So humbling..I couldn’t help but shake my head in amazement and say to myself, “of course they pray that.” I am so quickly humbled as I sometimes get frustrated with loss in my own life, or personal struggle that I don’t understand and you two are asking the Lord to take everything for the sake of building his story – for spreading his word rapidly and with honor. Driving down to see my grandpa this afternoon the Lord quickened me to have a time of silence afterward, of course the only cd in my car is yours, CJ. Take all of me was repeated many a time and I couldn’t help but focus on the verse that says, “all that I have is all intended for your glory…” Your now experience teaches me that it’s not just a song written for you that sounds good to worship to, it’s your lifestyle.

2 Corinthians 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

You are living this right now–and I have a feeling you will bless so many in the years ahead who go through a similar tragedy.

Your sweet family- CJ, Renee, Titus- you are in our constant thought and prayers.

Love…Jody

I’ve been a Christian for about 12 years now…and always knew I should be closer to the Lord but figured, coming from my “traditional” church roots, that I was doing ok. After all, I go to church, small group and try to read my Bible…I have a personal relationship with Jesus. So, why am I struggling with all the events of the past week? I’ll tell you, it’s because you & Renee have lived out my deepest fear, losing a loved one…especially a child! AND your message is to TRUST and SURRENDER! Oh dear, that seems a bit extreme to a control freak like me! Surely I need to maintain control to avoid pain. What? You say, joy, praise & peace IN the pain? Give God the pain? Allow yourself to be open for MORE pain? Let God use you for His glory in the midst of struggles? NO WAY! That is, unless I want to have the faith & trust in our Lord and Saviour that I see modeled so amazingly in your precious family. Dear precious ones, such a faith walk seems reserved for a select group of God’s best. However, I know that is a cop-out and excuse to avoid what He is leading me to do. Your family is a light, an real testimony to God’s power…not our own power, to be sure. If we would only totally trust & give ourselves to Him completely. I know the Holy Spirit is prompting me to grow as I read more of your journey. Thank you for being so transparent. Your Titus is making a huge impact for the Kingdom. Thank you, Bergman Family, for inspiring this old dog to try a new trick, to get out of my comfort zone, to (oh dear) totally surrender and TRUST HIM!

God continue to bless you & hold you & guide you. With continued prayers & hugs,
Susan xoxox

Denise

I think I’ve known you guys for about a year now and until a week ago, I realized you have a blog page. I received an email from you last Friday, which explained the events that had taken place. It’s difficult for me to know where to begin, but I as your brother in Christ I will just speak from my heart. I feel ashamed and humiliated that I have not taken the time to get to know you and Renee better over the last year. Since your son Titus has left to be with Christ, I have not been able to stop thinking about you guys. You posses more Godly power than I have ever felt from other believers before, due to your full submission to Christ. No one can touch your integrity. There are few people in my life, to whom I can point others towards to say, “If you want to see Jesus, watch C.J. and Renee”.

I think I’ve briefly shared my history and testimony with you before, so it’s important for you to know that the destruction of my past and my present has and is PRIDE. Reading your blog over the last week and being at the memorial service has completely broken me. Which as you know is the best place to be for Jesus to grab a hold of you. This experience has brought me totally humility. I think I’ve shared your story with a million people over the last few days.

I want You to know that the story of Titus is and will be bringing many people to know Jesus Christ. For guys like me who are already saved, your story and example of commitment to Christ is going to help shape me closer to what a follower of Christ really looks like. You two are the real deal.

It’s good for you to know that the both of you are as authentic of people that the world can come by. I am so honored to be apart of your lives and have the privilege of knowing you. C.J, I would go to battle with you any day of the week.

Seeing you Monday night standing up in front of your friends and family, with CJ holding you tightly, sharing with us what you are going through, was a moment I will not soon forget. I saw a woman, a mother, who has been through so much pain and hurt over her life choose to deny herself and to glorify God with everything she has. After the service was over, I sat at the back and watched as you and CJ welcomed the love of those around you. It was one of the beautiful pictures of God’s love I have ever seen. Like you said that night, I saw the bride of Christ at her best.

I am deeply saddened by the hurt that you are both having to face right now. You and CJ are the most incredible, God-honoring parents I know, and I feel so blessed to call you my friends. My prayer for you three now is that your story will never fade, in my own heart, in the hearts of others who have heard, and in the hearts of those who have yet to hear. I hope that you will never let up, but continue to seek God in your suffering and joy.

Love you guys,

Phillip