One of the great influences on my life has been Brian Hanneman and I want to share about the legacy that he has had on my life. Through his example I was shown what it means to live Hebrews 10:24-25 “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds; let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
I first met Brian at a freshman orientation visit to UNI the summer before my first year, and it was clear God had provided someone to encourage me in my walk with the Lord and empower me to live purposefully, meaningfully, and effectively.
I was in a Bible study that Brian led my freshman and sophomore years at UNI. Over these two years I saw a true example of what it means to be a man of God and a great leader. Each week I was encouraged by the depth of understanding and command of the Word of God that Brian had. He led our study into great discussion and facilitated great questioning and conversation that led us into a deeper understanding of the Bible. The most prominent factor that sticks out in my mind from these two years was seeing him lead by example. He didn’t ask or challenge us to do anything that he wasn’t doing. He was disciplined in scripture memory in a way I had never seen, he was diligent and relentless about making sure to have time in the word and prayer each day regardless of how busy he was or how many things were on his plate that day. It was at this point I began to really dive wholeheartedly into scripture memory and experience the abundance that came from this. Scripture memory brought me into a whole new depth of understanding in the Word of God, and continues to be a foundational piece of my relationship with the Lord. I was encouraged by his example and was held accountable and empowered through his actions and his words. I also fought even more diligently for my time with the Lord each day, and stopped making excuses of being busy. While up until that point I had been seeking the Lord and spending time with Him on a daily basis, the result of this on my life was huge, and it gave me an example of discipline that encourages and challenges me to this day. I learned more about servant leadership in that time than I could have ever read about in years. Brian was never hesitant in recognizing his own faults or missteps, and always shared openly and honestly with the group about his journey. Being real and honest about these things showed a heart for accountability and brought forth an honesty in the group that was very powerful. Brian was also a man that sought to live a life of purity that would be honoring to God, and to his future wife. His example challenged me and many other men to remain men of character, honor, and integrity for our future wife.
To this day I am still challenged by the example he set in living a life for Christ. He is continuing to transform lives at the University of Colorado through the Navigators. All of this is a result of our gracious God and how He works all things for the good of those who love Him. It is for God’s glory that I share this story, and it is to him I give credit for putting influences such as this in my life that have made me the man I am today.
I encourage you today to press on and press in, living a life that leaves a Legacy that will bless generations and nations.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
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