As any mother does when she first cuddles her newborn bundle, Lisa Reed knew her baby boy, Tyler, was special. But the feeling was different this time.

She knew this little boy had a wonderful purpose-the kind that makes a difference. She told her husband, Doug, and they gave Tyler their special love and attention for three and a half years.

Then, on September 19, 2000, Tyler became ill and was hospitalized with severe dehydration. Days of tests revealed that he suffered from a bacterial infection and, despite all his doctors could do, his condition grew steadily worse.

Amid many surgeries, he won the hearts of the hospital staff. A sign on his door said, "This Is Brave Tyler Reed."

People from a sister-in-law's church came daily to offer prayer and comfort. They also planted a life-changing seed.

One day, as Doug was in the hospital room alone, Lisa's father-in-law, a pastor for 35 years, prayed for him, and Doug gave his heart to Jesus at Tyler's bedside.

When Lisa entered the room, she immediately saw Doug's calm and peace. "I wanted what he had," she recalls, "and I too gave my heart to Jesus." Then they prayed together, asking God to keep Tyler in His loving hands and to heal him.

God graciously let them share a week with their precious son, singing to him, brushing his soft little hair and kissing his angelic face. Then He gently lifted him into His presence.

Lisa and Doug knew God had given little Tyler His perfect healing, but they had questions about their son's special purpose.

Then they got a call from Lisa's cousin, Scott McNeal. Hearing about Tyler's bravery and untimely death, he had asked God for a way to honor his memory. The Lord had led him to enter a triathlon, use the sponsorship money to have a water well drilled for an African village and name it in Tyler's honor.

When Lisa heard the news, tears of joy spilled down her cheeks. Tyler's brief life was making a difference. Because of him, God was giving safe water to thousands of thirsty people for a lifetime and had given her and her husband living water that they might never thirst again.

Scott McNeal
Honored Tyler Reed's Memory and Brought Life to an African Village

The moment Scott McNeal heard of the death of his cousin Lisa Reed's little boy, Tyler, only 3, he prayed for a way to honor his memory and touch Lisa and her husband, Doug, with God's love.

When, on the LIFE TODAY Web site, he saw children dying of waterborne diseases, he felt led to support MISSION: WATER FOR LIFE. By completing a triathlon, a grueling physical event, he raised the money for one well, to be named for Tyler. When he called to tell Lisa and Doug, he learned they had accepted Jesus as Savior!

Through Scott's prayers and obedience, God used little Tyler's life to give water to many who thirst and eternal life to his Mom and Dad.