A little less than one year ago my sister’s best friend, Tyler Day, died. She was heartbroken. To see her heartbroken made me angry. At the time, I wasn’t on the right path to righteousness. I saw no point in class prayer or chapel time, and church was boring to me.

It all started after everyone found out Tyler had a tumor again—for the third time. This time, it turned out to be malignant. My sister’s heart was torn when she heard those terrifying words. That same year his physical health declined.

The principal, Kevin Kossick, called everyone to the chapel unexpectedly. As we walked down the hall to the chapel, you could feel apprehension in the air. You could tell what everyone was thinking and how he or she was feeling by their facial expressions and the way everyone walked. The principal went up to the front of the chapel and gave us the feared announcement—Tyler's life had ended. I turned around and looked at my sister, and I could tell her heart just fell apart into a million pieces.

That day was the quietest day I have ever seen at Battle Creek Academy. Everyone was thinking, remembering, and asking all sorts of questions. Many people asked their questions, but I kept mine inside.

Tyler’s experience changed many people, including me. I also think Tyler was changed through this whole thing. Tyler became a strong Christian man through his workout with God. His mother told us at the funeral that Tyler became much closer to God in his last days.

After his funeral I tried to just forget about it, but that didn’t work. Tyler kept popping back into my head, making me think: Everyone I love could die before tomorrow.

Studying the Bible helped me through the months to come. I came across a verse in Revelation 2:10: "Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."

Tyler’s death really helped me out spiritually and mentally. He made me reassess my relationship with God and where I want it to go. So thank you, Tyler. I can only hope to be as strong a Christian as you.

Morgan Steely is a junior at Battle Creek Academy. He will receive a $100 scholarship since his article was selected for publication.