When the Parade is Over
Village Missionary Bruce Swan wrote, “Another family in our church lost a son, killed in Iraq. This makes three families in our church. It was a horrible ordeal for the family to go through; they experienced such a deep loss for their son, their only son. I was called to be with the family when the military broke the news to the family.”
Jesus once said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 NASB).” I am deeply grateful for the men and women who have laid down their lives in the defense of our country against terrorism. To me, the danger is as great as this country faced in World War II, and young men and women, especially from rural areas, have responded with singular courage.
The area we serve in Springfield, Maine has particularly given of its young heroes and the national media has noticed. Unfortunately, they have neglected the spiritual side of the story. Our Village Missionary, Bruce Swan, tells it much better than I can.
In his July report, he wrote,
One of the finest young men in our area was killed in action in Iraq, and I spent many hours with family, waiting for him to come back to the States so we could plan for his funeral. After his arrival stateside, he had a 24-hour military watch with many Mt. Company soldiers consoling the family. On July 3rd we had Joel’s funeral at the Lee Academy Gym; we shared the Gospel to a packed gymnasium and shared how a personal relationship with Jesus changed the House family. The Governor of Maine and the entire state delegation were present. Several Major Generals and many other important dignitaries heard clear presentation of the Gospel. Our service made nationwide news and the front page of several newspapers. It is our prayer that something good could come of this tragedy. The family has had several phone calls and letters from people who have rededicated their lives to the Lord.
Then I read in Bruce’s December report,
Another family in our church lost a son, killed in Iraq. This makes three families in our church. It was a horrible ordeal for the family to go through; they experienced such a deep loss for their son, their only son. I was called to be with the family when the military broke the news to the family. Hours of consoling and comforting were spent with the family. I was there when they flew him into Bangor and took his casket off the plane, the long motorcade of police, sheriffs, family, and military vehicles making their way up I-95 to Lincoln, where we were met with a great outpouring of support…fire trucks, more police, and the streets lined with people waving American flags and hero banners, veterans snapping to attention and saluting while others covered their hearts, and others wept. The viewing was one continuous line of people from start to finish. The funeral was held at the school gym where Blair had played his high school sports. All the Maine dignitaries were present, and some spoke. His family received many military awards. We then went to the cemetery where he received a full military burial and hundreds of carnations and roses were laid on his casket by those who attended. Something very precious has been taken from these families in our area, and everyone feels it, but these parents and their families continue to experience such a deep loss that words are inadequate to describe what they are going through. I sensed that the Christmas season and the spirit of joy that normally accompanied the events during December were very different this year. I pray that God will send His healing to our church and our communities this coming year, and may something good come from these tragedies. Our church must shine in these dark times, bringing a beacon of hope to the saints and to the lost. We must be true to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
Will you pray with and for Village Missionaries Bruce and Debra Swan as they minister to a hurting community? The parades are over but they are there bringing comfort to hurting families. May the good news of Jesus Christ shine forth in this dark time! I am so glad that they are there.
To read more about Joel House, the soldier who was killed in June, go to http://www.bangornews.com/news/t/penobscot.aspx?articleid=151429&zoneid=183
You can read more about Blair Emery at:
Honor the Fallen: http://www.militarycity.com/valor/3226684.html
Bangor Daily News: http://bangornews.com/news/t/penobscot.aspx?articleid=157299&zoneid=183
USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-24-smalltowns_N.htm
You Tube Memorial: http://youtube.com/watch?v=r41UEBosqVo
February 15th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Thank you, Bruce, for your moving report about the great losses your church family has experienced. I work with the USO of Northern Ohio and have a son-in-law in the Army. The young folks serving in the military are a blessing to all of us and we all are impacted when they fall in Iraq and Afghanistan. I will pray for you and for the families who now find an empty seat at the table. I would like to ask you to pray for the military Chaplains who have been called to serve God and the soldiers and Marines in very challenging and difficult conditions.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:01 am
I just wanted to say that I will be praying for you. I am originally from Maine and I know how difficult it is to reach people in that state and deaths from Military people make it even more difficult. I Pray for the families and the soldiers still over there and those who heard the Gospel message at the Memorial services. I also pray for your church and what it has been doing, is doing and what it will be doing in the community. God bless