Good morning…
Gathering around the kitchen island as one dear friend prepared a birthday dinner for another dear friend, we were discussing how important Jerry and Anne Landers have been to our church family, for years and years and years. Teaching Sunday school. Leading Bible studies. Facilitating worship experiences. Instigating healing prayer. Volunteering on committee after committee. Sharing intimate prayer updates throughout their cancer journey. Worshipping, regularly, passionately, wholeheartedly.
“So many people of all ages have been shaped by the deep, faithful witness of Jerry and Anne,” I reflected. Then immediately an email buzzed the cell phone of our hostess. “Jerry has passed,” she quietly shared. In reverence, we read together this loving update.
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FW: Jerry Landers went to Jesus’s arms tonight. He is home.
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thank you for every prayer for three years. Jerry’s battle is over – he has won the victory – he is fully healed. He is home.
We are grieving at our home tonight, but grateful for the wonderful man, husband and father that was Jerry. We thank God for the gift of him.
I will send out an update when plans are known for Jerry’s Celebration of Life service. Just know it will not be this coming week since our pastor is out of town. That is all that I know for sure.
Thank you loved ones.
Salt and Light,
Anne
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Might we continue to share the power of our prayers for this grateful, grieving family? Jerry and Anne have helped so many of us to embrace our true identity as children of the living God. You, beloved, are the salt of the earth… And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:13a-14, VOICE).
Salt draws out the good flavors subtly hidden in food and preserves what would otherwise spoil. Light becomes a beacon in the darkness, revealing God’s healing, higher ways. Gratefully inspired by the faithful example of Jerry and Anne, might we also draw out the goodness of life’s hidden flavors, preserve what is eternal and be a city on a hilltop drawing others into the peaceful presence of our loving Lord?
…Sue…
