A young man who was dear to our church has died today. It is very unexpected and humanly difficult to understand and cope with.
I would very much appreciate your prayers for his family,friends and our church over these next few days of mourning, but especially the weeks and years to come.
Shari and I came to know him as the first member of the youth group we were called to lead at Redeemer 11 years ago. He was 12 or 13 when we arrived. We loved him very much. He was a very easy person to like.
He struggled in the ways we all struggle, yet when the darkness seemed to creep in, he could not come out of it. He consistently professed faith in Christ and had many who loved him dearly. I am confident of his fellowship with His Savior right now.
He was engaged to be married and was his parents' only child.
Job 1:21
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May God’s Grace and Peace be with those whom mourn this day.
Matthew 5: 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Father of mercies, and God of all comfort: Look in Thy tender love and compassion, we beseech Thee, on Thy sorrowing servants. Enable them to find in Thee their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. Grant them faith and hope in Him who by death hath conquered death, and by rising again have open the gates of everlasting life; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our hearts are very heavy beyond words. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are bombarding heaven gates. But we know, by faith, that HE will, some how and some day, make this tragedy, His triumph. Our congregation has already come together as one, united and bonded in the fellowship of such terrible suffering. “Lord Jesus, have mercy on those who are so deeply grieved. In Your Mighty Name, AMEN”.
I never know what to say at times like this, but I pray that God will grant this family strength, peace, and comfort to deal with their loss. My heart goes out to them. While it’s not always easy to accept, especially at times like this, it is nevertheless true that “all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
I just heard about the tragedy yesterday from my mom. I remember Andrew from when I worked with the youth group when Tony was youth pastor. My heart is sad. Depression is a terrible struggle and many never come out of it. It comforts me to know he is now in the loving arms of his savior and knows darkness no more.
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