How to pray for Steve and Gracie
An email from one of our pastor's in Boston - Toni Kim
Hi again Praying Friends,
I just got off the phone with Steve, who has a hard road ahead of him. Amidst all his sorrow, he is grateful that Bridget's requests surrounding death were answered. She died peacefully in her sleep, with many loved ones around her. They had all gathered together, knowing the end was soon. They decided to pray, and the surgical oncologist joined them. Two minutes into that prayer, Bridget passed into the presence of God and was freed from all her suffering. So, we are grateful for God's mercy to Bridget, and now we must pray for God's hand of comfort to be upon Steve.
We also need to pray for Gracie. Steve hasn't yet told Gracie that Bridget passed away. Since Bridget has been in the hospital since Saturday and Gracie doesn't get to see her all the time, there is some flexibility in timing as to when to tell her. Steve needs wisdom in knowing what words to say (not, "Mommy is asleep," lest Gracie fear falling asleep herself, etc) and the strength with which to do it. Pray for Gracie to be able to process in way appropriate for a toddler, and to receive peace from God. Also, one of Steve's brothers is currently in Croatia and another is supposed to leave town tomorrow, leaving Gracie without her cousins until the end of the month. Pray for support for Gracie, which is also helpful for Steve.
Plans are moving forward for a memorial service at Park Street Church on Sat Aug 23 and in Portland on Aug 30; I will keep you posted when there are more details, including whether or not Steve will actually fly out for the service.
For those of you who know Steve and would like to contact him, his email is: steveslotemaker@gmail.com.
Keep in mind that the mourning process is going to be a journey, and so let's commit to continue to pray for him and walk with him throughout this difficult time. We continue to cling to that promise which God made to Bridget and now applies to Steve and the rest of us who grieve:
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isa 41:10)
God is indeed faithful and able to sustain us moment by moment, day by day. May you know his presence and love.
Hi again Praying Friends,
I just got off the phone with Steve, who has a hard road ahead of him. Amidst all his sorrow, he is grateful that Bridget's requests surrounding death were answered. She died peacefully in her sleep, with many loved ones around her. They had all gathered together, knowing the end was soon. They decided to pray, and the surgical oncologist joined them. Two minutes into that prayer, Bridget passed into the presence of God and was freed from all her suffering. So, we are grateful for God's mercy to Bridget, and now we must pray for God's hand of comfort to be upon Steve.
We also need to pray for Gracie. Steve hasn't yet told Gracie that Bridget passed away. Since Bridget has been in the hospital since Saturday and Gracie doesn't get to see her all the time, there is some flexibility in timing as to when to tell her. Steve needs wisdom in knowing what words to say (not, "Mommy is asleep," lest Gracie fear falling asleep herself, etc) and the strength with which to do it. Pray for Gracie to be able to process in way appropriate for a toddler, and to receive peace from God. Also, one of Steve's brothers is currently in Croatia and another is supposed to leave town tomorrow, leaving Gracie without her cousins until the end of the month. Pray for support for Gracie, which is also helpful for Steve.
Plans are moving forward for a memorial service at Park Street Church on Sat Aug 23 and in Portland on Aug 30; I will keep you posted when there are more details, including whether or not Steve will actually fly out for the service.
For those of you who know Steve and would like to contact him, his email is: steveslotemaker@gmail.com.
Keep in mind that the mourning process is going to be a journey, and so let's commit to continue to pray for him and walk with him throughout this difficult time. We continue to cling to that promise which God made to Bridget and now applies to Steve and the rest of us who grieve:
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isa 41:10)
God is indeed faithful and able to sustain us moment by moment, day by day. May you know his presence and love.
posted by Andrew and Brooks at Thursday, August 14, 2008
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