I’m back after a heartrending week

By: Steve Huston

I’m back after a heartrending week.

Last week Lisa wrote on my behalf regarding the tragic death of my youngest granddaughter Cassandra Hope Starr aged 15 months.

Upon receiving word of Cassie’s tragic death, Jan and I my son Chris and his bride to be one day – all left Fremont at 7:40 pm Sunday and headed on a 12 hour car journey to Pennsylvania to be with my daughter Jenny and her husband Chris and their three children.

I’m deeply appreciative for the love, support and evident prayers for us as we were away. The visitation, funeral and internment were on Friday August 22.

Though the circumstances were tragic and the loss sudden and unexpected, God’s presence and sustaining power were evident from the moment I received the call all the way through our times of grieving, fellowship, and going through the times of contemplation, decision-making, services and travel home.

Perhaps the clearest observation that I can make would be this: The church is at its best in the midst of a tragic loss! We saw the church at is best!!

A special thanks to the body of Christ for holding us all up in prayer, encouragement, affirmation, words of assurance and counsel, providing food, gifts to cover funeral expenses, being there through thick and thin and coming to the visitation and sitting there in those hundreds of seats waiting and praying awaiting the funeral service (which was also a glowing testimony to the power and majesty of the goodness and glory of God.)

A special thanks also to each of my family members: Each of my siblings were there and their mates and each of my children were with us through it all. Nothing warms the heart of a brother, father and a mother to have their children go miles out of their way, making sacrifices to love and care for their own.

Though the ministry that I head deals with great wickedness and too often communicates negative proclamations, this much I know: Our God is a great and mighty, and awesome God!

My dear friend and executive assistant used this passage below when she emailed you a week ago today. The passage she selected I thank her for and say a hearty AMEN!

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour …” Isaiah 43: 2,3a KJV

American Decency Association
Bill Johnson, President
P.O. Box 202
Fremont, MI 49412
ph: 231-924-4050
Email: info@americandecency.org
http:www.americandecency.org

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