We are grateful for the many, many ways that our family and friends have surrounded us and supported our family over the last 5 months through prayer, calls, emails, visits, cards, food, and the list could go on and on and on. Dad always enjoyed a good visit or a funny card! Dad passed away last night around 11:20 pm. As Mom wrote yesterday, his condition had worsened tremendously. As we grieve his loss, we are also grateful that Dad did not have to endure the worst of his cancer for a long period of time.
We prayed that God would heal my Dad. I know that God is able to heal and it would have been only a small task, but I also know that God sometimes has a greater plan and purpose for suffering on this earth. We watched my Dad walk through this trial with the utmost faithfulness and grace and for that testimony, we rejoice. Only a man whose trust is in the Lord could have walked through this with the peace and grace that he did.
God has already taught my family much over the last 5 months. It has loosened our grip on this earth and has increased our longing for an eternity without the suffering and pain experienced here. It is not death to die for my Dad or any other Christian, whose faith in the gospel will lead to an eternity in the presence of God. He is in the presence of God this morning and knows Jesus in a way more intimately than we can on this earth.
Please pray for strength and faithfulness for our family during this time- that we would not lose sight of the cross, and God's goodness and sovereignty. Pray that we would see many glimpses of how God is using our suffering for his glory.
I Peter 5:10-11 "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Welcome...
This blog is intended to keep everyone up to date on how Dad (also known as Ronnie, Pa, Uncle Ronnie, Ron, and we'll stop there) is doing! We are grateful that there are so many people surrounding us that want to know how things are going and how they can pray.
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Ronnie. We pray that the upcoming days/weeks are gentle on you all and that you may find comfort in knowing that Ronnie is at peace in the arms of the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. I work with Matt at Camco and have for a long while now. His Dad can be proud of the son he has raise and I know Matt loved his Dad so very much. It is tough to lose a Parent for I too lost my Father 3 yrs ago today to this same dreadful disease. God be with All of You during your time of loss. Today God has added another angel to his army. Take care and God Bless.
ReplyDeleteTerry Dalton
Camco Mfg
Susan and family: We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through these next days. We know that Ronnie is now pain free and with our Lord and Savior. We love you Susan and family.
ReplyDeleteJudy & Woody
Susan, Jason, Matthew, and Megan,
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to learn of Ronnie's passing. I had no idea the time could perhaps be so close, since I had just learned of his illness within the past two weeks. To watch a loved one suffer and decline is so hard, but how wonderful that all of you have had these times over the past weeks together as a family to comfort him and to comfort each other. You will not forget them. Your family is so special to me. I hope that your good memories and wonderful times will sustain you at this time and in the days ahead. May God Bless all of you. Love you.
Jenny Smith
I just learned the news and I'm deeply saddened. I will pray for you all, but am grateful as you are that he is with God and no longer hurting. I unfortunately didn't know him that well, but I know how special he is to you and I will miss seeing him pass by the house. I know how much you love him and how tough the coming days will be. I pray for strength and comfort for you. Sounds like you have great memories and had some great times together with family gathered around near the end. What a true blessing. We are here if you need anything at all. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteGena & Ronnie Tate
megan (& family), i am incredibly grieved to hear about the passing of your father. i know you loved him dearly, and it has been encouraging to read about his faith, knowing now that he is no longer suffering, but in the loving arms of the Father. it is encouraging to see you also trusting in the Lord, in His providence and goodness. He truly does work all things for the good of those who love Him. will be praying that the Lord would bring great comfort and peace in your father's passing.
ReplyDeletemay these words from spurgeon encourage your souls: "The SOVEREIGN CHOICE of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, before creation, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. WE WERE CHOSEN FROM BEFORE THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE WORLD. EVERLASTING LOVE went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart, but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation. The ETERNAL PURPOSE to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us and at last to glorify us, was of infinite antiquity and RUNS SIDE BY SIDE with immutable love and absolute sovereignty. The COVENANT is always described as being everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, is from eternity. He struck hands in sacred covenant long before the first stars began to shine, and it was in Him that the elect were ordained unto ETERNAL LIFE. In this way a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God and His elect people, which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more."
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