Last Wednesday I officiated at a memorial service in South Amboy. The young man who died was Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Sebban. Many in his hometown came out to honor this young man who had grown up on their streets, and died on foreign soil. His mother Barbara attends Calvary. Ben was the first soldier, from the long list our fellowship prays for, who died.

The morning began with flags flying and tears flowing as the procession moved slowly through the center of town. It seemed as though the whole community had come out to say a final farewell. The honor guard solemnly led the mourners in the processional march to Christ Church, where the service was held. The route was lined with school children and veterans, neighbors and friends, all wanting to encourage the family of this hometown hero. That morning the air was filled with the sound of church bells ringing, bagpipes playing, and a final 21-gun salute in honor of one who had fallen in battle. The chaplain assigned to attend the service told me that the same strong show of love and support that Ben received was taking place at memorial services all around the country.

Ben was a combat medic and on March 17th he witnessed a bomb being set by an enemy combatant. Instead of running for his own life, he stepped into harm's way in an effort to warn others, and was fatally injured when the explosive went off. But while his own life's blood was being spilled, Ben spent his final moments treating the wounds of others. He has been recommended to receive, posthumously, a Silver Star, which is awarded for heroism.

Ben is a true hero--he gave his life for others. I was reminded that day, of the great personal sacrifice that our freedom cost. I am proud of our country, and of Ben and those like him, who have willingly paid the price to insure the liberty of others. And I can't help but think of another--Jesus--who willingly laid his life down in the ultimate sacrifice and demonstration of love on the cross. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Our prayers and love go out to Benjamin's mother Barbara and his two brothers Daniel and David, both of whom served in the military. 

In Him,


Lloyd 

The Home News Tribune has news articles, a short video, and photos of the memorial on their website that I would encourage you to view. The links are below.

Video:  http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/VIDEO/70329001/10

Photos: http://www.thnt.com/graphics/slideshows/sebban/

Articles:  http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/NEWS/703290436






Words of Remembrance

Ben was a Father to many! FATHER, you ask??? ... No, there are no secrets Ben hid from us, but to overlook one of his dominant characteristics simply because he was single with no BIOLOGICAL children would be to err. I saw Ben work with and interact with children of all ages and stages over the years, including my own three children. The young teens at summer camp under his supervision looked up to him as though he was their father, and I'm sure some secretly wished he was. My kids will forever cherish wonderful memories such as learning to ride a bike, ice-cream outings, movies, just hanging out, and the anticipation of his next phone call or visit. I will always be challenged to imitate his fatherly example.

Ben was a Son to few. One of the best available to mankind, I might add! If my kids turn out to be anything like him, I will be beyond pleased. This would fill Kim and me with a level of satisfaction and pride that all parents hope and pray for. Barb, I know you are beyond proud of Ben's amazing life. He was also a son of God. As Ben now rests in God's presence, we need to be comforted knowing that he joins the Apostle Paul who said, "...Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:20-21).

Ben was Brother to all. Dan and Dave, thank you for sharing your brother with the world. Ben's philosophy of brotherhood is well-described in the song "What It's Like", sung by the group Everlast. The song paints some graphic pictures of people facing hard times, but challenges you to think of "being in their shoes" rather than casting them away or judging them. That is how Ben lived and loved. Even from his days as a poor college student, Ben gave whatever he had to help those in need. If he didn't have it, he'd work to get it so he could give it. If Ben was your friend, your respect for him will never end. If Ben was your Brother-In-Arms, your respect for him will never end. If you had just met Ben, your respect for him will never end.

Ben, Thank you for your shining legacy. Thank you for serving God and Country!

Sgt. Todd Hibbard


It was a privilege, an honor, to have been your friend. But it was more. You were a brother to me ...yes in the Christian sense (and so I'm confident we'll meet again on that "beautiful shore") but in the family sense too. I feel a part of me is lost. It was your interest in my return from Operation Desert Storm that ignited our friendship... a friendship that deepened and endured more than any other from my Navy career. I remember well our first meeting at Lincroft Bible Church when you were only 13. I've still got the Desert Storm collector cards you gave me. You inspired me with your perseverance in a tough environment in South Amboy without a Dad to guide you. You mentored your brothers and never ceased honoring your mother. Most of all you were ever faithful to your Lord Jesus. You devoted real time and energy to know Him deeply through your studies at Word of Life. You served Him in your care of the sick and injured. You honored Him in your leading and teaching of younger soldiers. And you're with Him now, having lain down your life for your brothers, your fellow soldiers, and the American people.

Thank you for blessing my family. We all remember well when Big Ben would visit and dazzle us with Army stories, photos and equipment. I remember when Stephen and Josh tried on your boots... little boys' feet in some really big shoes to fill. How they admired you! Truly an honorable man to emulate. The Haverstick family (and, yes, the American people) were privileged to have Benjamin Sebban in their midst. ..for too short of a time. Thanks, Ben, for inspiring us to be all God intended us to be!

May He bless you now in peace with Him.

C. David Haverstick, LCDR, USNR