Words cannot even express what I feel right now. My emotions are a whirlwind. Today, I lost the love of my life. Jonathan went to be with the Lord today. Many don't know, but he suffered from severe depression. And it became too much for him to handle.
Jonathan was a godly man. Someone who I admired so much. I have no doubt that right now, Jonathan is in the presence of God, praising Him, and suffering no longer. I thank God for bringing Jonathan into my life. He was a great husband and a wonderful father and we miss him so much.
I ask at this time that you would please keep Andrew and I in your prayers. I pray that as Andrew grows up, I will have the opportunity to tell him how much his daddy loved him and about how godly a man he was. I know that you may be wondering how you can help ... and I just ask for your prayers. These next few days, weeks, months, and years will be challenging. I ask prayer for healing to my heart, prayer for strength, prayer that I take it one minute at a time. I also ask prayer for every member of my family - for the same things I mentioned for me. We will never understand why things happen they way they do or when they do, but we must rely on God for everything. "God is my rock and my fortress." God's plans are so much higher and better than ours. And it is by faith in God that I will make it through this time in my life.
Thank you so much for all of your thoughts, prayers, and love. It is appreciated more than you will ever know.
Eli's sermon
4 weeks ago
31 comments:
Sarah we love you and want you to know that we are praying for you, Andrew, and the whole family. Jonathan was an awesome Christian man whom we will miss so much.
-Amanda and Skip
Sarah,
You don't know me. My name is Michelle Bingham. I go to church with Tobey & Lem. I wanted you to know that our hearts break for you and we love you and your family like our own. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
The Binghams
Sarah, I'm a friend of Tobey's and I met you at her wedding shower at People of Praise Outreach. I just wanted to tell you that I am so sorry for your loss. Our family is praying for you and Andrew during this difficult time. It is so amazing to see how strong your faith in God is right now.
*Aprille Roberts*
I've known Jon since I was six years old. We graduated high school together and both went to church at Bethel. I'm deeply saddened to hear what has happened. He will be missed. No words of mine will ease the pain of your loss. Even though i've only met you once, I wanted to let you know that i'm praying for you and your son.
-Adam Dour
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for sharing something so very difficult. I have been praying without ceasing for you since I heard. God woke me up through the night to pray as well. I cannot phathom your loss but know that God knows, He knows you so much more then anyone and has you held TIGHT in the palm of His hand. We will continue to pray for you as you walk a very tough road with you wee one.
Love ya tons,
Saca
Sarah,
I do not know if you rmrmber us from Munford Baptist. We have recently moved to Texas. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God is gracious and merciful and is the
great healer!!
Dwayne and Pam Cloar
Sarah
Know that the whole congregation of Smyrna Baptist Church is praying for your peace and comfort right now. Cling to the Lord now more than ever and He will ease your pain. We will always remember Jonathan in our hearts and memories forever.
Love to you!
Nora, Jerry, Cory and Amanda O'Hara
Sarah,
George ane I want you to know that you are in our prayers. Only God knows the heart of man and Jonathan's heart was sold out to the Lord. Both of you have ministered to so many people in so many ways that you can never imagine. Our prayer is that the days to come will be full of understanding, love and memeories. What a precious gift you have to help you through this time, Andrew.
Love in Christ,
Denise Miller
dear sarah,
hey i just wanted to let you know you are on my prayer list!jonathan was an awesome guy! well i love you very much and looking forward to seeing you soon! tell andrew i said hey for me please!i love you very much!
love,
curryann potter
sarah we wanted to say we love you and are praying for you and andrew also the family .you have so many friends who loved johnathan and you we will always be here for you no matter what it is you need feel free to call on us or i think i can say anyone you know .we are praying for you and love you.
wade ,lisa ,heath , hailey and hanna
hey sarah. my heart is so sad right now. i love you and jonathan so much. i KNOW jonathan is with Jesus right now....no more pain and tears for him.
i don't know what else to say, except that i love you, i am praying for you and andrew, and jonathan's family. i will see you soon.
always, kelly
Sarah -
We found out the news yesterday. Our hearts are heavy, but I know Jon was indeed a godly guy and with the Lord right now. Our prayers and thoughts are definently with you now and in the days to come. We're praying the Lord will be a comfort to you, a refuge, and your strength. We'd be glad to bring Andrew over to play with Bryson if you need a break now or in the future. Actually, if you need anything, we're available. May our God grant you great grace today by the mercy that is found in Jesus Christ.
- Caleb Trent
Sarah,
I find it so encouraging that you are able to write this way so soon. You must have an incredible walk with God. I am praying for you and your son. Isaiah 51 is a great chapter for comfort, vs 12 God Himself says "I, even I, am He who comforts you."
As family and friends gather around you don't neglect to read the Scriptures. He is our greatest source of comfort, His Word will minister to you far greater than anyone else is able.
Sarah,
My heart goes out to you and Andrew, Jon's parents and his brother Matt. I can not imagine the pain you're going thru right now. You will be in my prayers. Jon has been my friend since kindergarden, I had almost every class with him in high school. He was a great friend. I will miss him. -Scott Dour
Sarah - I never met Jonathan but have been reading your blog for a while now. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and will be praying for you, Andrew and your family.
Danielle
Sarah - Our hearts are heavy for you and we promise to pray for you and your beautiful Andrew. May the Lord continue to grant you the wisdom in Him that we so remember about you. His strength is definitely perfect and we pray it for all of you now.
Love - Hugh and Aimee Calvert
Sarah,
You, Andrew and your family are on my heart and mind. Please know of my thoughts and prayers for all of you during this time. I will continue to pray for God to be so near to you during this time. May your be overwhelmed with his faithfulness.
Stacy Storey
(I was in your Life Group in 2001 at Union)
Sarah and Andrew,
I wish I had some wonderful words of comfort for you. I wish I could embrace you both in my arms and take away all the sadness you are feeling. I know that God can provide you with all of the comfort you will ever need. This is so difficult for any of us to wrap our small minds around. But, the one thing we can wrap our minds around is the fact that Jonathan has the awesome opportunity to be with our Heavenly Father. I had just received an email from Jonathan on Monday. I had emailed him to ask for your mailing address because I was cleaning out some gift bags and came across a letter Audrey had written to you and Jonathan when ya'll resigned from Smyrna. Unfortunately, I procrastinated and have not mailed it yet. So, I opened it up and read what my daughter had written. It is remarkable the impact one makes on a child. Audrey knew how close you and Jonathan are to God. I wish Jonathan could have read how important he was to Audrey. I am so so sorry I didn't get it in the mail sooner. I will never forgive myself for not getting it in the mail Tuesday morning. I will definitely keep in touch.
I love you!
Tracey Holliday
sarah,
my heart is with you. wish that i could be with you in person. thank you for sharing how we can pray specifically for you and andrew. we grieve with you and pray that His presence and His Word will sustain, strengthen, and encourage you minute by minute. we love you dearly and thank God for you!
suzanne & jamie mosley
Sarah,
Jonathan was loved by all at Smyrna and did a great job with the youth and children. Even though my boys were very young when he was there, they loved the times Jonathan spent playing with the children at church through VBS or any other time. YOu will be in my prayers.
April HOward
Sarah & Andrew,
Johnathan & I were in the youth group together at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, IL. We also attended high school together for a short time as I graduated a few years earlier. I am so saddened by this news, know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know words may be of no comfort to you right now just know people care! Love you both!
April Hope (Bostrom)
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and everyone involved.. I pray for your strength and that God will comfort you in this time of grief.
I myself suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, and have even been hospitalized due to it.. I have been in the position where I have attempted suicide, and lived through it. I know the pain that can drive a person to that dark place. there is however, a light at the end of that.. and I am sure that Jonathan is now basking in the light of God.. surrounded by His glory.
"You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." ~Psalm 18:28
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." ~Psalm 126: 5-6
Sarah-
I don't know if you remember me, but I was Tobey's roommate at Union. My heart is aching for you right now. I cannot fathom your pain, but I am encouraged to hear your words of such strong faith in our Lord. I will keep you in my prayers. -E.J. Butler
Sarah & Andrew,
You may not remember me, I am Tobey's nursing "sister." I was so sorry to hear the news. Your strength during this time is evident to be in the Lord, I pray that you find comfort there also. My heart and prayers go out to you and your entire family. -Darri Tummins
Sarah and Andrew,
My family goes to church with Jonathan's parents in Troy, IL. Though we have never met, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give you strength and peace that passes all understanding at this very difficult time.
Jennifer Yonaka
Sarah, my husband Corby & I went to chruch with Jon in Troy & I went to school with him through high school. We are praying for your family right now through this difficult time & will continue to pray for you in the days to come.
Sarah,
We've never met, but my husband and I were on the Lebou team in Senegal and heard stories about Jon many times. We will continue to pray for you, for Andrew, your families, and the many people Jon touched in Ngor.
Kari
Sarah-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jon was an encouraging brother in Christ while I was at Union and involved with SAE. You and Andrew will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lance and Rebecca Parrott
Our hearts are with you right now. We are praying for you Sarah. We will pray for comfort and strength in the days to come. Blessings
Ryan and Danielle West
I used to attend Bethel in Troy, IL. Jon and I were good friends in the youth group, and I was always sorry we lost touch. He was a great person who loved God. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I am glad you have a little piece of Jon in your son. Andrew is a gift from God. The news comes as a great shock to me, but God can get us through anything. Turn to Him for strength.
Lisa Lynn
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