06/04/2026
On June 4, 2004, five Crown College students entered the presence of the Lord: Brad Askew, Darci and Aaron Brown, David Childers, and Jonathon Pinkerton.
More than two decades later, their testimony continues to speak. Though their time on earth was brief, their devotion to Christ, their love for souls, and their surrender to God's will left a lasting mark on The Crown College family and on countless others who knew them.
Each of these young people had yielded their lives to serve the Lord. Aaron and Darci Brown were preparing to help start a church in the Northwestern United States. Brad Askew had dedicated his life to serving Christ through Christian music. David Childers had surrendered to preach the Gospel wherever God would lead. Jonathon Pinkerton was traveling for the first time that summer, burdened to reach young people with the message of Jesus Christ.
Following their homegoing, Founder, Dr. Clarence Sexton, reminded us of the challenge their lives present:
"Who will go to America now? Let us pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth labourers into His harvest."
Their work for the Lord did not end on that June day. As Scripture declares, "...their works do follow them." (Revelation 14:13)
Today, a memorial honoring these five faithful young people is displayed in the Christian Heritage Center on the campus of The Crown College. Their story continues to encourage visitors to live for Christ, serve Him wholeheartedly, and remember the brevity of life.
We thank God for their testimony and for the lasting influence they continue to have on generations of Crown students.
