On May 6th of 2001, my only son was involved in a fatal car accident about 2 miles from his home. Three people were killed when this tragic head on accident took place. One vehicle contained the driver, Ryan (also a Christian), who died instantly, and my son Jesse and their friend Shawn. Jesse and Shawn were ambulanced to the Wallaceburg hospital temporarily. Shawn by the grace of God only sustained a fractured ankle. The driver of the other vehicle was also killed instantly.
Upon getting a call from the hospital, we rushed there to find my son lying on a bed with multiple broken bones and internal damage not yet diagnosed. When we were allowed to see him, he could not open his eyes, but recognized my voice. The last words, which I heard him say were “ Love you Dad, Love you Dad. These words I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Jesse was transported to the London hospital by ambulance where he never recovered. The nurse who rode with Jesse to London called me over later and told me of my son's incredible strength as he endured the pain. More importantly, she told me how they talked most of the way there, and how he asked her for a few moments so he could pray. I don't know what he prayed, but I believe he knew he would not make it, for after his prayer he began to become unstable and shortly after reaching London he passed away as a team of professionals did all they could to save him.
As I write these words my heart cries out for the temporary loss of my son. The hurt pours out as the tears run down my face. I write them in prayer that lives will be changed; Christians will wake up to the importance of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the importance of living a life that our children will follow after.
My son knew where I stood with the Lord, and my walk and faith in God led him to seek and find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In the last few months of his life, he had dedicated them to living for Jesus. He wore a chain around his neck with a set of dog tags from his army basic training with a cross he and his grandfather made. One day a few weeks before the accident, he broke the bottom tag off and threw it away, signifying a pact he made with God that he was dying to self and living for God. He said that when he looked down at the broken tag, that it would remind him of his pact with God.
I now have that chain around my neck, and the courage and strength he had shall be mine. The pact he made with God shall be mine. He realized that in this life he wanted to be a messenger of God, he can't do that now, but threw his death, this message will go forth and many lives will be saved to the Glory of God.
Knowing that he is in the presence of God in Glory, seeing and hearing greater things than I can imagine comforts the pain I bare. My missing him is but for a short time, for we shall meet again in Heaven. I long for that day, but until the Lord calls me home, I pray my courage and strength will be as his and the message of the Gospel will flood forward in victory as God opens the eyes of man to the glorious salvation message of Jesus Christ.
Below is a tract God put upon my heart to hand out on the streets in prayer that the Spirit of God will set souls free in Christ. The work has already began as his testimony has touched many lives and we are looking forward to great and mighty works to take place as God's Word goes forth, for it shall not return void. At his funeral celebration, God laid it upon my heart to have an alter call for salvation. After the testimony of his commitment to God, the alter call was given and over one hundred young people came forward. Some were saved and others I'm sure received seeds of life that only God can give, seeds that will be watered and grow to eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
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"I LOVE YOU SON, AND I WILL SEE YOU SOON!" |
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To Dad: You wrote me a letter once, saying you weren't a good example. But you have been the greatest, I know no better man. You have taught me wisdom and shown me faith. You have been the greatest example of a soldier of the cross. I have learned from your words and by your actions. I see the truth within your eyes. You have taught me so much, sometimes by saying nothing at all. You know what I think and how I feel. You have been my best friend and greatest father. All my life you have been my hero. I wanted to be just like you, and now I feel I am. I speak, hear and know the truth, and someday hope to be as great a father as you have been. I feel we have grown together and have a relationship that will never die. These words are mine and meant only for you. Isaiah 40:31 … but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
I Love you Dad,
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