Message upon the Death of my Brother
by Chris Foreman, January 1, 2008
(Message sent to my wife and two sons sent on December 31, 2007)
Dear Family,
I was at Pastor Paul Gasigi's home for a New Year's eve dinner when my interpreter Frank Murenzi told me that Zachary had phoned him. The connection was bad, but the meaning was clear. I had give Zachary specific instructions to phone me only in the event of death. I knew that my brother Jack had passed from this world.
The four of us missionaries were about to go to a late-night New Year's eve service. We four went to the church as planned. The place was packed. Pastor Paul and the congregtion prayed for me and Jack's family, then I came back to our house. It wasn't a time for celebration.
I was able to use Pastor Rob's mobile phone to contact my brother Frank. Frank was in Dallas with Barbara. He and Barbara were with Jack along with Lother and Heidi (Barbara's sister) when Jack's struggle finally came to an end on Monday morning.
I talked both with Brother Frank and with sister-in-law Barbara personally. Barbara assured me that I should stay in Africa and complete my mission. That is what I will do. Frank tells me that they will have a small service in a few days. I understand that Jack's remains are being cremated.
Barbara said that she recognizes that it would be difficult for all the brothers and sisters to come to Dallas on such short notice. Barbara's request is that we have a memorial service on Jack's birthday, March 15. That is what we shall do. So, Simon and Zachary, please plan to be in Dallas on that Saturday before Palm Sunday. Zachary can plan to sing and Simon can show a video tribute.
My brother Jack was a good man. I will miss him. I wish that I could have spent more time with him. I am glad that I had the opportunity to spend a few days with him in Houston while he was getting his bone marrow transplant in July. Barbara remarks again and again what a good time the two of them enjoyed in our Ashton Lane home in the Summer of 2006. Like a second honeymoon in Mill Valley.
Please keep Barbara, Alan, & Patrick in your prayers. I will email more in a few days.
Blessings, Chris in Africa ~~
but wishing I could have been with my brother in his last moments.
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