This was probably the most moving, touching funeral I have ever been to and it was truly a CELEBRATION of Mark's life. I would love to take a little time to share some clips of the service. It was truly life changing for me and my hope is that it was life-changing for many others.
Hundres of people heard the gospel (several times) at the celebration service a few weeks ago.
Mark,
Your life made an impact, and in case you were wondering--you did make a difference in people's lives. Your legacy will live on and many lives will be changed!
When your youth pastor, Mr. Dale shared that you affirmed your salvation in the hospital a few weeks before you passed it was very touching. Touching to know that you vocalized being a sinner and knowing that God sent his Son to die for your sins and accepting Him as your Saviour so you could live forever with Him. Thankful for Mr. Dale who told his wife he was going to let the Holy Spirit lead what he said to you in that hospital room. Thankful for a man who was willing to lay it all out and be bold in sharing God's salvation message with you and Candace, who later accepted Christ as her Savior. We loved hearing how Mr. Dale continued to visit you in the coming weeks and how you had a deep desire for him to read the Bible to you so you can learn more about Jesus.
Then how touching it was to hear your brother talk about you holding his hand a few days before you passed and telling him that you wanted Him to know God so that you would see him again in heaven. And then when your brother shared how you had not spoken for a couple of hours, but you lifted your hand to heaven right before you took your last breath and said "God, open the gates of heaven, Mark is coming through." Some very powerful stuff!
Jon and I are so thankful to know you, Candace and your parents. And we came to find out quickly you have an awesome extended family too! You come from a great Christian heritage and people that care deeply for you. Jon and I loved hearing the story of how you would wear your GODSTRONG bracelet everywhere and call Candace out when she didn't have hers on. And by the way, she probably didn't have it on because it didn't match her outfit on that given day. We were moved to know that Luke 1:37 meant so much to you, "For nothing is impossible with God." We are touched that we could be a part of your life even if it was through the most difficult time. We loved how up beat and positive you were through the most toughest time of your life, always saying how blessed you were. And always telling us you were staying positive and keeping a good mindset. Thank you for being willing to help out a fellow testicular cancer patient who was in a similiar situation with you. You were so selfless, only worried about others even through your darkest days. Jon was so moved and actually broke down when your grandfather told him what an awesome impact he had spiritually on your life. Again, we are so humbled and honored to have been a small part of your life because you, Candace and your parents were such a huge incredible inspiration and encouragement to us during tough days.
\
Your life made an impact, and in case you were wondering--you did make a difference in people's lives. Your legacy will live on and many lives will be changed!
When your youth pastor, Mr. Dale shared that you affirmed your salvation in the hospital a few weeks before you passed it was very touching. Touching to know that you vocalized being a sinner and knowing that God sent his Son to die for your sins and accepting Him as your Saviour so you could live forever with Him. Thankful for Mr. Dale who told his wife he was going to let the Holy Spirit lead what he said to you in that hospital room. Thankful for a man who was willing to lay it all out and be bold in sharing God's salvation message with you and Candace, who later accepted Christ as her Savior. We loved hearing how Mr. Dale continued to visit you in the coming weeks and how you had a deep desire for him to read the Bible to you so you can learn more about Jesus.
Then how touching it was to hear your brother talk about you holding his hand a few days before you passed and telling him that you wanted Him to know God so that you would see him again in heaven. And then when your brother shared how you had not spoken for a couple of hours, but you lifted your hand to heaven right before you took your last breath and said "God, open the gates of heaven, Mark is coming through." Some very powerful stuff!
Jon and I are so thankful to know you, Candace and your parents. And we came to find out quickly you have an awesome extended family too! You come from a great Christian heritage and people that care deeply for you. Jon and I loved hearing the story of how you would wear your GODSTRONG bracelet everywhere and call Candace out when she didn't have hers on. And by the way, she probably didn't have it on because it didn't match her outfit on that given day. We were moved to know that Luke 1:37 meant so much to you, "For nothing is impossible with God." We are touched that we could be a part of your life even if it was through the most difficult time. We loved how up beat and positive you were through the most toughest time of your life, always saying how blessed you were. And always telling us you were staying positive and keeping a good mindset. Thank you for being willing to help out a fellow testicular cancer patient who was in a similiar situation with you. You were so selfless, only worried about others even through your darkest days. Jon was so moved and actually broke down when your grandfather told him what an awesome impact he had spiritually on your life. Again, we are so humbled and honored to have been a small part of your life because you, Candace and your parents were such a huge incredible inspiration and encouragement to us during tough days.
\
I love this picture of you and Candace praying with your Godstrong bracelet. I remember the day Candace texted this to me. I had a happy heart! I loved how we would trade pictures back and forth of being WAGSTRONG and GODSTRONG!
It was painful to watch your family receive visitors at your funeral. It was painful to know that Candace will be without you when her and I talked so many times about God healing you (on this earth) and ya'll have a future together. It was painful to watch your parents, brother, sister, sister-in-law and extended family have to say good bye to you at way too young of an age.
This is a conversation my twins had the other day. It went something like this:
Emma Kate: If you believe in Jesus, you will go to heaven. If you don't believe in Jesus, you won't go to heaven. Wyan, do you believe in Jesus?
Ryan: No! I don't want to go to heaven. I just want to stay home!
Outside of this story being super precious, it is so true! We don't want to leave this earth because we can't imagine what is being prepared for us in heaven. We just want to stay "home" in our comfort zone. But Mark, you accepted your fate. You accepted that God would not heal your earthly body but that he would give you a brand new body in heaven. So many people heard the gospel because you knew the Lord as your personal Savior and you were surrounded by many Godly people with your parents being at the top of the list!
It was exciting to see you grow in the Lord through your cancer journey. It was a GOD THING that we met you that November day almost exactly 1 year ago. And we are thankful that you remained WAGSTRONG and GODSTRONG throughout your harrowing journey.
Until we see you again...
Jon and Donna Strebe
1 comment:
Beautiful in every way. I am so sorry that he is not with us anymore, but I am so very glad that He is still alive and with Jesus. Blessings and love, Amy
Post a Comment