03/03/2025
Here is the story/testimony of Darden, Allen’s donor:
We are still in awe of God’s goodness and of orchestraing Darden into our family. So thankful for his willingness to give.
Thanks to everyone who has been praying.
Wow..Darden’s testimony:
A small consideration of how God works
in our lives and prepares us for His will:
- I attended Bethel Church from birth, until my parents' divorce and our leaving the church in 2001.
- I was invited to Southlake Baptist Church by a young boy for VBS in 2006; we joined the church shortly after.
- The pastor's son married, and his older
brother met his future wife while walking
her down the aisle in 2007.
- We remained close family friends with
the woman who married into the pastor's family.
- Fast forward about 10 years, closer to
finishing college in 2018.
- My pastor's daughter-in-law (the lady
walking down the aisle, Tabby) teaches at a small Christian school started by a special woman.
- This special woman started the school
because she was inspired to become a
teacher, like her mother before her.
Through Heather's dedication to starting
the school, she inspired her own daughter, Lexy to go to college to become a teacher and work for the school.
- Tabby (the lady walking down the aisle)
met Lexy while working together and
mentioned that she knew a family friend
Lexy might want to date as she finished
college.
- Lexy and I became soulmates shortly
after.
- The first summer after I met my now wife, she invited me to her family reunion weekend in 2019.
- I met a family member, Allen Johnson,
and grew close to the family through
repeated visits each year.
- Now, in 2025, Allen and I are one month
away from undergoing life-changing
kidney surgery. Allen has had kidney issues and needed a replacement.
- F r o m t h e m o m e n t I h e a r d a b o u t A l l e n needing a kidney, I had to get involved. I told God I would go through each door he opened until the door was closed or the surgery was done.
- This is a family I love very much, and I
know that God has prepared my life for a
great moment like this.
- It is widely understood that God gave us two kidneys for a reason: one to keep and one to give.
- This does not tell the whole story but
captures a small essence of His power and grace He sheds on our lives.
So here is how you can help be a part of
this story:
- Share this post; if the right person sees
this, it could make the difference in
someone's life.
- Pray for us as God prepares the hearts
and the minds of the surgeons.
The power of prayer is real, and it would
take years to document how much prayer has been offered to make this story happen, going all the way back to who knows when.
God is always good. John 15:13. I have had this verse as my screensaver since I started the process back in October.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
I am not special. I am just a vessel.
However, I serve a God that has allowed me to play a part in this journey.
We are thankful that Darden listened to the call. To God we give all the glory, honor and praise 🙌 🙏
Please continue to pray for our familes, the doctors and medical team.
