Friday, January 2, 2009

There is a time for everything . . . .


Ecclesiastes 3
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. . . .

Ecclesiastes 3 has had more significant meaning this week.

It has been a time for death and a time to mourn. . .

We went to Branson, MO last Sunday night as planned. Monday afternoon my husband received a telephone call that a 13 year old boy had been shot in the head -- by his 12 year old best friend -- an accident. (Both boys and their families are in our church. ) He was medi-flighted to OKC but lived only a few short hours.

It is such a long and detailed story. . . . so if you don't mind I would just like to ask prayer for these families. The young boy who shot his best friend is struggling. The parents of the 13 year old are doing remarkably well and reaching out to their son's friend and his family. The days and months to come will be difficult, but we know that God desires to be their continued strength and comfort.

The funeral is tomorrow, January 3 at 10:00 a.m. The families, school friends and church friends are all in need of God's ministering touch. And please . . . pray for my husband to have special strength as he gives the message at the funeral. This is so hard for him, especially when it's a child! I have all confidence in God's faithfulness and know that He will extend his grace to him as he fulfills one of the roles of his calling to the ministry.

Thank you, dear friends, for your prayers. "There is a time for everything . . . " but it's so hard to accept that this young boy's time here on earth has come to an end . . all too soon.

Love,

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I heard this story on the news just the other day. There are prayers sent on behalf of the boys and their families from several of us I can assure you. My prayers also go out to your husband - our pastor has recently held services for three of our dear church members (in less than 2 months!) and we have three members in the end stages of terminal cancer. It is a huge burden that the Lord places on their hearts for their congregations, and I for one feel blessed to know that godly men are lifting me up in my time of need and that I can lift them up in theirs. Please know that the entire community is in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings for peace that passes understanding...

Cathy said...

You all are in my prayers.
Cathy

Keetha Broyles said...

Such a difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I can't even imagine. Prayers and love to those families and the young boy who shot him, and for your husband for God's words to comfort and heal broken, shattered lives. Annette

valerie said...

I heard about this on the news.
I will definitely be remembering both families in my prayers & also your husband as he does the service today. I can't even imagine what they all must be going through. Praying peace that only He can give!