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Driver in fatal crash follows Lord, becomes pastor

Brandon Miller stands at the counter by pictures of his brother, Chad, inside the new Chad Miller annex at Community Harvest Church Wednesday, July 8, 2009, in Germantown. Brandon Miller, the new youth pastor at the church, was driving when he was involved in a car accident that killed his brother Dec. 17, 2005. The new annex is named in Chad's honor.

Staff photo by Nick Graham Brandon Miller stands at the counter by pictures of his brother, Chad, inside the new Chad Miller annex at Community Harvest Church Wednesday, July 8, 2009, in Germantown. Brandon Miller, the new youth pastor at the church, was driving when he was involved in a car accident that killed his brother Dec. 17, 2005. The new annex is named in Chad's honor.

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By Rick McCrabb, Columnist Updated 11:24 PM Friday, July 10, 2009

GERMANTOWN — Brandon Miller could have died that day, that awful Dec. 17, 2005 day when he wrecked a pickup truck with his younger brother in the passenger seat.

Not died as in stopped breathing, but died as in stopped living, buried under six feet of guilt.

Nearly four years after wrecking the truck, and killing his 13-year-old brother, Chad, Brandon Miller, now 21 and a senior accounting major at Miami University, is making the greatest comeback this side of Lance Armstrong.

After falling asleep behind the wheel, and causing an accident that killed his brother, Brandon had two choices: Shut out the rest of the world, or tighten his connection with Christ.

He used his godly GPS.

“The Lord has given him the strength and grace to make it through a hardship,” said the Rev. Duane Harney, pastor at Community Harvest Church in Germantown, which the Millers attend. “His faith gives us all hope.”

Brandon said he was filled with more questions than answers after the accident.

“What are you doing here, God?” he asked. “We just have to trust him, and hopefully all questions work out. God blessed us with strength and peace. I don’t know how people do it without the Lord.”

Added Brandon’s mother, Marsha: “The Lord leads him. There is no other way he could get through this ... one of the hardest things a person could face. But he chose to stay on course, to move forward and hopefully lead the youth.”

Which brings us to the church’s newest addition, the 180 Cafe named in memory of Chad Miller. The 5,000-square-foot youth center was recently dedicated, and guess who the church named as its youth pastor?

Brandon Miller, that’s who.

“For all of this to happen,” Harney said, “it must be a God-thing. How else can you explain it? God had his hands in this, that’s for sure.”

Brandon agreed. “The timing was perfect. It’s hard to explain, really. It wasn’t like I ever thought about being youth pastor, but one day, it hit me.”

Brandon is on a roll. Next month, he’ll marry Brittany Bowermaster, 20. When asked what he thinks will be harder — youth pastor or husband — Brandon paused, then answered: “Man, that’s a hard one. You better ask me that one later.”

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I grew up with both of these boys (Brandon and Chad). They were great kids from a great family and I am SO proud of Brandon for not ever giving up and being so strong. Marsha, Mitch or Brandon, if you read this, just know that I am SO excited to read of this. The church dedicating the building to Chad is wonderful. I love you guys! Keep going strong and don't ever give up....
--John King

John King
1:27 PM, 8/12/2009

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In this case this family attended church on a regular basis ,the death of his brother did not cause Brandon to turn to God, He already had a relationship with him. This family has shown all of us at community Harvest what it truly is to trust the Lord in such difficult times. I'm glad Brandon has excepted the call God has placed on his life,and I am proud to have my kids attend this youth group .

scott
11:11 PM, 7/22/2009

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kickinitgemstyle,
It is your freedom to speak your thoughts, American Soldiers died so you could have that freedom. I don't want to cram "religion" down your throught, just offer this challange. Try Jesus see what a diferance He can make in your life. See, if I'm wrong then no big deal, But if your wrong you will wish you listened. Check out Comunity Harvest Church as mentioned in this article or any church that preaches the Bible should be interesting.

anonymus
2:32 PM, 7/12/2009

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Death always scares people into religion. I feel horrible for Brandon that he accidently killed his brother, but that's no excuse to fill your head with lies and then dedicate you life to spreading the false words of Christianity. Sorry to rain on the parade, but there are 100's of religions in the world which all claim to be absolute truth.

kickinitgemstyle
5:33 PM, 7/11/2009

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Well, I guess there's always going to be those out there that see EVERYTING in life in a negative sort of way... I don't care what anyone has done in life as long as they make right with the LORD, and are earnest about it.

ss
2:20 PM, 7/11/2009

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