Moore Teen Becomes Inspiration Around The World

A Moore teenager is overwhelmed by the response he has gotten around the world for a simple deed he said he felt had to be done.

It's been a month since 15-year-old Christian Lunsford reached out to his father's mugging victim.

"It warmed my heart to meet her," he said.

And it apparently warmed hearts around the world, as he has gotten dozens of calls, emails and letters from people commending him on his actions.

"Just doing a simple little deed that I thought had to be done turned out to be a big impact, it seems on the world," Christian said in disbelief.

An impact of inspiration, after Christian tried to pay a debt he didn't owe, by apologizing to Tona Herndon, whom his father, Shane Lunsford, allegedly robbed at the Bethany Cemetery. He also gave her some cash his dad gave him for a band trip. She of course returned the cash to him. But the deed didn't go unnoticed.

9/18/2013 Related Story: Son Of Alleged Bethany Cemetery Mugger Tries To Make Amends

"It's been really hectic with all the calls, letters," he said. "It's crazy. It's more than I expected to happen."

But it was one letter from someone in particular, Christian never imagined he would inspire. His dad.

"It's kind of hard for me to think, I mean I'm his son and [he's] not like looking up to me but seeing the good I'm doing and him wanting to do just as well," he said.

Christian shared some of his dad's letter, the part directed at Herndon, his alleged victim. In the letter, Shane Lunsford apologizes to her and blames his actions on his drug habit.

"I understand where he's coming from and I see that he's trying, but it's really based upon his actions," Christian said of his dad. "I mean, if he wants to do it, he will."

Christian said that only time will tell on whether or not his dad will change. But at the same time, Christian knows it's not his responsibility to change his dad and instead move forward with own life. It's a revelation that has inspired so many people.

"It's hard to understand and grasp upon that idea of other people looking up to you and wanting to follow how you act," Christian said.

But he's up for the task. And for those that believe in him, Christian said he's been getting donations to help cover his band expenses and college fund.

"I want to thank them greatly," he said of all the donations being sent to him. "I appreciate everything. It really speaks to me."

If you would like to donate to Christian's band expenses or college fund, you can do so at any Bank of Oklahoma branch in care of: Christian Lunsford Contribution Account. Or, you can contribute to ChristianLunsfordContribution@outlook.com if PayPal is used.

Excerpt from Shane Lunsford's letter sent to Christian for Tona Herndon:

"'Please forgive me, I meant you no harm. I wasn't going to hurt you, I do have a drug problem and I'm very sorry for it. I confess to the crime and prepared to do the punishment the DA establishes. I don't want to do this ever again. This isn't the person I am, but what I'm becoming because of drugs. My son is doing what's in his best interest, and I'm very proud of him. He is a blessing to me and I'm truly regretful and leaving this in God's hands."