These two young men, Jared (white shirt) and Curtis (red shirt) were in my cabin three years ago. They came to Grand Oak's Camp on the last night of camp for the evenings' events. Who would have thought this would be the last time I would fellowship with Jared.
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It is difficult when a friend dies, especially when this friend is very young in their life, 21 to be exact. Here they are, in the prime of life, and in the blink of an eye they are removed from this earth into eternity. Unfortunately this was the case for me and many of his friends this past weekend. One of my former students, and friends, died in a car accident late Friday night while away from home attending college in Springfield, MO. I received the news early Saturday morning via text message from my daughter Whitney. Jared was a believer in JesusChrist and had trusted Him earlier in his life as his Lord and Savior...However, in this accident, two were sent into eternity, the second young man's (Jared's roommate) eternal destination was not expressed to me.
It was difficult to attend his visitation last night. I have been friends with the family for many years...Benny (his father) and Becky (aunt) attended high school in Lathrop in the late 70's. Caleb (his older brother) wrestled for me at Cameron several years ago and (his twin brother) Aaron was a cabin leader with me just a few weeks ago at our associational camp.
Jared was at camp for the Thursday evening talent show, service and camp fire...this was to be the last time I would get to renew our friendship. However our friendship will be renewed forever, in the not too distant future, when I join him and many others that have preceded me in death into my eternal home in Heaven.
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3 comments:
Hey Lanny,
Great to hear from you. Hope school is starting well. I spoke to one of your friends at the tennis court yesterday. He thought you were mad and stopped playing. I told him you had work but you would return next summer for a longer period of time. Can't wait to see you guys again,
Justin
What a beautiful tribute, Lanny... and a needed reminder to all of us that life is precious and short in light of eternity. Praying for you, and this young man's family and friends.
My heart goes out to the family. I know their pain. I also God will restore them to a new normal. We never forget. However, as Believers we know we will be reunited in Heaven for the rest of eternity. That is where our strength comes from.
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