Another Goodbye

Last night we received an email from Jason’s parents which began:

Dear Jason and Amy,

This song was on my heart when I woke this morning after being at the hospital with Grandpa Mel last night:

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

Sing His mercy and His grace!

In the mansions bright and blessed,

He’s prepared for me, a place.

When we all get to heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus

We’ll sing and shout the victory!

In the early hours this morning, Grandpa Mel passed from this world, that was not his home, into his forever home, in heaven, with his Lord, who he longed more and more to see.

This email came to us just three weeks after receiving a similar email letting us know that Jason’s other Grandpa, Dick Owen, had passed away.  The YWAM staff have been very supportive in giving us the day off from our responsibilities today so we could spend time with the children, as a family.  Even still, it’s difficult to be away from the rest of our family, unable to offer help or even a hug. Please pray especially for Marmie and Ken, Jason’s parents, who have had to say too many goodbyes in the past 6 weeks: first to us as we moved to Africa, and then to each of their fathers.  What makes it bearable is knowing that each of these goodbyes is only temporary.  We know there will be a joyous reunion here in Africa when Ken and Marmie come to visit; but there will be an even bigger party with all of us one day in heaven.  We thank God for the relationships that both Grandpa Mel and Grandpa Dick had with Him, and we believe the promise that Jesus made to all believers in John 14:1-2, “Don’t be troubled.  You trust God, now trust me.  There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you.”  Our prayer is that each of you will choose to accept the invitation Jesus has offered so that one day we can all celebrate together. 

“In everything, give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  I Thessalonians 5:18