October 202-
Dear Praying Friends,
The cold winds blew across the cemetery making everyone burrow a little deeper into their coats. The Army bugler solemnly played taps and then the soldiers folded the flag. Our son, Joshua, had driven down to Arkansas to preach the funeral of his beloved Uncle Dudley and gave the simple gospel message to those assembled at the grave side. Our family’s prayer is that everyone who heard that message would come to know Christ before it is time for their funeral.
For 63 years, Michele’s father (Dean McClure, missionary to Brazil since 1965) witnessed to his older brother, Dudley, trying to win him to Christ. He wrote letters with the gospel message and pleaded with him in person, but Dudley kept putting off this most important of decisions. Year after year, decade after decade, he ignored the pleas of his younger brother and lived life on his own terms.
Last year, Uncle Dudley suffered a debilitating stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side. He could no longer care for himself and was moved to a rest home. He was a broken man when Michele and I talked with him but he finally submitted before God and with tears of repentance, he accepted Jesus as his Savior! That is why his funeral was not a goodbye, but rather, see you later!
If you are trying to win the lost and have become discouraged, remember my father-in-law who faithfully witnessed to his brother for 63 years. Don’t give up, as long as they have life, there is hope. Keep witnessing, God knows what it will take to bring them to His Son.
Thankful for the hope we have in Christ,
Mark Hale
