Back at re:generate I stood at the front on Saturday night and announced to the crowd that there was a party going on up in Heaven. I had just been told that one of the girls from Porter Gaud had given her life to Christ. I was more than thrilled because she and her twin sister were two students who had really reached out to my kids at the school . Their bubbling enthusiasm and joy in life was constantly overflowing. I would say to the point that some did not know what to make of it. Now, I don’t think I will ever forget that moment… but a few months ago I did not fully realize it’s significance.
On Friday I attended a memorial service for one of the twins. She and her mother were killed in a tragic car accident. The other twin survived with fairly minimal injuries. It was a tough service to attend. My kids have had a rough time with this death two months after losing their grandfather and it is the second tragic death of a classmate this year. While I sat there surrounded by masses of students and family, the assistant chaplain of the school started the service with prayer. Before praying though he read two letters from the mom that he had received earlier this year. One was a powerful testament to the goodness of the mom. The other expressed deep appreciation for the impact that re:generate had on her daughters. She shared how they came home changed from that weekend with a renewed faith, a desire to read scripture, and a new prayer life. She was thrilled by the spiritual growth that had taken place on re:generate. Needless to say I was a mess at this point with tears of both joy and sorrow filling my eyes. There is nothing more amazing than knowing that a young girl and her mom are in a better place even though we grieve their absence.
The pastor took the time to share a bit of a gospel message in the service. I don’t think any such service should be without this, and am still annoyed that nothing of the sort took place at my dad’s funeral. He relayed what he thought that the mother and daughter would want everyone to know – namely that God did not take their lives (accidents happen in this world), that they are in a better place, and that we can all see them again if we surrender our lives to Jesus. As I left the service I praised God that the gospel is clear in our events and my passion for seeing people come to a saving faith in Christ was renewed once again.
Leave a Reply