08.17.07 MOVING DAY

Today we helped a friend move from the house that had been home since early childhood. Boxes of clothing, dishes, photo albums and all the furniture were loaded onto a truck and transported to the new home. The house now stands empty, but there are memories in every nook and cranny, that must be left behind. Leaving that house was not easy! There are times when personal belongings are not as important as cherished memories.

Yesterday, we attended the funeral of a man who, together with his wife, served as a missionary in the Congo for many decades. He passed away shortly before his 90th birthday. He moved into his new home in heaven and didn't take any boxes or furniture with him. When he arrived in his new home, however, much of what he worked for and accumulated all his life was already there waiting for him. And more will follow. The officiating pastor at his funeral mentioned that this man of God had baptized 69 persons on one occasion. If the funeral had been held in Africa, there would have been standing room only! His message in Africa and his message to the nurses and doctors who cared for him was the same: "You must be born again!"