Memorial of Les Brown

by those that loved him

Rev. Les BrownI remember very vividly the Fall of 1995. I wanted desperately to go to a Promise Keepers event with a friend of mine in Boston, MA. My dad told me that a group of men from Southside were going to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, TN for the event there in September. I bought my friend a plane ticket and together with my brother, (who flew in from D.C.) we met up with a group of men from Southside for the weekend conference. It was great being able to praise God and learn about brotherly Christian fellowship with my dad and brother right beside me. The men from Southside were really blessed too. It was a very special time of praise and worship with my dad that I will always cherish.

A second memory I would like to share is of September 2007. Dad came up to Vermont to attend a coming of age event for my eldest son who turned 13. On the Sunday of that weekend, again with my brother in tow, I had the honor of leading the congregation of our church in a worship time. Dad was there on his french horn, my brother played the keyboard, and with a small orchestra, we sang praises to God. It was an amazing time of fellowship and worship. The french horn really added a dimension to the music that we don't normally get to experience in our church. Members of the congregation kept coming up after the service to say how amazing the worship time was, and how blessed they were. My dad just smiled and said, 'Isn't God good?' That was just like him, to give the glory to God! I miss him, but I know that the principles he taught me over the years are built on the Rock of God's word. I can rely on them! Your Brother in Christ, Jon Brown (one of Les Brown's sons)

Les was a dear friend. I enjoyed working together with Les in planning and executing mission trips. He went on the first trip that I ever led to Antigua in 1997. We conducted Vacation Bible School . We would go out early each morning and walk through the neighborhood and "collect" the kids. We would form a parade and march back to the church. Les leading the children with his French HornLes led us in the parade by playing his French horn. He reminded us of the pied piper. I remember him playing "We are standing on Holy Ground" on his French horn. That was certainly a highlight of the trip.

I also co-led a trip with Les to South Africa in 2002. We had an awesome time and enjoyed so much our time and ministry there. We especially enjoyed our time at the Aurora school and Les blessed and encouraged the leadership, especially Veronica Walker who heads up the school. Next, we did some construction The Missions Teamin Mozambique to help build a Christian camp. This was an awesome time of fellowship with South African brothers, Les, my son Blake, and me. We worked hard and we had sweet fellowship. I especially remember swimming in the Indian Ocean . There were some big waves and Les enjoyed himself (it was obvious). The highlight that I remember most was Les preaching at a small local church. He shared a message from the Lord that was inspired and "perspired". It was extremely hot and we were packed wall-to-wall with no airflow. Even just sitting there we were sweating very heavily. As Les preached he got more and more animated. He was sweating profusely and before long his entire shirt was soaked from sweat. As I remember it, several people came forward and it was a blessed day.

Please pray for Gaye, their sons and their families. I pray that God himself may comfort and support them at this time. I also rejoice as I think about Les singing praise and worshiping God in His presence. I know that he is VERY happy!! --Daryl Thaxton

If you have a few kind words and some pictures that you would like to say about our brother in Christ, please email Kathy at kathy_mash@yahoo.com.

You are correct, Les Brown will be missed. I will never forget the attention he gave to my Mom and Dad. He would go by the nursing home and visit my Mom in Huntsville, and he would call long distance to Montgomery to talk with my Dad. He even drove to Montgomery just to visit my Dad when he went into the assisted living. My dad, until his death, never stopped talking about how faithful Les was and therefore how much he (Dad) loved Southside Baptist Church. Les truly cared about people and it showed. He was an example of servant leadership and Christ like love and compassion. May his tribe increase!

BE AGGRESSIVE.....BE BOLD......BE INTENTIONAL.......and remember........It is only "GOOD NEWS" if they hear it in time! Sammy Gilbreath - Alabama State Baptist Director Of Evangelism

My friend, Les Brown...However will I manage without you! The Lord will be stretching me when I find myself searching out the best itinerary for the next journey . You phone me and patiently inquire on the day I'm to leave for Uzbekizstan, "Janice, how are you?". "I'm devastated, Les. My passport was just delivered back to me without a visa at 11 am! The plane leaves at 2:30 this afternoon." Calmly, you reply, "I have called the Uzbek Embassy in Paris and there is a possibility you can get your visa there. Here is their address and phone number." Yes, you could see the impossible to be opportunity for the miracles and we both delight as we recount how God has been at work in the most miraculous way. I will miss sharing them with you. You were able to see the angels along my way and shared in the anticipation of what the Father would do.

On any journey, I felt secure knowing of your involvement. With my "back attack" in Kazakhstan as I cried out for the team to pray. Unable to move, you showed another ability. "I have watched my chiropractor when he worked on me. Would you like me to try it?" "Yes, please!" was my instant response and you proceeded to grab hold of my ankle giving it a few hefty yanks as the others hovered around. "I'm going to tell Gaye you've been pulling my leg!" and we all laugh at yet another talent.

You have always made me feel welcome and loved whenever I encountered your smiling face and I would eagerly seek it out. . .always a bright spot in my day! How I will miss you but I will look forward to hearing your ever present song when I see you again. You promised to sing at my funeral. Now I will be able to hear your song. Those left behind will strain to hear it but you will be there singing, playing and smiling with your entire being. For now, you will be sorely missed and every part of the work the Lord has for me will remind me of your involvement in my life and you will continue to journey with me. Thank you, dear brother and friend, for walking with me. With much love, Janice Combs