew 26:41).
I know “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
I know death is the result of sin and Christ gave His life for Jeremiah. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
I know God is good. He’s promised, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s the promise that hangs above his sick bed.
Jeremiah’s hope is in Christ. His future is in Christ. Whether he lives or dies, Jeremiah is in Christ.
It’s the promise we cling to now.
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Jeremiah Weakened in the Way

I don’t know if I ever expressed this sentiment. I not only love our son, Jeremiah Thomas, but I like him. I like the man he has become. I would give him the highest recommendation even if I were not his father.

He has endured so much. He has overcome so much. God has used him to reach the world and set powerful Kingdom truths in motion touching and transforming many. In this, we greatly rejoice.

As I write, he is being weakened in the way. His body now is like one exposed nerve that is enduring excruciating pain. We are not sure how much time we have left to treasure our son here on earth. No, hospice has not told us once again that he is in the death throes. This is something Kendra and I are coming to grips with, though it breaks our hearts.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16) We will keep you posted.

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Upon This Rock

This was the message delivered at our host church, Covenant Church Spokane for Church Arise: Operation Save Spokane. If you find any merit, please pass it on. Thanks.

 

 

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Radio Interview with Rep. Matt Shea from Washington State

Here is the interview with State Representative, Matt Shea, to help prepare the way of the Lord in Spokane, Washington for Church Arise: Operation Save Spokane.

This brother is a godly statesmen fighting the good fight on the political front. He is very much interested in making application of the vision and mission we discussed in this interview.

We plan on meeting together to follow up before going home on Monday and come up with a plan in implementation. Please keep him, the pastors, churches, abolition societies and OSA in your prayers as God’s truth marches on in Jesus’ name!

Rusty Thomas – OSA, Operation Save America

August 7, 2018Rusty ThomasAt the age of 17, Thomas joined the Army. He served as a M60-machine gunner with the 101st Airborne Division.In his early twenties, God called him to leave Hollywood where he was pursuing an acting career and to go into full-time ministry. Since that time till now, Thomas has dedicated his life to serving His King and advancing His Kingdom in the earth.Rev. Thomas has a father’s mantle and spreads a patriarchal vision to reclaim the masculine identity that has been neutered by the feminization of America. He and his wife, Kendra Thomas, home schooled thirteen children at the Thomas Nation’s University of Righteousness.Rev. Thomas spent six years as a traveling evangelist and two years as a pastor in St. Petersburg, Fl. In 1994, he became the assistant director of Operation Rescue/Operation Save America. He served under the leadership of Rev. Flip Benham, national director of Operation Rescue/Operation Save America. Altogether, he has close to 40 years of experience as a full time minister, public speaker, and writer.Rev. Thomas has written two published books and a several booklets, pamphlets, skits, plays, and is currently working on a movies script called “Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing. The first book is called the Kingdom Leadership Institute Manual, Raising up Leaders a Time like this Demands. The second book is called Abortion Violation, America’s Premier National Security Issue. His latest book that has not been published yet is called “Rearing Godly Children in a Godless Age.”A classically trained actor, Rev. Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude from Los Angeles Valley College where he also received the prestigious Honor Chancellors Award. After his official training, he started in full time ministry with New Life Drama Company, which was based in Cleveland, TN.In 1985, Rev. Thomas and his first wife, Liz, who passed away in August of 2005, started Elijah Ministries. Elijah Ministries is a teaching, preaching, and writing ministry dedicated to imparting a Biblical worldview to the Church of Jesus Christ that will provide the theological underpinnings to fulfill the “Great Commission.” The ultimate goal is to reform the Church to restore America.In 1998, Rev. Thomas established the Kingdom Leadership Institute. The vision is to identify, equip, and send forth the next generation of righteous leaders a time like this demands.In 2000, Rev. Thomas founded, built, and dedicated a unique Christian/Pro-life park to the Lord called Rachel’s Park Memorial in Waco,TX. RPM is designed to minister to post-abortive families. The name for the park comes from Jeremiah 31:15. The goal is to establish one park in every state of the union.In 2004, Rev. Thomas, along with Rev. Flip Benham and a ministry team, went on an adventure of a lifetime. They walked across America proclaiming a strong prophetic message. It marked the most arduous task in service to the Lord. The long-term mission and living parable took over six months to complete.In July, 2014, Rev. Flip Benham stepped down as national director of Operation Rescue/Operation Save America at OSA’s national event in New Orleans and Rev. Thomas was set in.For more information see https://operationsaveamerica.orgLike our page at Facebook/PatriotRadioUS and listen in each Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 PST with a replay at 9:00 PST on any of these great stations!106.5 FM Spokane101.3 FM Tri-Cities/Walla Walla93.9 FM Moses Lake810 AM Wenatchee/Moses Lake930 AM Yakima630 AM Spokane1050 AM Spokane and Far Beyond

Posted by Patriot Radio on Friday, August 10, 2018

 

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Texas State Rep Honors Jeremiah with State Resolution

Special shout out to Tony Tinderholt for honoring our son with a State Resolution and his commitment to follow up and abolish abortion in the state of Texas. To God be the glory!

THE STATE OF TEXAS
Resolution

Whereas, Jeremiah Thomas, a young man in Waco who is battling an aggressive form of bone cancer, has confronted adversity with a spirit of selfless courage that has won him the admiration of countless people; and

Whereas, the youngest son in a family of 13 children, 16 year old Jeremiah grew up with the dream of following in his father’s footsteps as a preacher; he has pursued a variety of athletic activities from an early age, and he has distinguished himself as a star football player since seventh grade, earning awards and winning a state championship as a member of a local Christian school team; along the way, he has been deeply devoted to his ministry and actively involved in both church and Bible study; and

Whereas, after going to a doctor for what he believed was a sport’s injury, Jeremiah was diagnosed with osteoblastic osteosarcoma in March 2018; forced to fight for his life, he has undergone several treatments and endured many physical complications over the past several months, while leaning more than ever on the love and support of his family and on the comfort he derives from his faith; and

Whereas, despite being weakened by his condition, Jeremiah has demonstrated a strength of character that is an inspiration to everyone around him; driven by his deep concern for those without a voice, he has dedicated himself to the campaign to end abortion, even going so far as to deliver a personal plea to the governor of Texas; he has also endeavored to be a role model for members of his own generation by calling on other young people to take a principled stand against injustice, and

Whereas, an exceptional young man, Jeremiah has shown his true mettle in the face of immense medical challenges, and he is in the thoughts and prayers of all who have been touched by his remarkable story; now therefore, be it

Resolved, that Jeremiah Thomas be honored for his extraordinary example of bravery and advocacy and that heartfelt best wishes be extended to him and his family.

Tony Tinderholt
State Representative
District 94

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