Last week they concluded the 23rd year of Survivor.  Many times this season one would find the cast members were  having a prayer meeting, instead of playing a game.  Even Jeff Probst mentioned that he had never seen a year with so much prayer and talk of honesty and faith.  They prayed for everything from winning challenges to maintaining integrity.

Brandon Hantz was perhaps the most vocal about his relationship with Jesus.  He said his main motive for playing the game was to restore the Hantz family name.  His uncle, Russel Hantz is probably the meanest player to ever be on the show.  He was the original lying, cheating, weasel.  He was playing to win and didn’t care who got hurt in the process.  He has played the game, but never won the million dollars.

Brandon, just a young man, was trying to turn his life around.  Although he had been raised in the church, like so many of us, he had strayed away from Jesus.  He had become  a drug addict.  He lived a rough life that he was not proud of.  Now with a wife and children, he never wanted to be that person again.

You could see the on going battle between good and evil as Brandon played the game.  He wanted to be a good witness for Jesus, but in a game that is dominated with trickery and lies, that is a difficult thing to do.  When he would mess up, he was quick to repent and apologize to those he offended.  It really was quite riveting to watch as he walked out his faith in front of millions of viewers.

Brandon didn’t win the cash prize, but he came home with a deeper relationship with Jesus and a resolve to keep the faith.  His extended family were less than thrilled with the way he played the game.  His Uncle Russel was at the reunion portion of the show.

He said, “I brought greatness to Survivor and no one needed to clear the Hantz name.  Brandon’s gamed sucked!  He did everything wrong! He did absolutely nothing right!”

Most of Brandon’s family were not happy with him either, other than his wife and children.  None of his family made the trip to the reunion to support him.  He said no one accepted him and his faith in Jesus.

What a shame that this young man gave his best shot and those who should have been supportive, weren’t.  I know it doesn’t matter what I think of Brandon, but I am proud of him.  I think he did a great job, even if he won no money.  I almost wish I could tell him that.  He needs to know that there are millions of Christians out there who did support him.