A Personal Note About My Parents
Hello Mountain family,
We are in a beautiful season at Mountain these days. With the joy of Easter and all those baptisms still in our minds, we have launched into At the Movies which is always a special time. We have grappled with many important Biblical themes already in the first two weeks with Creed and Beautiful Boy. This weekend we have a third installment I’m excited to share, which I know you will enjoy – a family friendly film with a challenge and encouragement for everyone. Please don’t miss the opportunity to invite someone. Neither YOU nor THEY will be disappointed!
At the same time, I want to share some news on a personal level. A couple weeks ago my dad’s health took a turn for the worse, so I jumped on a plane to get back to Minnesota. We made arrangements for Dad to be placed on hospice and he is being cared for in his home with Mom. Karla and I traveled to Israel, tracking with his health each step of the way. It was unclear if we would see him again this side of glory. Earlier this week while we were away, it appeared he took another downward turn, so as we returned from Israel, I flew directly back to Minnesota.
Yesterday, Dad rallied and had a wonderful period of clarity and energy. We were able to FaceTime with our kids, reminisce with Dad, share in some incredibly important and tender moments together with my brothers and sister, and laugh together. I played hymns on the harmonica as Mom and Dad sang along. What a gift! Hugging, nose to nose, Mom and Dad repeated their vows from over 70 years ago…”in sickness and health…to love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.”
Not every moment is as poignant or pleasant as that. It turns out dying is not always very easy. I’m glad I’m here, and am so grateful for the elders, staff team, and each of you for helping make it possible for the work at Mountain to go forward without missing a beat even while I’m away.
I welcome your prayers for my Dad and Mom, and our entire family as we navigate these days, and for Karla as she holds down the fort back home.
Yesterday in a lucid moment as we were talking about “going home” and the glad reunions that await, Dad began to quote John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Mom said, “That’s a wonderful promise, isn’t it?” With the faint breath he could muster Dad replied, “Yes. Yes it is.”
My friends, THAT is a picture of the hope we want as many as possible to possess. To face whatever life brings – even death itself – unafraid and always with the presence of Jesus is a beautiful hope that many do not possess. It’s why we must do all we can to share the Unstoppable Goodness of God. So that many, many more would possess the faith and hope that is guiding my father and family through these days.
Say what you need to say, hug who you need to hug, and remember life on earth is short, but eternity lasts forever. It is life beyond the grave that matters most. And Jesus Christ has opened the way for us to enjoy fellowship with him and one another forever. Don’t miss out.
With love and affection for my Mountain family,
Ben