Two large trees
Well aged
And mature
Shading many of us.Cut down
This past week
Sadly
Though unsurprisingly.Farewell
Howard King
And John Yoder
Til we meet you
On the other side.And thanks
Many thanks
For the shade.
That’s not how I planned to start this post. But my own plans notwithstandingatall, that’s what happened.
What I intended to say originally was something along the lines of, “No, they weren’t cut down! They were transplanted!”
We lost them, like someone loses a bar of gold when he puts it in the country’s bestest, safest, guaranteedest safety deposit box. It’s not lost at all.
So we say we lost John and Howard. And we did. But in reality, they are founder and safer than they’ve ever been. We get them back eventually. Provided we go where they are now kept by The Master Banker, if you will.
That is hope — Christian hope!
Howard died this past Wednesday afternoon around four. John died early yesterday morning around 12:15.
Howard: Welcome to Glory, John!
John: Thank you, Howard! You’re looking great!!
Howard: Yup. And check this out: no more incomplete fingers!
John: Yeah, I can see that…with two eyes.
Yeah, I know. Kinda strange. But in a nice sort of way.
And here’s something also kinda-strange-to-the-human-mind, but also in a nice sort of way:
in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.”
Psalm 116:15
Strange poem in a nice sorta way…
John Yoder had a great impact on our church, and in the lives of many of our young people for many years. Though a bishop in a different fellowship, John preached at our church many times. He had the heart of a true shepherd in Christ. John also taught at our Bethel Bible School.
He was the father of a good friend of mine. Her loss is our loss too.
May God comfort all who mourn.
Praise God for 1 Corinthians 15! We shall rise…and all be joined together at our Saviour’s side one day.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!