It was Wednesday morning January 31st here in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.  I was headed out the door to the mission base when I received the message from Connie’s sister…”Todd…please have Connie call me ASAP.”

Those kinds of early morning messages or phone calls are the ones that you pray you never receive – but they are a part of the process of life…

Since 2013, we have been praying for Connie’s brother Curt. The way he handled his diagnosis of cancer and the ensuing journey for the past 5 years have been an inspiration to all that have known him.  He has been an incredible example of what I believe the writer of Hebrews was describing;

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)

Curt has rallied so many times that we just knew he was going to once again, come through and be back on his farm with his family… but this time, the Lord had different plans…

God was in the midst of it all.  I was so praying that we would be able to get Connie home in time to spend some precious moments with Curt before his home going.  God answered our prayers!

So thankful for Jan Bell who has been helping us with travel arrangements for years.  Within just 15 minutes, she had a flight booking arranged for Connie (requiring Connie to be checking in to a flight within 1 hour.)

Some 44 hours later, Connie was at Curt’s bedside and our prayers were answered,  she arrived in time to share some very special moments together before he slipped into sleep and then into the arms of the One upon whom he has been fixing his eyes…Jesus.

Please commit to keep Connie, Curt’s wife Deanne, their kids and grand kids, parents, and the whole family in your prayers.  We are human and separation brings grief, but the faith that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus, brings a peace which absolutely surpasses all human understanding…  A peace because we know that this isn’t “Goodbye,”  it’s simply…  “See you tomorrow.”

More precious memories….

The service for the celebration of Curt’s life will be Saturday, February 10th in Meridian, Idaho at Ten Mile Christian Church at 3 pm.