RELAX! This is not a rehash of the news on the media wire. It is kinda like why would I want to waste my time regurgitating that anyway. 🙂 I just wanted to share some news with you and also ask you to pray about something.
In a young church like ours, it is seldom you have two couples who reach the same milestone in the same year. In fact, it may be considered unusual given our cultural climate. This past February we had a couple (Lynn & Madi) celebrate their 50th anniversary. Yesterday, Jo & I were privileged to attend another 50th wedding anniversary celebration (Terrie & Frances). Madi, Terrie, and Frances were classmates here in Spencer and have remained friends all these years. Congratulations to both couples!
I spent 13 years as a pastor of a church in Terre Haute, IN from 1987-2000. We moved here in 11/2005. While in TH I had the privilege of being the pastor to a family. Their son, Matt, grew up in the church, and then as normally happens I lost contact. Several years ago the mom was in a horrific accident (T-boned by someone running a light) and survived. I visited the family in the Indy hospital where I saw Matt again for the first time in several years. He went on to start an innovative business venture with 2 others-starting clinics in schools for the employees. One of our ladies works for the one in Spencer. A couple of weeks ago Matt announced he had colon and liver cancer. Advanced far more than he let on. This past Friday, Matt went to be with Jesus. I’ve been asked by his mom & step-father to have his funeral so Monday and Tuesday will be busy and very emotional days for me. My prayer request is for Matt’s family (his parents, a fiance’, 4 children & siblings), his friends, his employees, and for me.
Highs and lows. Part and parcel of life. A celebration of marriage to a reflection on death. The life of a pastor. The life of each one of us. If I don’t respond to comments-other than approving them-you will understand why. It will also affect my blog reading and commenting. Thanks for understanding. More…thanks for praying for me.
One more item: a praise. Tami has been offered a teaching job in Bloomington, IN teaching Kindergarten. They say it is a mere formality from here. We are grateful to God for the open door.
The whole gamut in the life of us humans, huh? I don’t know any of the folks that you mentioned, but their stories certainly stir my emotions.
Being able to walk with others through these highs and lows in life is such a privilege and yet, takes every ounce of grace Jesus gives us as we minister for Him. Prayers are with you, Bill.
Praying
Keeping you and Matt’s family in my prayers, Bill. May God’s peace fill you all at this time.
Bill,
I will be praying for you this week. So sorry for the loss. Regarding Tami…so so very happy about this. I’ve been wanting to ask about this, but haven’t. Just been praying. I will be praying that this is such a joyful experience for her in every way she wants it to be, and in every way the Lord is leading her.
Oh Bill. How sad. I’m so glad that the Lord understands our grief. Even when we have the hope of eternity, it still hurts deeply to lose a loved one this side of heaven. Praying that Matt’s family will be comforted, and that you will be given strength as you minister to them. May God comfort your heart, too.
GOD BLESS.
‘Highs and lows. Part and parcel of life.’
Yep, you’ve said it all, Bill.
And I’m so grateful that He’s in it every step of the way …
Sounds like life. I guess, as a theist, you are grateful for the God who blesses long marriages, happy for the God opening door on the job, and trying to explain the God giving of cancer to that poor young man. I don’t really know how to process all of that through a religious filter but I am sure the emptions are the same with or without religion. I am sure you will be a positive influence in all of those situations. That’s life.
As a pastor I can’t imagine the extremes you encounter. The best if life one and the very worst the next. Prayers as you go thru it all and lead your flock
Sorry for your loss and this family’s loss, Bill. I was out of town earlier this week, but I’m praying. Thankful for the praise reports in the midst of the tragedy too. Blessings to you, friend.