Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
This past week was difficult for me. Things just didn’t go the way that I had even thought they would go. It brought a struggle to my heart that kept me asking why did this have to happen now.
This past week I experienced the loss of two people that had entered my life and truly made a great impact. One so many people knew and loved. Most people knew one as Pastor Lynn. He was the long time pastor of Briarwood Church. But I knew him as my friend.
Lynn and I had a friendship that developed over the years and one that I will cherish in my life. We worked side by side in the Pampa Ministerial Alliance. He had such a great spirit of love for people and the work of God. Just as was written -- He lived out Colossians 3:23 in every area of his life: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
He had a heart of the Lord’s work regardless of what ‘church building’ one attended. Years ago, we began praying early on Sunday mornings for the churches in Pampa. Lynn suggested that we go early on Sunday morning to a different church and stand outside of them and pray that God work mightily in them.
We put them in order and then started going down the list. We went to a different church every Sunday morning and prayed for the pastor, as well as those who would attend. We simply wanted God to be present in each one and moving to bring about His will.
Then Lynn stepped in to lead the Pampa Area Ministerial Alliance. I can still remember the first time when he shared that we needed to not only meet, but worship together. He stepped up to the piano and the worship began! He led us to the throne of God and to the presence of Almighty God.
He would do that so often when we met. Anytime we did that I can remember how Holy Spirit moved in our midst. Lynn just had a way of bringing hearts together and pointing people to the Lord. Whether he was singing, preaching or visiting, his desire was for the name of Jesus to be lifted up and believe me, he did it!
The second loss was one blessed woman of God. Her name was Joy Evans. Joy had not lived in Pampa long, but wasn’t a stranger to Pampa. One of her dearest friends lives here. They had known each other for years. They and their husbands had been a part of each other’s lives. Although they hadn’t lived close to each other they still visited with each other which is how I first got to know her.
Not long ago Joy and her daughter moved here. It was such a blessing to so many to see Joy’s smiling face and experience her wonderful spirit. She just had a love for people that truly made a difference in lives.
But she also had a way of making you scratch your head. I went to see her one day some time back and all she wanted to talk about was her memorial service. She talked about the songs she wanted sang and who she wanted to sing them. Then she shared about what she wanted me to share. It was awesome!
One of Joy’s favorite passages is John 14:1-3. I would have to say that v.3 was surely one she held to the most – “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, you may be also.” Joy’s dwelling place was ready and the Lord called her home. Now she is in Heaven and in the presence of our Lord.
I know other loved ones have passed leaving not only family, but a testimony of God’s amazing grace. Since Lynn and Joy went to be with Jesus last week, all I can say is – Thanks for your love and will see you soon!
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
