We have felt your prayers of comfort over the recent weeks and your many acts of thoughtfulness and compassion have been too numerous to count. There are simply too many to list or mention by name, but just know that every Facebook message, text, phone call, email, card and personal expression of sympathy was so powerfully healing during these past few weeks. For those of you that took the time to reach out and let me and my family know that you cared and that you were praying for us: thank you for loving us and caring for us. We have been reminded repeatedly of what a special family we have in the CGGC and you have demonstrated the love of Jesus to us over and over again in the past few weeks.
There are a few examples that I want to share. First, I want to thank Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. and his lovely wife, Darlene. I was actually in Pennsylvania when Dad passed away and Jim and Darlene were hosting me in their home. They gave me a safe and comfortable space to process the difficult news and gave me permission to grieve however I needed to grieve. They gave me the space I needed while also practicing a ministry of presence and it blessed me greatly.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my coworkers at the General Conference Office in Findlay. First of all, thanks to Brandon Kelly and Don Dennison for providing guest blogs to free up some of my time and allow me to be fully present with my family. I work with the best group of folks – you are true servant leaders and your love for Jesus is obvious through your actions. You’ve cared for me, you’ve listened to me process my grief, and many of you were present at my dad’s memorial service. Each act of kindness and compassion has touched me deeply.
I want to thank the Pastor Curt Weaver and the great folks at East Harrison Street Church of God (MRC) in Charleston, IL. The gift of a funeral luncheon was such a tremendous blessing to our family and friends. I’m proud of my home congregation and certainly not surprised by the good things happening at East Harrison Street given the love, hospitality and care you bestowed upon our family in our time of need. Thank you for such a thoughtful and caring gesture of kindness.
I am simply overwhelmed by the great number of you who either attended one of the services or visitations. Your presence was a great ministry to my family. There are many more of you who have taken the time to call, send an email or Facebook message, or drop a card in the mail. Again, thank you for your thoughtfulness. I must single out my brother, Pastor Charlie Yost. As many of you know, Charlie has served as one of our military chaplains over the years and is no stranger to the perils of loss and grief. I want to thank Charlie for the book, Grieve Like a Man: Finding God’s Strength as You Walk Through Your Loss by Jonathan Fann. I was not familiar with this book, but it’s been incredibly insightful in helping me understand what I’m experiencing as well as giving guidelines to help me understand how to continue to grieve in healthy ways. I will be acquiring some copies to pass on to some of my friends.
The words “thank you” seem insufficient compared to the great love and care I’ve experienced over the past several weeks. Please know that every kind word and compassionate action has touched me and ministered to me in the deepest of ways. Not only have you loved me in my time of need, but you’ve taught me through your loving actions. You’ve demonstrated how to love like Jesus and I am grateful.
Next week we will return with some exciting updates from our brothers and sisters in Mexico, but for today I just wanted to express my gratitude for the many ways in which many of you have ministered to me in recent weeks.
Christ’s Peace,
Lance