Jean in Newcastle Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 My dad was a complicated man. He was raised in an abusive family that he never talked about. He left home at age 16 and never looked back. He was a difficult person in many ways. And yet my dad found and was changed by Jesus profoundly. He came to know the Lord when he was 15 years old. He had a call to overseas ministry not too long afterward and took the time to get the education and training he needed. He was very intelligent and yet had no support for education from his family. In fact he even went to high school against the wishes of his father. He was one of many who heeded MacArthurs plea for missionaries to war torn Japan. This was before the information age and he got on that ship with no real idea of what he was getting into. He even took a pith helmet! My dad went to Japan as a single man and met my mother, one of many single missionary ladies there. They raised five children there. He was both a good husband and a difficult husband. He was both a good father and a difficult father. One of his cousins told me that he was one of the few people who mellowed with age but I don't think that was it. God the Holy Spirit worked mightily in his life breaking down a lot of those things that made him difficult. I think it was because he allowed God to do that work in him that he was so successful as a missionary. My dad was still preaching at age 90. Two years ago when he had to give that up, it was very difficult for him. He was still physically active until 6 months ago. Then he fell and shattered his hip. Being in a wheelchair was miserable for him. My mom, my two sisters and I were with him when he passed away at age 92. We have no doubt that he is now "absent from the body but face to face with the Lord". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Kate Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tress Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 :grouphug: Jean :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Beautiful, Jean. (((Hugs))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 That is a beautiful picture of a human being transformed by the grace and glory of Jesus. All of us are quirky and difficult - some maybe more than others. It sounds like you have mainly good memories and can see the redeeming work of Christ in your Dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thank you for sharing a little of your father with all of us, Jean. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 :grouphug: I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 "I have fought the good fight. I have kept the faith." And the King shall answer and say unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 :grouphug: Thank you for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Continuing to pray for you all as you face living without him. Thank you for sharing his testimony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmtzc2009 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Beautiful testimony! And I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aiden Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 What a tribute--both to your father and to the God Who created and molded him! I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 What peace to know he's in the presence of our Savior! Thank you for that look into his (and your) life. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 What peace to know he's in the presence of our Savior! Thank you for that look into his (and your) life. :grouphug: Thinking through and then writing that out is part of my own way of dealing with his death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 What a lovely tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss of him. May he rest in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne115 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 I'm so sorry for your loss. Your tribute is beautiful. Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thank you for sharing him with us this way. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thank you for sharing that sweet remembrance. I also am sorry for your loss but also glad that you know he is peacefully at rest after a long life well lived. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Jean, you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that beautiful witness. Indeed, the Lord is good and works wonders in His people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thank you for sharing him with us. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeLovePassion Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 What a beautiful testimony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carriede Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thank you so much for sharing his story with us! Thinking through and then writing that out is part of my own way of dealing with his death. My dad died tragically two years ago. Everyone kept saying "I'm sorry for your loss" or asked "How are you doing? How's your mom?" But all I really wanted was for someone to say "So, tell me about your dad." I'm glad you've realized your need to grieve in this way and that you've taken the initiative to get his story out there. ::hugs:: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 My dad died tragically two years ago. Everyone kept saying "I'm sorry for your loss" or asked "How are you doing? How's your mom?" But all I really wanted was for someone to say "So, tell me about your dad." I'm glad you've realized your need to grieve in this way and that you've taken the initiative to get his story out there. ::hugs:: Yes. Exactly. thank you for understanding and for your kind words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 What a beautiful tribute to an obviously amazing and loving father. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thanks for sharing that, Jean. He sounds like an amazing man. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergreen State Sue Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thank you for sharing your insights about your dad. So glad he heard the calling of the Lord and answered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 We have no doubt that he is now "absent from the body but face to face with the Lord". The hope that lies within us... Thank you for sharing, Jean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Thanks, Jean. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bassoon Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Beautiful tribute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Thank you for sharing about your father, Jean. What a wonderful tribute to him. (((hugs))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Thanks for letting us share your memories of your dad, Jean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in FL. Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Thank you for the honor of a glimpse into your father's life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your dad's amazing story. I think some of the brave spirit that let him overcome so much lives in you too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Jean, I pray that you find comfort in knowing where your dad is, and that it helps to alleviate some of your sadness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Jean,thanks for sharing. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaderbee Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 :grouphug: Thank you for sharing a little about your dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom@shiloh Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Thanks for sharing, not only about your dad, but also about the transforming power of Jesus. I love the honesty here, the Holy Spirit works in us, but it's a process, This hits home for me because my 92 yo mother just shattered her hip as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MolleenCarie Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your dad's testimony. Have you seen the YWAM video called "Why Japan"? I think you would like it. http://vimeo.com/m/92343293 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 That was a beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to your father. :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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