I’ve known oU for some time, as many of you have, going back to the old A51 days. I was pleased he finally decided to join us on this version.
It was good to have a fellow Christian with whom I could discuss our faith, our different views on matters that don’t make any difference to one’s salvation nor do they contradict Biblical truth, example some of the aspects to the end times, nor old vs new earth.
He was someone I could discuss music with, history, life in general. He also provided good council as to how to handle, what we are doing is Biblical, etc. in our dealings with my Sister-In-law and a neighbor who seems to have the same mental health issues, but acts out entirely different. Most of the time, he had little to say except to offer encouragement and just be a sounding board, as I needed to vent.
His ability to not let people he was in conflict with and at times got annoyed with, stand in his way of trying to turn them to the Lord or at least sow some seeds. A rare and commendable trait. He would use humor in his exchanges at times when the discussion seemed to get heated to alleviate the tension.
As to his illness. Since he became ill, we (my Wife) and I tried to send him spiritual uplifting messages as he was not in a good place, outwardly he appeared to handle it well. Inside, you could see he was worried, not about his soul, but about the safety and well-being of his wife, family and friends.
He will be greatly missed.
Let me share this prayer, that we often say for the departed. Hopefully some of you can find comfort in it when you loose a loved one or a close friend.
O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the souls of Thy departed servants in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which they have committed, whether by word or deed or thought.
For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth.
For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen.
