You never know what news is at the end of a telephone. It could be good, bad or even ugly. I answered my telephone last week and was given the very sad news of the passing of a young mother.
Her husband, who is an Anglican Vicar, was a dear friend and colleague when I was a Minister in Newcastle upon Tyne. He had met his wife Helen whilst they were part of an enthusiastic team in the city called Tyneside Youth For Christ.
That team of young folk worked ‘by faith’, i.e. for no official wages from anyone for years, in the city centre among drug addicts, alcoholics and down and outs … as well as many other ‘ordinary’ young people. They were committed to helping Churches reach out to the youth of the city.
They were married and moved to Redcar where they worked in a local Church. Last year, she was involved in a car accident but never really completely recovered. She died on Hogmanay of a DVT. as a result of her injuries.
The Vicar, although distraught, was able to be optimistic concerning her eternity. ‘John’, he said, ‘she knew where she was going and was at peace.’
He takes great comfort in that thought and also in their only child, their daughter Jade.
Please, in your thoughts and prayers remember Rob and Jade.
Two questions come to mind … why does God allow such things and if something like that happened to you would you know the same peace?
God Bless,
John MacSporran (Collydean Granary Baptist Church)
A text to help you Psalm 34:19
