Grieving deeply….Rejoicing greatly
A few months have already passed without our daughter here with us on this earth. April 13, 2022 will always be a day that will be etched in our memories – the day Lanae went home to be with Jesus.
So what do we say now? We say that we continue to grieve deeply and continue to rejoice greatly. We have good days with bad moments, rather than good days and bad days – so that can be called progress we guess.
We have many questions – the book of Job in the Bible resonates with us a lot right now, but as John says “I kinda think that all the questions I have won’t need answering once I get there”
Presently we feel alot like our 2.5 year old grandson Liam when he walks down the street with us holding our hand. Liam doesn’t know what is coming a block or two away – he is just focused on what is nearby and interesting. He is trusting us to take care of him. So we are like Liam, holding onto the hand of our loving Heavenly Father and trusting Him with today and the future.
This painting “First day in Heaven” by Kerolas Safwat, an Egyptian Christian, perfectly captures what Lanae would have done the moment she stepped into glory. No, it isn’t a painting of Lanae – it is actually inspired by a photo taken of a Canadian women’s soccer team member celebrating a win. But it sure looks like her doesn’t it? As the hymn writer penned “oh the joy to see my Saviour’s face”
We also want to share a little of how God is working through this…
Lanae was five steps from eternity in this picture.
- people asked how they could help, so they gave towards funeral expenses. All expenses were covered by gifts and there are still funds left for headstone. People gave from Canada, USA, Europe and Ukraine.
- over 500 people physically attended the funeral, and over 500 watched the live stream from around the world. Christians were challenged and those who don’t know Christ yet heard the Gospel.
- after the service the church received an email from someone who watched online. She rededicated her life to Christ after the service. We continue to hear stories like that, of people “waking up” and thinking about what they are doing and about eternity.
What is happening ministry wise? Three units on their way…..and one on the field
These past few years John has been coaching four different missionary units. Three couples and a single. One couple and their two kids Lord willing are heading to Thailand after Christmas. Lord willing a single will be in Eurasia next spring. Another couple and their two kids Lord willing will be in Croatia next fall. Praise the Lord, another couple arrived in Thailand this past January!
