The death of a Christian friend, especially one who's been instrumental in shaping our walk with Christ, is a bittersweet reminder of the mortal tents that we live in. Paul Tucker unexpectedly passed from this life into eternity Thursday morning May 15th. He's gone on ahead of his loving wife Beth and two teenage sons Kevin and Brian. Paul was the guy I first shared my desire to "do something more with my faith" and he was the one who prayed with me and encouraged me to listen to God. It was that moment I believe that has propelled Weiling and me to the decision to enter the ministry in a full-time capacity.
Jesus reminds us in John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. How sobering to consider the magnitude of that statement? Certainly it was pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of the Cross, but if we are truly called to live as Christ lived, then ought not we count it all as joy when we are called home and when our life was spent working the fields of Christ's great harvest? The mournful tears we shed now will be tears of joy as described in Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Please join with us in lifting up Paul's family and friends who are devastated at this loss. May the Holy Spirit lift each of them up and carry them through this valley.
