The loss of a friend/member of our community

At Sanctuary, we are a pretty young church. We celebrate weddings, babies being born and even young folks beginning to date or get engaged. Less frequently, we must deal with the death of loved ones.

Last night, John Fason, passed away after an extended battle with cancer. Lisa Etter and Hayden Smith, who have been friends/family to John for the past couple of years, were at his side.

When I first heard the news before dawn today from Sara Caldwell, I wrote this email:

Amen to Sara’s blessing. I saw John for about 15 minutes yesterday afternoon. He could not respond to much, but I did encourage him to let go and release himself to the loving arms of our father and I anointed him with the sign of the cross. I am so glad his suffering is over. He has set sail for a far better harbor.

Lisa, Hayden, Patty --- all who have cared: Rest now, in the loving arms of God yourselves. Mourn well. Heal in time. Live in faith, hope and love.

John was a key part of our life in Greenwood. He was a daily smile, a new poem and a pencil sketch of a cat or squirrel or some other animal scene. There was a simplicity and beauty... an innocence recovered in his expression of art. John's work has been assembled into a book by Lisa and Hayden. I am sure it will soon be on display for all to see and read at the Green Bean.

John made a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ and expressed a desire to "go to heaven" two weeks ago today. It's never too late. And, I am further reminded that at the core of all we are and all we do is JESUS. He is all we have that lasts forever. I am so glad that our ministry at Sanctuary and the Green Bean is all about JESUS and that we are able to love on people and invite them into the forever family of God and the the great party of the Kingdom of God through our various activities....and, even more, through our very lives given to others as Hayden, Lisa and so many others have demonstrated with John.

posted by Unknown @ 5:23 AM