Earlier today someone very dear to us all went home to be with her Savior and Lord. For both Pam and I it is a bittersweet time. I want you to know their is great sorrow in our hearts. The line from my favorite movie goes like this. “One person can leave a big hole.” But there is also joy in knowing that Shirley is no longer suffering.

Shirley Christman (Pam’s mom) leaves a wonderful legacy. She was married to a pastor/evangelist, took care of 5 children, three of her daughters married husbands who are now in the ministry and their one son is also in the ministry. In addition several of the grandchildren are studying for the ministry. Shirley not only shared Christ with people, but she lived it, no doubt about it. She made an impact wherever she went and she will be missed.

Today she moved into the heavenly choir. She always loved singing and she knew what it meant to make a joyful noise. We are planning on having a wonderful home going celebration for her. One of her favorite songs was “Victory In Jesus.” We plan on singing that as a congregation at her home going celebration. They’ve asked me to lead the singing and asked our family to sing a trio. Shirley always loved the guitar, so that will be part of the celebration as well.

Today Shirley Christman has slipped the bonds of this earth and now is in the presence of Jesus.

This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.