His Goodness Lives On

It has been great as we look back at God’s goodness in our presence. We are so blessed to have known so many good friends and those that love the Lord. One of those we knew as Big John. I met John and his friend Cliff though working with the Salvation Army soup kitchen. These were two great guys in a time of great need. John was separated from Cliff through certain circumstances, but came on to fellowship and got saved under our outreach tent. He went on to get things together with the help of folks here, and went on to become a part of God’. plan here as much as any of us. He began to help in the kitchen, then with the bulletin, even joined the Bible School and helped in Celebrate Recovery. He served along with us for a few years, and his health began to decline to the point of going into a nursing home. He got tired of fighting, and instead of choosing treatment he chose to let go and go on to glory with Jesus. He left an empty spot, but as I looked across the parking lot the other Sunday, I thought his goodness lives on. His sister Holly was walking toward the church building and John began to live all over again. You see through his passing his sister Holly came in on the scene and the empty place of John was filled so much in his likeness by his sister Holly. What a smile she brings and John’s memories are alive and his goodness lives on. Of course, Holly isn’t John, but she is really close, and the emptiness has a presence, and we rejoice with the Lord’s goodness in all his faithfulness. Holly, thank you for the times you have been in the kitchen, and breath of air from your fans at the backpack give away. Every Sunday we see you setting there I just have to smile with good thoughts. We love you Holly thank you!!!