Sad Day

I was very sad to hear of the passing of a most beloved pastor, Ralph Arthur today. It was a great shock, but we know Ralph is rejoicing in heaven.

I didn't have a ton of interaction with him, only a few jobs, but he left a fantastic impression upon me. I have actually described him before as "the kindest pastor at Harvest" (which is saying a lot, because I love and greatly respect all the pastors there). God had gifted Ralph with an incredible warmth. He was over all of the ministries that no one wants to have to join (and by that I mean things in life we all wish we could avoid: cancer, illness, bereavement). He was surrounded by depressing situations, but every time I saw him he displayed joyfulness, a joyfulness he shared with those who needed it most.

When my friend Justine called to tell me he had passed away, I was soon reminded of the famous quote by St. Francis, "Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words." To me, Ralph Arthur was the embodiment of this. For as little as I saw him, he never failed to be kind-hearted and sweet with the love of Christ siliently eminating from him in all he did.

It's times like these when Romans 8:28 is hard to grasp but more than that an amazing promise to stand on.

Please remember to pray for his wife, Cheri and their family. And though we know God will fill it, for the enormous void that is left in our church staff.

Pastor Ralph's Favorite Verse: (According to his pastor bio page)

"I love the LORD, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live."
(Psalm 116:1-2 NKJV)