Josiah David Berger is described by those closest to him as a faithful friend, loving son, an incredible brother to his three siblings – Heather, Cody and Destiny – and follower of Jesus Christ. On August 11, 2009 Josiah was in a single-car accident, and three days later, on what would have been his 19th birthday, Josiah passed away. Unbeknownst to his parents, Josiah had chosen to be an organ donor, and his gifts immediately saved the lives of five people. "We take great pride and joy in Siah's decision to donate his organs," said his father Steve. "Siah will now live on in heaven and earth." Josiah's House opened in the Dominican Republic in 2010 to offer a productive and hope-filled life to orphaned boys.

Josiah's Story

Always the life of the party, with a sense of humor and sheer joy that always lit up a room, Josiah Berger is described by those closest to him as a faithful friend, loving son, incredible brother to his three siblings – Heather, Cody and Destiny – and follower of Jesus Christ. "Our family motto is 'Always 6, Never 5.' This is our faith declaration that Josiah is fully alive in Heaven and one day we will be reunited!" Josiah made it his life's mission to encourage others and live life to the fullest. "Siah used to say, 'Sleep is a waste of time!' This gives a window into his spirit and zest for life," affirmed Sarah.

Josiah was working toward a black belt in kung fu and stayed in incredible physical condition. "In retrospect," said Sarah, "I would say that Siah was conditioning his body in order to give others the incredible gift of life!"

On August 11, 2009 Josiah was in a single-car accident and suffered life threatening injuries. Steve and his wife Sarah were joined by individuals and groups throughout the community and the world as they prayed for Josiah. Two days later, on what would have been his 19th birthday, Josiah passed away.

Unbeknownst to his parents, Josiah had chosen to be an organ donor. His compassionate decision immediately saved the lives of five people, and went on to drastically improve the quality of life for 77 more.

"We take great pride and joy in Siah's decision to donate his organs," said Steve. "Siah will now live on in heaven and earth."

Josiah's legacy lives on in those who received his organs, as well as in the boys who will find hope and a future in the House that bears his name.

Opened in the Dominican Republic in 2010 in honor of the life of Josiah David Berger, Josiah's House cares for orphaned boys from extremely dire situations, giving them everything they need to live a productive and hope-filled life. As Steve affirmed, "Josiah's House is the house where hope lives."

Josiah's living legacy shows that, truly, life goes on.