To Brian Pereira’s beloved wife Ingrid, his children Chistopher, Matthew, Christian, Christal and the Pereira family. I offer this tribute to Brian; the one you knew as a godly husband, wonderful dad, and family patriarch. 

———————————————

Faced with the challenge of describing Brian’s life in one word–for me–it would be SPECIAL!

There was rarely a time in my decade-plus connection with Brian Pereira that at least a hint of heaven wasn’t present. Whether it was in casual contact, or on a serious mission trip we took together to Guatemala (see photo), Brian’s status in our relationship was consistently special. His pure heart and seriousness of godly purpose would always influence our atmosphere. May I share a couple of specific experiences that will establish more clearly what I mean.

There were several times when Brian would call me out of what seemed “nowhere” to tell me that the Spirit of God prompted him to call. Invariably, I was stuck somewhere in a bad or ugly spot. Brian’s call injected what the world is missing on its own – a godly component. I learned quickly that when Brian called, it was time for me to sit and really listen. Why? Because it was clear that God chose this man as His anointed messenger to me in my time of need. When, what, and how Brian prayed always served as a confidence builder that directed me to a wholesome resolve. He seemed to supernaturally “know” what was going on in my particular situation and to assure me through his spirited words that our God and Father was on the scene.

A couple of weeks ago I went to see Brian at his home in Providence. A nurse was there and I waited in their living room until I could go in to see him. As I sat there, it dawned on me that something more was happening. The room I was in wasn’t just a mere “living room”, it was a room saturated with the Spirit of life Himself. In spite of Brian’s condition, it was my great privilege to be there. I began to read words highlighted on their living room wall and on the mountings and plaques in the room: Here is just a sample:

• Family….where life begins and love never ends.

• Friends are the flowers that bloom in life’s garden.

• Love makes a house a home.

• Dwell in Possibilities.

One plaque said:

I am not gone.

My soul lives on but in a better place

Surrounded by the light of God

In all His glory and grace.

Another read:

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

The peak of my last visit with Brian was no different than usual. As we concluded our time together, tiring and almost incoherent, Brian prayed his heart out to God for me. It was truly an amazing and final blessing.

Even in physical departure, Brian Pereira’s specialness has not ended. I’m fully persuaded that God has welcomed Brian with a new body and personally ushered him to a heavenly mansion befitting a man who lived a sacramental life; one that honored God as His Father, one that trusted Him as his Shepherd, and one that related to Him as his closest friend

I’m so grateful for my friend, Brian’s life, his sweet memory and lasting legacy. The intimacy of his prayerful communion and the taste of Brian’s “living room” only begin to whet my appetite for when we’ll meet again. Your example of a walk of unyielding faith was extraordinary for those who knew you. I can only thank God for you, Brian.  You will always be that SPECIAL!

A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Prov 18:24