Last Sunday, we received news that Pastor Frank Humphrey went to his eternal reward. Fourteen years after being diagnosed with ALS, his physical fight was over. He leaves behind his wife, Daria, and three adult children. When Karen and I joined Peoples Church of Montreal in the ‘90s, Pastor Frank was in his 40s and active in the AWANA club which meets in the high school building on University street. Our children were to hear many Bible truths from Pastor Frank in the years ahead. He would read the Bible in its original languages in the church library while I wrote exams for courses by correspondence with Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
Pastor Frank demonstrated the love of Jesus by taking time to listen to children, teens and adults who approached him with questions and concerns, as well as declaring God’s glory and the good news of salvation from the pulpit, on the radio, and in adapted transport vehicles in the latter part of his life. He wrote a book that includes information about God’s creation that is far beyond my understanding, but challenging to whoever is seeking to know the truth about this world. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Daria and her loved ones.
On Tuesday, we drove to Connecticut to be with our daughter, Candace, and son-in-law, Richie Pendred, and his parents for American Thanksgiving. Just before leaving on the trip, we learned that Lenny, a friend of the Pendred family for many years, was in the hospital, fighting for his life. Last night, he breathed his last. Two years ago, he was at Candace and Richie’s wedding at Parkside Ranch, happy to join the celebration of a couple that was dear to him. His passing came hours before Thanksgiving, a day that he loved being with friends. As we consider the many blessings that God has showered on us this year, we will have a new appreciation of friendship and how much Jesus loved everyone, including those who rejected Him.
Speaking of friends, a friend sent me an email this week which contained the following prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all that You have allowed and not allowed in our lives. Thank You for unanswered prayer. It reminds us that You know what’s best for us even when our opinion differs. Thank You for the times You have said “no.” They have helped us depend on You more. Thank You for the doors You have closed. They have prevented us from going where You would rather not have us go. Thank You for the things You have withheld. You have protected us from dangers we may never realize. Thank You for the pain You’ve allowed us to experience. It has helped us relate to Messiah’s sufferings on our behalf. Thank You for the uncertainties we’ve experienced. They have deepened our trust in You. Thank You for the times we have felt alone. Those times have forced us to get closer to You. Thank You for the losses we have experienced. They have been a reminder that You are our greatest treasure. Thank You for those You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this world reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven. Thank You for the tears we have shed. They have kept our hearts soft and moldable. Thank You for the times we haven’t been able to control our circumstances. They have reminded us that You are the sovereign Lord and on the throne. Thank You for Your ability to take what we consider tragedy and turn it into treasure. Thank You that, if we leave this world with nothing more than humble faith in You, our lives will have been an amazing success.”
Scripture for the weekend: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NASB)
Thought for the weekend: “I’m not afraid of failure; I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.” – William Carey