My Dad is Finally Home

My dear Mountain family,

Tuesday evening, May 9, my father, John H. Cachiaras, finished his race and passed from this life to the other side of that thin veil where he is finally looking full in the wonderful face of Jesus.

Mom, my brother, Joe and his wife Robyn, my sister Cathy and I were there with him when he breathed his last. We cried, said "Thank you, Jesus!", hugged, prayed, sang "Revive Us Again" and said Hallelujah! 

Moments earlier I was kneeling at his bedside, singing the hymns he loved and which ministered to us all in these days. The last song he heard me sing was "Blessed Assurance"-- "Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in His Blood" This was indeed Dad's story and song. Now he is praising his savior all the day long, joined with so many he loves already there.

Though death is our worst enemy, it is defeated and we do not fear it. It's the dying part that can be difficult. So while we are sorely missing him, we are relieved and grateful Dad is finally Home -- and more alive than he's ever been.

His four kids and our spouses (John R, Joe, Cathy, and I) are blessed. Dad shaped us all so deeply. He was my hero. He understood, was FOR me, and loved me -- all of which provided an inner strength for me that has kept me in the game. I hesitate to even say this out loud, because I know how privileged and blessed I am to have a father like this, and how many do not. My dad had no secrets, few regrets, deep love, and blessed assurance.

I am deeply humbled and grateful for the rare blessing I had to be present with him and Mom in the days leading to his passing. Caring for him, being with family in these tender and tough times is a precious, life-marking experience I am still processing. Honestly, the last few days I was frustrated the Lord didn't take Dad sooner -- for his and all our sakes -- but already we can see how this extended time has allowed us to grieve and grow together. 

I am so extremely grateful for the provision of my wife Karla and the good people of Mountain for making it possible for me to be with Dad even while the important work we're doing flourished in my absence. Thank you, dear friends. For the gestures of concern, the earnest prayers offered, and expressions of kindness to me, my kids, and our family -- all I can think to say is thank you. So many have pastored this pastor and his wife. 

The scriptures remind us: To be absent with the body is to be present with the Lord. And to live is Christ, to die is gain. And blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. 

I will post more information soon, but we are planning a service at Hope Summit Christian Church in Rochester, Minnesota for Saturday, June 3 at 11:00 AM. 

Trust in God's promises.

Establish Godly priorities.

Give the gift of presence.

Rest in God's peace.

What kind of old person do you want to be?

I want to be like my dad.

Ben

P.S. This weekend’s installment of At the Movies is a feel-good, family friendly uplifting encouragement you won’t want to miss. Make that invitation!