And while I know he is in Jesus' arms, it made me think about the town we grew up in and so I found this video:
Now, my cousin's name is Ray Labbe. He's 56, not much older than I am and he has a pretty remarkable testimony. He's even appeared on the 700 club after being healed of cancer. He and his wife Linda worked on a mobile soup kitchen in New Britain Ct. The ministry was called Isaiah 58.
My Mom phoned last night, this was her sister Florence's youngest son. There are some deaths that are tragic. Tragedy is when the person believed nothing, the person lived this world not knowing of glory on the other side. Ray knew the Lord, he and his wife had a conversion experience and they lived out their life serving God by serving God's creation. They went as a family, (they have 2 grown daughters) on a medical ship. This was years ago, and as can be expected they weren't viewed as middle of the road, steady as she goes. They took some guff for their beliefs, but what impressed me most was that they walked what they talked. I look forward to seeing Ray some day in heaven, I'm sure he'll be there with open arms, a great big smile on his face (course I'm assuming that he'll take a breather from worshiping at Jesus' feet).
Strange, years and miles separate us, but memories and faith will bind us. I'm praying for Linda and the girls Robyn and Jillian. I know Jillian was born while I was away in France, my junior year abroad as my grandmother sent me a casette recording of "events" and I remember her trying to pronounce Jillian. I still have that tape somewhere.
Funerals, deaths all reminders that we live in the here and now and our time here is short. In the book, the Beautiful Fight, the author mentions that we serve a risen Christ. The accension was Christ, in body, rising to heaven. Instead of asking WWJD we should ask, What Is Jesus Doing? Tomorrow our church embarks on the Daniel's Fast. (some start today). I'm not sure I'll go beyond 10 days, that's my goal, even though pastor asked us to go 21 days with nothing but fruits and vegetables ... I'm already dreading not having a caffeine hit with a tea each A.M. ... Mom told me the funeral would be in Berlin, even though Ray and Linda lived in Connecticut. I won't be going, but I will indeed be praying for Linda and the girls. Also be praying for Ray's sister and brother Cecile and Leo.
I've lost uncles, cousins, grandparents ... I've yet to lose my parents, siblings or offspring. Come Lord Jesus Come.
2 comments:
Ray was a wonderful man who visited our church often(New Life Christian Fellowship Glastonbury CT.) He was always a great inspiration to me and
an example of someone who did the Lords work unfailingly. He will be greatly missed and our hearts and prayers go out to Linda, the girls, you and all his family. "Well done good and faithful servant."
Sorry to hear of the loss of your cousin Ger, sounds like it was heaven's gain.
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