Pastor Dave,
When I was seven or eight and had pneumonia, you walked into my hospital room to say hi and introduce yourself as my new children’s pastor. I had known you and your family were moving a long way to work at our church, and I remember being amazed to meet you in person, and that you’d come to see and check on me. That was probably 1977, or 78 maybe. I didn’t realize in that moment that the love and care I saw in you that day would be the same love I’d witness over and over, hundreds of times for years and decades to come. You made kids want to learn about Jesus and pursue him with our lives. You forgave me the day my parents took me to your house after I’d been talking during kids church (again), and you told me you believed in me. You have been so devoted to the same church family your entire adult life, which is so rare and incredibly inspiring. Your love for Jesus and people has influenced so so many of us to try to live a life doing the same. I can’t wait to talk to you in perfect bodies, about the stresses and fun of leading churches. I’m amazed that you’re in Jesus’ close presence now. Wow! How alive and happy you are. Which eases my sadness today. – Brad