A high school football star who made it his dying wish to abolish the practice of abortion in his home state of Texas has died after a short battle with cancer.
Jeremiah Thomas, son of Rusty Thomas, who is the director of pro-life organization “Operation Save America,” passed away on Sunday evening after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer earlier this year.
“Warrior Down!” Rusty posted on Facebook, announcing the sad news. “Jeremiah has finished the last lap of the race of faith. He crossed the finish line at 7:20 PM. The battle is over and Christ has won. He lived well for His Lord and died even better for Him.”
A video posted in June showed Thomas on the phone to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, pleading with him to help eradicate abortion in his beloved state.
“Your wish is on the Republican party platform position,” Governor Abbott responded, “and we’re going to be pursuing this…And that is to outlaw abortion altogether in the state of Texas.”
Gov. Abbott granted Jeremiah Thomas (16) his dying wish. He called Jeremiah yesterday and promised to help abolish abortion in Texas.The Governor was gracious with his time. He listened to Jeremiah's testimony and encouraged him in his faith. Jeremiah said that the Governor was "compassionate and receptive."Jeremiah shared his heart regarding abortion. He appealed to the Governor to protect preborn babies by completely abolishing abortion by treating it as murder and penalizing it by law in the great state of Texas. Prior to the call, the Governors wife, Cecilia, reached out to Jeremiah through Facebook. She sent prayers and hugs. They both demonstrated genuine Christian love and concern for the plight of our son.#Godsgotthis#AbolishAbortionTX#GovernorAbbott#MakeAWishwww.operationsaveamerica.org
Posted by Rusty Thomas on Monday, June 18, 2018
Rusty paid tribute to his courageous son in a powerful online obituary: “Jeremiah’s life, message, and testimony has reached into the church world, the sports world, the political world, and even Hollywood,” he wrote. “His story has been picked up by national and international and news agencies, including Fox News…”
He added: “The Daily Mail, the second largest newspaper in London, also ran his story. Italy picked it up and the largest pro-life student group contacted him to discuss how to abolish abortion in their country.”
“Recent gubernatorial candidate for Governor from Oklahoma, Dan Fisher, did a special interview with Jeremiah since he ran on the platform of abolishing abortion in his state. State Representative Tony Tinderholt who has and will introduce another bill of abolition in Texas honored Jeremiah with a Texas State Resolution.”
“Good night for now, precious son,” Rusty concluded. “We will see you in the morning.”
In a recently released video on Jeremiah’s faith-filled mission, Thomas says boldly: “Sometimes bravery is laying down your life for something bigger than yourself.”
Speaking shortly before his death, Jeremiah lamented that he had lost his hair, ability to walk, and the “sensation in his legs and back.”
“But I haven’t lost my faith and hope in God,” Thomas declared. “In fact my faith in Him has been strengthened. I have grown so closer to my savior, knowing full-well my life in His hands, knowing he has been guiding and teaching me.”
Then, Thomas made a “call to his generation.”
Posted by Jeremiah Thomas on Sunday, July 30, 2017
“One-third of our generation has been wiped out due to abortion,” he said, noting the pervasive darkness that has shrouded our culture.
“My call to you today is to come back to the Father,” Thomas added. “Leave behind the darkness and despair. There is healing in Christ. Let’s make a journey of saving faith, back to the Father’s house.”
Thomas concluded his plea: “It is there only that we will find light, love and life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Powerful video was shared of Jeremiah’s baptism, in which he talks of witnessing some 50 kids rededicating their lives to Christ at his local church.
“Here he comes. He’s never been mine, he’s always been yours!” Rusty screamed as he baptized his son.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer…
Posted by Matthew Tringali on Saturday, August 25, 2018
Just before he died, as his body writhed in pain, Jeremiah had some final words. ”I have been feeling His presence and I’ve been praying for God to heal me and change my body but if He doesn’t then to change my heart,” he said. “I pray create in me a clean heart. I’m in a lot of pain but Jesus went through a lot of pain too and gave the ultimate sacrifice to save us so if I can save one person or one baby it will be worth it.”
Pray for Jeremiah’s family at this extraordinarily difficult time.