Fort Myers pastor opens door for family in their greatest time of need

At Life Church in Fort Myers, Pastor Ryan Deaton shares the messages we might expect.

"Love the Lord, your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength," said Pastor Ryan. "Love your neighbor as yourself."

From his perspective, loving others is simple: It comes down to serving others. It's at the heart of what he does, and what he did one month ago when Sam Simon's family needed it most.

The Simons lost their 26-year-old son, Mardochee Simon, to diabetes complications.

"I wake up every day and just hope that it's all a dream. You know, I really do," said Mardochee's brother, Sam.

The Simons desperately searched for a place to honor Mardochee.

A place just two days after Christmas, a place that could host around 1,000 family members and friends.

"We called literally everywhere," said Sam.

Just when it seemed like they'd need to throw in the towel because everywhere was saying no, Pastor Ryan said yes.

"I said, we can seat 720 in our place," Ryan said.

When he offered up his church, Ryan had no idea who the Simon family was.
He just knew they needed a place to honor their brother and son; in need to gather around all of the people special to them. Ultimately, they were in need of service.

"I felt like it was something that we were meant to do," said Ryan.

"Every day I am just in shock that someone would just extend their arms, and wrap their arms around our pain like that," said Sam. "That's how it felt. That meant the world."

When it comes to helping others, Ryan proves it's not always easy, but it's a calling that's always worthwhile.

"I think that's what we're called to do," said Ryan. "Love others and serve them. We had an opportunity to do that."

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