Ernie attended my Sabbath School class many times over the past few years. I sometimes made it a point to speak to him privately before class, because he always had a wise thought gem about the lesson that he wanted to make sure got shared with the class.
Pastors found that their prayer for Ernie after a home or hospital visit was followed by a passionate prayer by Ernie for the pastor that often brought a tear to the eye. His name certainly described his prayer life--earnest.
One of the secrets to this fervent prayer life of his may be attributed to a book he shared with me on one of my visits. The author was E.M. Bounds. I found this Christian classic of the nineteenth century a powerful guide to revitalizing one's prayer life and something I really needed at the time.
Ernie's life of devotion to family, his country (as evidenced by his many military honors), and most of all to his faith will be a powerful legacy to all who had the privilege of knowing him. The church yesterday was not packed, but was definitely full. If all of the lives he touched over the past 98 years could have been there, they would have had to rent a sports stadium. May you rest in peace, dear friend, knowing that you were loved and will be sorely missed.
 |
| Of all he had, Ernie was most proud of the roses in his yard! |
1 comment:
Something I often think about these 'sort' of people is that here on earth, they are often over-looked, but like you said, he was a spiritual giant, touched many lives, had many friends. He probably didn't win any 'earthly awards' that so many famous people receive, but he stored up so many treasures in heaven--he is reaping the benefits now.
Did you ever notice how the older we get, the more we realize how brief our lives here on earth really are?
Post a Comment