There is no greater jolt than the end of life. Whether expected or unexpected, death stuns us.
In our culture, it seems easiest to simply avoid death. Compared to other cultures, our dealings with death are largely impersonal and distant. We normally don't touch the dead, mourn in public or talk much about our feelings.
However, there are those that deal with death and suffering on daily basis.
Our local community leaders of faith cannot afford the luxury of turning their sights away from the end of life. For in their path are real and hurting people that consist of both the dying and those left behind. Ministers of all faiths in Delta do an amazing job of shepherding our people through extreme pain.
My own personal experience with death reached a climax in 2002 when my wife Jodee succumbed to a two-year battle with breast cancer. I remember those days well. My three young children hunkered down with me in a hospice. Our only voice of hope was a local minister that stayed by our side day after day.
And after Jodee went to heaven, another member of the faith community emerged to help counsel our family through what would be a substantial grieving process.
I am not only thankful for the care I've received from our local ministers but I am also privileged to provide that care. Those like me are motivated by the deep suffering caused by death and dying. I want hurting people to find hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that promises eternal life for those that put there trust in Jesus.
He exclaimed in John 8: "If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death." And then in order to undergird His authority to make such a claim, He said, "Truly, Truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born I am." Jesus can keep us from ever tasting death (even for a moment) and can give us eternal life because He is the Forever King - The "I AM."
The ministers and leaders within our faith community are hard-working men and women that are committed to tending to the needs of those who are suffering. Hospital visits, memorial services, counselling and after-death care are just some of the ways we are involved.
I am honoured to be a colleague of these laborers who give sacrificially of themselves, behind the scenes, where no one can see. When the jolting pain of death hits, our ministers are there to provide a steady and caring hand.
Paul Johnson is the lead pastor at South Delta Baptist Church in Tsawwassen.
