With the Davis Family
I got back to Grand Rapids Tuesday morning from New Jersey. On Sunday, I preached on “True Life on Earth” and “True Love in Heaven” for the Heritage Reformed Church at Kinnelon, NJ, and baptized Emma Grace Davis, daughter of Luke and Karis Davis, the newest member of the large Davis family that hails from Brazil. On Monday, the memorial service and graveside committal for Joan Elshout were edifying. At Mrs. Elshout’s request, I preached on “This man receiveth sinners” from Luke 15:2, and Rev. Brian Najapfour, her son-in-law, spoke on John 20:24–28 at the committal. Rev. Elshout and his family were upheld throughout, being particularly encouraged by Joan’s dying cry, “Lord Jesus, come quickly.”
The drive in the car going to and back from New Jersey with five family members went well, and we arrived back in Michigan early in the morning. Then, later that day I led the funeral of Mrs. Alice Dole, who, in God’s providence, had many of the same spiritual struggles that Joan Elshout had. Thank God for upholding us and the mourning families through four deaths in ten days. Please read Hebrews 9:27-28.
