Spoon's Fiercely Faithful Memorial

When choosing a college, the vibrant community of faith was ultimately what drew Justin Spoon to Asbury University. Known affectionately as “Spoon,” he formed meaningful relationships across campus as two-time captain of the men’s Cross Country team, as a member of the Men’s Glee Club and through his leadership as a Spiritual Life Coordinator.

In the spring of 2021, Justin graduated to a standing ovation from his peers amid an intense treatment protocol for his cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, which ultimately claimed his life on March 23, 2023.

When Justin was asked to share his advice for a fruitful life, he responded to live “fiercely faithful,” which is something he demonstrated to all those around him.

In the last weeks of his life, when asked by his family what they could do to give back to this place he came to love, he requested an investment be made to further develop spiritual vitality on campus.

Spoon’s Fiercely Faithful Fund has been established by family and friends to support spiritual growth initiatives under the Office of Student Life. Each gift received is used to create an environment for students to experience the fullness of God’s love and grow spiritually.
 

“There is no cure... I refuse to let that news break me, though. Life is only worth it if I make it worth it. Right now, I vow to live every single day I have left to the fullest. I vow to love with my whole heart, laugh with every ounce of air in my lungs, run ’til my legs give out, and squeeze every drop of goodness out of this load of lemons life has dropped on me. God has a plan, and even though I struggle to see where this will lead me, I trust Him. I refuse to let cancer take control and make me bitter. I laugh in cancer’s face, because I’ve got the God that created the world on my side, and He supplies my joy and supplies me with more grace and mercy and love than I could ever need. I am God’s instrument and will continue to be until the day I die.” –Justin Spoon