I was at OCF Convention Camp 2007 when I heard the news from my parents. The line was bad due to the fact that I was in the outback. But the words that rang through my ears were loud and clear.
"Zi On… your cousin, is lost at sea.... They haven't found him yet ….presuming the worst."
The words echoed through my head.
In camp, the BS group that I was in, prayed for him, and those from WA, during discussions and prayer sessions, linked hands and prayed for him and the family.
That night at camp, as I lay my head down on my pillow, I could not help but wonder - how could an Almighty God whom so many look to as their Saviour allow such a person to be taken in such a manner especially when he saved another person through his actions? I guess during such times, many would have asked the same question.
Humanly speaking, I've no idea why. No reason or logic would be able to explain it. Theologically, one can only say, God knows what is best and we have to trust Him. To tie a knot between the spiritual realm and the physical realm is almost impossible. Even now as I type this, I'm sure that many of my family members are still grieving and even we who are Christians and have that hope in Christ, still find ourselves struggling with this reality. Until the second coming of Christ, I guess we will forever be tied to this physical realm and never be able to experience the fullness of this understanding. I do not wish to debate on theology or humanity but just to share some of my thoughts about Zi On.
During my quiet time in the past few nights, I’ve been thinking very hard about this whole issue. And here are a few words I have penned out. This is not a poem….just my thoughts.
Many will see us differently
Many will describe us differently.
Yet in many ways, we are similar
The quietness with certain friends
Or even the sanguine jokes we tell others.
We share a common love you and I
For music and football
Although I’m an MU fan
And you a Tottenham Hotspur guy
I've seen you,
For who you are.
The few words exchanged
The simple actions you did
Adequately identified you.
The pool at Unitata was where it began
Where my dad played the “bad monster”
Splashing
and chasing us around.
We were scatteringI was the last one out
But I slipped and fell back in.
You looked back
You ran back and pulled me up
Saving me from the approaching “monster”.
But what you showed me that day
That simple action
Which few would even consider an option
You stood out from the rest.
You showed me
To make that difference…
just to turn back in a simple way
to give that hand and risk that “life”
That childhood pool day was enough to show
That you just stood out And I’m not surprised
That you did it again.
To risk your life to save another.
And as much as it was child’s play
I saw that you were different.
The power of one’s action
May it be big or small
Or light as a butterfly’s touch
Has a lasting effect.
And though I can no longer see you anymore
I’m sure those that you have left behind
Were very grateful that they have crossed paths with you.
That effect
That smile
That little action
Is what the world needs more.
It’s a privilege to have known you
To have tasted your goodness
To have shared some special moments with you
I’m proud to have you as my cousin.
So to Zi On, may your soul rest in peace.
With love from your cousin,
Lemuel
16 Jan. 2008
Unitata’s swimming pool in Teluk Intan - April 1988
(From left : Lemuel, Zi On & Zi Lu)
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
To My dearest Nephew Zi On
Remember that your loss is shared
By many dear ones who care
You’re always in our thoughts and hearts
And in our every prayer.
May you find the courage to face tomorrow
In the love that surrounds today.
At this time,
May the love of family and friends
Be a comfort to you.
At this time of pain
May these truths sustain you……
Your loved ones will always be as close as a memory.
And the God of all love and comfort
Will always surround you.
It will be the little things that you will remember,
The quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter
Though it may seem hard right now
It will remain a memory of these little things
That help to push away the pain
And bring our smiles back again !
From: Tuah Ee Christina,
I always love you.
By many dear ones who care
You’re always in our thoughts and hearts
And in our every prayer.
May you find the courage to face tomorrow
In the love that surrounds today.
At this time,
May the love of family and friends
Be a comfort to you.
At this time of pain
May these truths sustain you……
Your loved ones will always be as close as a memory.
And the God of all love and comfort
Will always surround you.
It will be the little things that you will remember,
The quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter
Though it may seem hard right now
It will remain a memory of these little things
That help to push away the pain
And bring our smiles back again !
From: Tuah Ee Christina,
I always love you.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Happy Birthday Dearest Zi On,
Today would have been your 26th birthday.
The day you were born, you brought happiness and pride to all of us.
We are all so very happy and proud to have you in our lives.
Though your Earthly journey was short, you have touched many lives.
Remember the time we spent together in Melbourne?
Though short, I treasured every moment of it,
to have you and Ying with me for a year.
I was supposed to be your elder sister, to guide and protect you,
but instead, you guided and taught me.
In my worst moments, you were there.
You went looking for me but I was not ready to be found.
I needed that space and time to find my own path and strength.
And you understood, in that tender age of 18.
You taught me that it is okay to feel my emotions, no doubt incomprehensible at that time.
You did not pass any judgment.
You gave me time and space to find my own journey.
Your sentiments were so pure and sincere.
Your words of comfort and love were felt.
There is a saying, “To love for the sake of being loved is human, but to love for the sake of loving is angelic.”
And Zi On, you love for the sake of loving.
You taught us “Love is a better way”.
In your selfless act, you taught us what
love,
compassion,
strength,
courage and
bravery meant.
Zi On, you are a person who did not seek glory
and yet in your own ways
you have glorified many, touched many lives and
helped many become more fully who they were meant to be.
Though we missed you so very much,
You have also helped us understand that these painful moments in our lives are sacred.
I am privileged and honored that you are in my life.
Zi On, you are loved. You are missed.
You are indeed an Angelic Hero.
Thank you On, for your enlightenment.
Love always,
Euling Che Che
14 January 2008
The day you were born, you brought happiness and pride to all of us.
We are all so very happy and proud to have you in our lives.
Though your Earthly journey was short, you have touched many lives.
Remember the time we spent together in Melbourne?
Though short, I treasured every moment of it,
to have you and Ying with me for a year.
I was supposed to be your elder sister, to guide and protect you,
but instead, you guided and taught me.
In my worst moments, you were there.
You went looking for me but I was not ready to be found.
I needed that space and time to find my own path and strength.
And you understood, in that tender age of 18.
You taught me that it is okay to feel my emotions, no doubt incomprehensible at that time.
You did not pass any judgment.
You gave me time and space to find my own journey.
Your sentiments were so pure and sincere.
Your words of comfort and love were felt.
There is a saying, “To love for the sake of being loved is human, but to love for the sake of loving is angelic.”
And Zi On, you love for the sake of loving.
You taught us “Love is a better way”.
In your selfless act, you taught us what
love,
compassion,
strength,
courage and
bravery meant.
Zi On, you are a person who did not seek glory
and yet in your own ways
you have glorified many, touched many lives and
helped many become more fully who they were meant to be.
Though we missed you so very much,
You have also helped us understand that these painful moments in our lives are sacred.
I am privileged and honored that you are in my life.
Zi On, you are loved. You are missed.
You are indeed an Angelic Hero.
Thank you On, for your enlightenment.
Love always,
Euling Che Che
14 January 2008
Today is your birthday
Dearest Zi On,
Today is your birthday -- 14-01-2008.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! SON, MY DEAR SON.
You are 26 today! We celebrate your life!
On, Happy Birthday! I love you, mama loves you, Pa loves you,
Zi Lu loves you.
The Lord Jesus loves you! Yes, God, our Heavenly Father, He who created you, He loves you.
I praise God because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a unique individual, specially created for a special purpose. You are highly valued by God.
After papa and I were married in 1979, I began to pray that God would give us a son. Yes papa and I prayed to God for you.
Yes, I remember I asked God like Hannah did that God would give me a son, I specifically asked for a son. And I also told the Lord that my son would be given to Him for His use – that his life would be useful to Him.
As I look back now, yes, the Lord has indeed heard my prayers.
God gave you to us, and God used you.
‘What name shall we give our son?’ we asked when you were born.
When we looked into the Bible for inspiration and guidance,
Psalm 50:2 stood out:
Out of Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
We know Zion refers to God, His holy mountain, the mountain which symbolizes God, His righteousness and His total attributes of His holiness and perfection. It was our prayers and desires that this gift from God, this son of ours would develop the attributes of godliness and that God would shine forth in his life.
In order to retain the Chinese identity, we had broken the word Zion into 2 parts Zi On and to add another meaning to his name. ie.
Zi On is made up of 2 Chinese characters. Zi in Chinese means fulfilled, On is grace. So the second meaning of your name is by the grace of God, our wish (for a son) is fulfilled.
Son, for many years, I know that you had been searching for your purpose in life.
I had frequently shared with you of my purpose in life. I shared with you that from young I searched for a meaningful life. To me it is so important that I live a meaningful life. When I found Christ and finally committed my life to Him, I already found the answer to my quest – A meaningful life is to have Jesus.
“To know Christ and to make Him known” is my aspired life vision. I told you that there is no other vision better than this for me. For papa it is the same. Together, when we were married, we also entrusted our lives to God with this goal and claimed this great promise of God in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be yours as well.” (all the things we need for this life God will provide)
Son, you know that this is for us. But you said you wanted to know God not through our faith. You wanted to experience God yourself and find your life purpose yourself.
Remember we shared this together?
Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Ps 107:4-9
And I thank the Lord for He has heard your cry and my cry.
You had finally come to Jesus and not through our faith, but your own. You surrendered all your burdens to Him as you recorded in your journal:
“I surrender to Jesus- my poverty replace with His rich treasures, all challenging situations with patience and encouragement through God’s love and patience, place my burdens on God’s shoulders, acknowledge His power in my life.”
To me, this is one of the greatest joys for any parents who know Jesus and want their children to know Him, too.
But this is only part of your story, though an important one.
Yours is also a story of love.
You teach us that love is a better way.
You teach us that love is a better way,
not success as men of the world want to see;
not achievements, though many strive with no end;
not riches if you have to toil all your life and miss it;
not praises from men, for God understands what is in a
man.
You teach us that love is a better way-
To love is to love now,
not till your task is over
nor later for an appointment that cannot be missed;
to love is to give now,
not when you have made more;
to love is share now when someone has a need,
not when you are free with no commitments to meet;
to love is to listen now,
no story or dream of another is too boring;
to love is to pass no judgment,
but a word of encouragement;
to love is to be kind and gentle to anyone who comes your
way,
no one is too small or undeserved;
to love is to forgive though sometimes you hurt the most;
to love is to pray for someone who has a pain,
be it a wounded finger, or an unspoken fear;
to love is to share good times and broken dreams;
to love is to enjoy with each other
both the sunshine and the rain,
music of others and your own;
to love is to share your time with people you love -
family or friends,
a meal, a chat, a call, a game, an occasion to celebrate
or just an ordinary day;
to love is to laugh or cry together
over a joke or a hurt that no one seems to understand.
And
again to love is to love now,
when someone is in danger and you to give a helping
hand not counting what it costs;
to love is to give of yourself for the life of others,
by instinct, even to sacrifice your own.
And love has no end.
My dearest son, Zi On, that is you. You have taught us what is
love. And God shines forth in your life because you love.
Today, we celebrate your birthday. We celebrate your life-
a great life -
with sweet remembrance of you, memories, countless and
precious; and with our hearts humbled and touched.
Yes, mama promises: I don’t want to cry today.
It is your birthday and we want to celebrate with joy and thankfulness to God for His special gift to us, a son and brother to cherish and hold; and when it is time God wants to use you, we surrender to His sovereign will.
And we know today, in the presence of God, the angels in heaven celebrate your birthday with you with joyful singing.
HAPPY BRITHDAY Zi On !
Love forever,
Mama together with papa and Zi Lu
14-01-2008
Today is your birthday -- 14-01-2008.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! SON, MY DEAR SON.
You are 26 today! We celebrate your life!
On, Happy Birthday! I love you, mama loves you, Pa loves you,
Zi Lu loves you.
The Lord Jesus loves you! Yes, God, our Heavenly Father, He who created you, He loves you.
I praise God because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a unique individual, specially created for a special purpose. You are highly valued by God.
After papa and I were married in 1979, I began to pray that God would give us a son. Yes papa and I prayed to God for you.
Yes, I remember I asked God like Hannah did that God would give me a son, I specifically asked for a son. And I also told the Lord that my son would be given to Him for His use – that his life would be useful to Him.
As I look back now, yes, the Lord has indeed heard my prayers.
God gave you to us, and God used you.
‘What name shall we give our son?’ we asked when you were born.
When we looked into the Bible for inspiration and guidance,
Psalm 50:2 stood out:
Out of Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
We know Zion refers to God, His holy mountain, the mountain which symbolizes God, His righteousness and His total attributes of His holiness and perfection. It was our prayers and desires that this gift from God, this son of ours would develop the attributes of godliness and that God would shine forth in his life.
In order to retain the Chinese identity, we had broken the word Zion into 2 parts Zi On and to add another meaning to his name. ie.
Zi On is made up of 2 Chinese characters. Zi in Chinese means fulfilled, On is grace. So the second meaning of your name is by the grace of God, our wish (for a son) is fulfilled.
Son, for many years, I know that you had been searching for your purpose in life.
I had frequently shared with you of my purpose in life. I shared with you that from young I searched for a meaningful life. To me it is so important that I live a meaningful life. When I found Christ and finally committed my life to Him, I already found the answer to my quest – A meaningful life is to have Jesus.
“To know Christ and to make Him known” is my aspired life vision. I told you that there is no other vision better than this for me. For papa it is the same. Together, when we were married, we also entrusted our lives to God with this goal and claimed this great promise of God in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be yours as well.” (all the things we need for this life God will provide)
Son, you know that this is for us. But you said you wanted to know God not through our faith. You wanted to experience God yourself and find your life purpose yourself.
Remember we shared this together?
Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Ps 107:4-9
And I thank the Lord for He has heard your cry and my cry.
You had finally come to Jesus and not through our faith, but your own. You surrendered all your burdens to Him as you recorded in your journal:
“I surrender to Jesus- my poverty replace with His rich treasures, all challenging situations with patience and encouragement through God’s love and patience, place my burdens on God’s shoulders, acknowledge His power in my life.”
To me, this is one of the greatest joys for any parents who know Jesus and want their children to know Him, too.
But this is only part of your story, though an important one.
Yours is also a story of love.
You teach us that love is a better way.
You teach us that love is a better way,
not success as men of the world want to see;
not achievements, though many strive with no end;
not riches if you have to toil all your life and miss it;
not praises from men, for God understands what is in a
man.
You teach us that love is a better way-
To love is to love now,
not till your task is over
nor later for an appointment that cannot be missed;
to love is to give now,
not when you have made more;
to love is share now when someone has a need,
not when you are free with no commitments to meet;
to love is to listen now,
no story or dream of another is too boring;
to love is to pass no judgment,
but a word of encouragement;
to love is to be kind and gentle to anyone who comes your
way,
no one is too small or undeserved;
to love is to forgive though sometimes you hurt the most;
to love is to pray for someone who has a pain,
be it a wounded finger, or an unspoken fear;
to love is to share good times and broken dreams;
to love is to enjoy with each other
both the sunshine and the rain,
music of others and your own;
to love is to share your time with people you love -
family or friends,
a meal, a chat, a call, a game, an occasion to celebrate
or just an ordinary day;
to love is to laugh or cry together
over a joke or a hurt that no one seems to understand.
And
again to love is to love now,
when someone is in danger and you to give a helping
hand not counting what it costs;
to love is to give of yourself for the life of others,
by instinct, even to sacrifice your own.
And love has no end.
My dearest son, Zi On, that is you. You have taught us what is
love. And God shines forth in your life because you love.
Today, we celebrate your birthday. We celebrate your life-
a great life -
with sweet remembrance of you, memories, countless and
precious; and with our hearts humbled and touched.
Yes, mama promises: I don’t want to cry today.
It is your birthday and we want to celebrate with joy and thankfulness to God for His special gift to us, a son and brother to cherish and hold; and when it is time God wants to use you, we surrender to His sovereign will.
And we know today, in the presence of God, the angels in heaven celebrate your birthday with you with joyful singing.
HAPPY BRITHDAY Zi On !
Love forever,
Mama together with papa and Zi Lu
14-01-2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Today is your birthday
Dearest Zi On,
Today is your birthday -- 14-01-2008.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! SON, MY DEAR SON.
You are 26 today! We celebrate your life!
On, Happy Birthday! I love you, mama loves you, Pa loves you,
Zi Lu loves you.
The Lord Jesus loves you! Yes, God, our Heavenly Father, He who created you, He loves you.
I praise God because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a unique individual, specially created for a special purpose. You are highly valued by God.
After papa and I were married in 1979, I began to pray that God would give us a son. Yes papa and I prayed to God for you.
Yes, I remember I asked God like Hannah did that God would give me a son, I specifically asked for a son. And I also told the Lord that my son would be given to Him for His use – that his life would be useful to Him.
As I look back now, yes, the Lord has indeed heard my prayers.
God gave you to us, and God used you.
‘What name shall we give our son?’ we asked when you were born.
When we looked into the Bible for inspiration and guidance
Psalm 50:2 stood out:
Out of Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
We know Zion refers to God, His holy mountain, the mountain which symbolizes God, His righteousness and His total attributes of His holiness and perfection. It was our prayers and desires that this gift from God, this son of ours would develop the attributes of godliness and that God would shine forth in his life.
In order to retain the Chinese identity, we had broken the word Zion into 2 parts Zi On and to add another meaning to his name. ie.
Zi On is made up of 2 Chinese characters. Zi in Chinese means fulfilled, On is grace. So the second meaning of your name is by the grace of God, our wish (for a son) is fulfilled.
Son, for many years, I know that you had been searching for your purpose in life.
I had frequently shared with you of my purpose in life. I shared with you that from young I searched for a meaningful life. To me it is so important that I live a meaningful life. When I found Christ and finally committed my life to Him, I already found the answer to my quest – A meaningful life is to have Jesus.
“To know Christ and to make Him known” is my aspired life vision. I told you that there is no other vision better than this for me. For papa it is the same. Together, when we were married, we also entrusted our lives to God with this goal and claimed this great promise of God in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be yours as well.” (all the things we need for this life God will provide)
Son, you know that this is for us. But you said you wanted to know God not through our faith. You wanted to experience God yourself and find your life purpose yourself.
Remember we shared this together?
Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Ps 107:4-9
And I thank the Lord for He has heard your cry and my cry.
You had finally come to Jesus and not through our faith, but your own. You surrendered all your burdens to Him as you recorded in your journal:
“I surrender to Jesus- my poverty replace with His rich treasures, all challenging situations with patience and encouragement through God’s love and patience, place my burdens on God’s shoulders, acknowledge His power in my life.”
To me, this is one of the greatest joys for any parents who know Jesus and want their children to know Him, too.
But this is only part of your story, though an important one.
Yours is also a story of love.
You teach us that love is a better way.
You teach us that love is a better way,
not success as men of the world want to see;
not achievements, though many strive with no end;
not riches if you have to toil all your life and miss it;
not praises from men, for God understands what is in a
man.
You teach us that love is a better way-
To love is to love now,
not till your task is over
nor later for an appointment that cannot be missed;
to love is to give now,
not when you have made more;
to love is share now when someone has a need,
not when you are free with no commitments to meet;
to love is to listen now,
no story or dream of another is too boring;
to love is to pass no judgment,
but a word of encouragement;
to love is to be kind and gentle to anyone who comes your
way,
no one is too small or undeserved;
to love is to forgive though sometimes you hurt the most;
to love is to pray for someone who has a pain,
be it a wounded finger, or an unspoken fear;
to love is to share good times and broken dreams;
to love is to enjoy with each other
both the sunshine and the rain,
music of others and your own;
to love is to share your time with people you love -
family or friends,
a meal, a chat, a call, a game, an occasion to celebrate
or just an ordinary day;
to love is to laugh or cry together
over a joke or a hurt that no one seems to understand.
And
again to love is to love now,
when someone is in danger and you to give a helping
hand not counting what it costs;
to love is to give of yourself for the life of others,
by instinct, even to sacrifice your own.
And love has no end.
My dearest son, Zi On, that is you. You have taught us what is
love. And God shines forth in your life because you love.
Today, we celebrate your birthday. We celebrate your life-
a great life -
with sweet remembrance of you, memories, countless and
precious; and with our hearts humbled and touched.
Yes, mama promises: I don’t want to cry today.
It is your birthday and we want to celebrate with joy and thankfulness to God for His special gift to us, a son and brother to cherish and hold; and when it is time God wants to use you, we surrender to His sovereign will.
And we know today, in the presence of God, the angels in heaven celebrate your birthday with you with joyful singing.
HAPPY BRITHDAY Zi On !
Love forever,
Mama together with papa and Zi Lu
14-01-2008
Today is your birthday -- 14-01-2008.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! SON, MY DEAR SON.
You are 26 today! We celebrate your life!
On, Happy Birthday! I love you, mama loves you, Pa loves you,
Zi Lu loves you.
The Lord Jesus loves you! Yes, God, our Heavenly Father, He who created you, He loves you.
I praise God because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a unique individual, specially created for a special purpose. You are highly valued by God.
After papa and I were married in 1979, I began to pray that God would give us a son. Yes papa and I prayed to God for you.
Yes, I remember I asked God like Hannah did that God would give me a son, I specifically asked for a son. And I also told the Lord that my son would be given to Him for His use – that his life would be useful to Him.
As I look back now, yes, the Lord has indeed heard my prayers.
God gave you to us, and God used you.
‘What name shall we give our son?’ we asked when you were born.
When we looked into the Bible for inspiration and guidance
Psalm 50:2 stood out:
Out of Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
We know Zion refers to God, His holy mountain, the mountain which symbolizes God, His righteousness and His total attributes of His holiness and perfection. It was our prayers and desires that this gift from God, this son of ours would develop the attributes of godliness and that God would shine forth in his life.
In order to retain the Chinese identity, we had broken the word Zion into 2 parts Zi On and to add another meaning to his name. ie.
Zi On is made up of 2 Chinese characters. Zi in Chinese means fulfilled, On is grace. So the second meaning of your name is by the grace of God, our wish (for a son) is fulfilled.
Son, for many years, I know that you had been searching for your purpose in life.
I had frequently shared with you of my purpose in life. I shared with you that from young I searched for a meaningful life. To me it is so important that I live a meaningful life. When I found Christ and finally committed my life to Him, I already found the answer to my quest – A meaningful life is to have Jesus.
“To know Christ and to make Him known” is my aspired life vision. I told you that there is no other vision better than this for me. For papa it is the same. Together, when we were married, we also entrusted our lives to God with this goal and claimed this great promise of God in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be yours as well.” (all the things we need for this life God will provide)
Son, you know that this is for us. But you said you wanted to know God not through our faith. You wanted to experience God yourself and find your life purpose yourself.
Remember we shared this together?
Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Ps 107:4-9
And I thank the Lord for He has heard your cry and my cry.
You had finally come to Jesus and not through our faith, but your own. You surrendered all your burdens to Him as you recorded in your journal:
“I surrender to Jesus- my poverty replace with His rich treasures, all challenging situations with patience and encouragement through God’s love and patience, place my burdens on God’s shoulders, acknowledge His power in my life.”
To me, this is one of the greatest joys for any parents who know Jesus and want their children to know Him, too.
But this is only part of your story, though an important one.
Yours is also a story of love.
You teach us that love is a better way.
You teach us that love is a better way,
not success as men of the world want to see;
not achievements, though many strive with no end;
not riches if you have to toil all your life and miss it;
not praises from men, for God understands what is in a
man.
You teach us that love is a better way-
To love is to love now,
not till your task is over
nor later for an appointment that cannot be missed;
to love is to give now,
not when you have made more;
to love is share now when someone has a need,
not when you are free with no commitments to meet;
to love is to listen now,
no story or dream of another is too boring;
to love is to pass no judgment,
but a word of encouragement;
to love is to be kind and gentle to anyone who comes your
way,
no one is too small or undeserved;
to love is to forgive though sometimes you hurt the most;
to love is to pray for someone who has a pain,
be it a wounded finger, or an unspoken fear;
to love is to share good times and broken dreams;
to love is to enjoy with each other
both the sunshine and the rain,
music of others and your own;
to love is to share your time with people you love -
family or friends,
a meal, a chat, a call, a game, an occasion to celebrate
or just an ordinary day;
to love is to laugh or cry together
over a joke or a hurt that no one seems to understand.
And
again to love is to love now,
when someone is in danger and you to give a helping
hand not counting what it costs;
to love is to give of yourself for the life of others,
by instinct, even to sacrifice your own.
And love has no end.
My dearest son, Zi On, that is you. You have taught us what is
love. And God shines forth in your life because you love.
Today, we celebrate your birthday. We celebrate your life-
a great life -
with sweet remembrance of you, memories, countless and
precious; and with our hearts humbled and touched.
Yes, mama promises: I don’t want to cry today.
It is your birthday and we want to celebrate with joy and thankfulness to God for His special gift to us, a son and brother to cherish and hold; and when it is time God wants to use you, we surrender to His sovereign will.
And we know today, in the presence of God, the angels in heaven celebrate your birthday with you with joyful singing.
HAPPY BRITHDAY Zi On !
Love forever,
Mama together with papa and Zi Lu
14-01-2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
“One who pleased God”
Zi On’s life has been a life that is full of purpose. Even at such a young age of 26, he has learned a life of sacrificial love. He has role modeled to be like Christ and sacrificed his life to save an unknown Korean girl. Zi On lived in Brisbane for just 6 months, yet he has impacted so many people’s lives with such a noble act. It is just like what the Bible has said, that when one grain drops to the ground, it will grow in numbers. Zi On’s life has demonstrated that. Even though his body was not found, His recent profound thoughts of God’s words have shown his faith in Christ and understanding of his purpose in life. It’s true of what is written in the book of Hebrews 11:5-6, “By faith Enoch has been this life, so that he did not experience death. He could not be found, because God has taken him away. Before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God, because anyone who comes to Him, must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Zi On’s body may not be found, but we by faith believe that Zi On has pleased God by demonstrating such sacrificial love.
Enoch’s life was 365 when he was taken. Average 900 years old. Enoch (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ; Tiberian: Ḥănōḵ, Standard: Ḥanokh, Arabic:إدريس) is a name occurring twice in the generations of Adam. In one, he is described as having had a city named after him, but it is the other occurrence for which the name is famous. Despite the fame, the second mention of the name merely says that Enoch walked with God, and was not, for God took him, that he lived 365 years, and that he was the great-grandfather of Noah. (Genesis 5:22-29)
Zi On was taken at 26. Average age of a person is 80 years.
A Tribute to Zi On from J’Remy Chua
10-1-2008 Melbourne
Enoch’s life was 365 when he was taken. Average 900 years old. Enoch (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ; Tiberian: Ḥănōḵ, Standard: Ḥanokh, Arabic:إدريس) is a name occurring twice in the generations of Adam. In one, he is described as having had a city named after him, but it is the other occurrence for which the name is famous. Despite the fame, the second mention of the name merely says that Enoch walked with God, and was not, for God took him, that he lived 365 years, and that he was the great-grandfather of Noah. (Genesis 5:22-29)
Zi On was taken at 26. Average age of a person is 80 years.
A Tribute to Zi On from J’Remy Chua
10-1-2008 Melbourne
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
A Tribute to Zi On
I’ve known Zi for five months in Brisbane. I first met him at the life group which was on Friday 20 or 27 July 2007. We had a party called ‘Christmas in July’ because it was winter. At the first point I met him, I didn’t talk much to him. I just noticed that he was a new visitor who joined the party.
Next Friday we had a regular activity for the life group. I remembered that he came along with the bright smile whereas other new visitors from last week didn’t show up. I didn’t know that he was a Christian at that time, so I was impressed so much how enthusiastic he needed to know God. During the dinner we had a chat and he said that he was impressed with a warm and lively relationship we had in this group, so he decided to become a member of this group.
He consistently joined the life group. One thing I clearly remembered about him was during the bible discussion he always took notes for some interesting points so that he can ponder about it later. And he shared that he knew very little about God, so he would like to learn as much as he can. He amazed me a lot.
Indeed, I’ve not become close to him during the first two or three months. However, I met him sometimes in the university and had a chat. He always smiled and made me comfortable to talk to him. He was very good at making new friends. I used to share with him about how terrible my study was going, he then encouraged me to keep going on. He always encouraged me.
I also noticed that he was a very hard working student. Though he was worried about his study, he tried to smile and bring happiness to others all the time. He shared that he really wanted to get a part time job during the summer break though he had a few weeks left before departure.
I was glad to know that he would go to Moreton Island with us. We had a great time together there. I remembered that he had a bit burning sensation at his nose, so I made a joke to him that he forgot to apply sunscreen lotion on it. After lunch, we went swimming at a fresh water lake called ‘Blue Lagoon’. It was a very nice place to swim. I noticed that he was very happy to swim and have a great time.
I’m so grateful to know him and especially after I know him more from uncle and auntie. I thank God for his life that has left a great impact to my life. I’ve learnt to be humble from him. He easily makes people comfortable.
I’m not able to explain how sorrowful I am to lose him but I’m convinced that wherever he is now, God is taking care of him and that brings me comfort.
Uncle and auntie when you are reading this letter, please know that I’m really grateful to your life. You have set an example of what Christians should deal with the tough situation and you did it very well. I thank God for your life and pray that God’s comfort and peace will fill in your life and mind. Pray that your heavy burden will be lifted up and replaced by God’s love and joy.
Thank you so much for everything you have shared and done for me and Zi’s friends. All of us are so grateful to you.
May God bless you. I will pray for you and Zi Lu as well.
God’s grace be with you,
Chim (Mr.Katachai Laosrimongkol)
21 December 2007
Brisbane
Next Friday we had a regular activity for the life group. I remembered that he came along with the bright smile whereas other new visitors from last week didn’t show up. I didn’t know that he was a Christian at that time, so I was impressed so much how enthusiastic he needed to know God. During the dinner we had a chat and he said that he was impressed with a warm and lively relationship we had in this group, so he decided to become a member of this group.
He consistently joined the life group. One thing I clearly remembered about him was during the bible discussion he always took notes for some interesting points so that he can ponder about it later. And he shared that he knew very little about God, so he would like to learn as much as he can. He amazed me a lot.
Indeed, I’ve not become close to him during the first two or three months. However, I met him sometimes in the university and had a chat. He always smiled and made me comfortable to talk to him. He was very good at making new friends. I used to share with him about how terrible my study was going, he then encouraged me to keep going on. He always encouraged me.
I also noticed that he was a very hard working student. Though he was worried about his study, he tried to smile and bring happiness to others all the time. He shared that he really wanted to get a part time job during the summer break though he had a few weeks left before departure.
I was glad to know that he would go to Moreton Island with us. We had a great time together there. I remembered that he had a bit burning sensation at his nose, so I made a joke to him that he forgot to apply sunscreen lotion on it. After lunch, we went swimming at a fresh water lake called ‘Blue Lagoon’. It was a very nice place to swim. I noticed that he was very happy to swim and have a great time.
I’m so grateful to know him and especially after I know him more from uncle and auntie. I thank God for his life that has left a great impact to my life. I’ve learnt to be humble from him. He easily makes people comfortable.
I’m not able to explain how sorrowful I am to lose him but I’m convinced that wherever he is now, God is taking care of him and that brings me comfort.
Uncle and auntie when you are reading this letter, please know that I’m really grateful to your life. You have set an example of what Christians should deal with the tough situation and you did it very well. I thank God for your life and pray that God’s comfort and peace will fill in your life and mind. Pray that your heavy burden will be lifted up and replaced by God’s love and joy.
Thank you so much for everything you have shared and done for me and Zi’s friends. All of us are so grateful to you.
May God bless you. I will pray for you and Zi Lu as well.
God’s grace be with you,
Chim (Mr.Katachai Laosrimongkol)
21 December 2007
Brisbane
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
To our dearest Son, Zi On – Tribute from Mama
To our dearest Son, Zi On
Today is 5 January 2008. Yes it has been a month already. Zi On has left us a month ago on this day. Yet as it is still morning about 8a.m now, he must have just locked his apartment, took his bag and started the journey to Moreton Island. His heart must be happy as he was going to see this beautiful island with some of his good friends. It was a happy day for him. His best friend Ramesh recalled, “It was a happy day for him, and for all of us too.”
This happy day was also the day he made a brave decision, by instinct, to truly follow the example of Jesus, to lay down his life for others.
Son, my dear son, you did not even say good-bye to us. You did not say good-bye to your friends. You gave yourself and surrendered to Jesus your life, your body and everything. And the Lord was there to receive you and happily you put your hands in His hands and said, “Here I come, Lord Jesus, I am not fearful.” And just as you wrote in your diary on 14-8-2007, “Jesus as I am with you, be with me now.” We know, the Lord was there to lovingly receive you and said to you, “My dear child, I love you, welcome to your new home. You and I are going to take a new journey where there are no more tears, no more fears, no more pain, no more struggles, no more poverty, no more loneliness, no more rejection, no more sorrows. From this moment, yes now, I am with you always. You will only find true happiness, real joy, lasting peace and the everlasting presence of God and His love.” You always loved angels, now you will see the beautiful angels singing and welcoming you to your heavenly Father’s home. And the Lord said to you, “My child you will be glorified with me as I promised to all my children who believe in Me.”
Your dear papa said, “You ended your earthly life with a high note.” Yes, son, you did a gallant act, yes, a noble one, you are so brave! So brave, son, and papa, mama and Zi Lu, your little brother, are so proud of you.
You said, “I believe I am born for greater things than this.”
Yes, you left us with a triumphant act and fulfilled God’s purpose for your life. Son, we are so proud of you! We also know, the Lord Jesus said to you as He received you, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
You said and recorded in your journal, you asked God when you were learning about Fasting and Powers to claim:
“Make me a man of substance,
Make me a man of courage,
Make me a man of dependability,
Make me a man of persistence,
Make me a man of drive,
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship”.
Yes son, you have fulfilled all these aspirations, such high and noble aspirations, and we are so very proud of you.
We humbly surrender you and return this special gift, our loving son and brother, to Jesus our Lord. We give all praises to God and all glory to Him, our Heavenly Father. Praise the Lord!
I love you, son, I love you my dearest Zi On.
From
Your mom, love you forever,
Mama
5-1-2008
Today is 5 January 2008. Yes it has been a month already. Zi On has left us a month ago on this day. Yet as it is still morning about 8a.m now, he must have just locked his apartment, took his bag and started the journey to Moreton Island. His heart must be happy as he was going to see this beautiful island with some of his good friends. It was a happy day for him. His best friend Ramesh recalled, “It was a happy day for him, and for all of us too.”
This happy day was also the day he made a brave decision, by instinct, to truly follow the example of Jesus, to lay down his life for others.
Son, my dear son, you did not even say good-bye to us. You did not say good-bye to your friends. You gave yourself and surrendered to Jesus your life, your body and everything. And the Lord was there to receive you and happily you put your hands in His hands and said, “Here I come, Lord Jesus, I am not fearful.” And just as you wrote in your diary on 14-8-2007, “Jesus as I am with you, be with me now.” We know, the Lord was there to lovingly receive you and said to you, “My dear child, I love you, welcome to your new home. You and I are going to take a new journey where there are no more tears, no more fears, no more pain, no more struggles, no more poverty, no more loneliness, no more rejection, no more sorrows. From this moment, yes now, I am with you always. You will only find true happiness, real joy, lasting peace and the everlasting presence of God and His love.” You always loved angels, now you will see the beautiful angels singing and welcoming you to your heavenly Father’s home. And the Lord said to you, “My child you will be glorified with me as I promised to all my children who believe in Me.”
Your dear papa said, “You ended your earthly life with a high note.” Yes, son, you did a gallant act, yes, a noble one, you are so brave! So brave, son, and papa, mama and Zi Lu, your little brother, are so proud of you.
You said, “I believe I am born for greater things than this.”
Yes, you left us with a triumphant act and fulfilled God’s purpose for your life. Son, we are so proud of you! We also know, the Lord Jesus said to you as He received you, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
You said and recorded in your journal, you asked God when you were learning about Fasting and Powers to claim:
“Make me a man of substance,
Make me a man of courage,
Make me a man of dependability,
Make me a man of persistence,
Make me a man of drive,
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship”.
Yes son, you have fulfilled all these aspirations, such high and noble aspirations, and we are so very proud of you.
We humbly surrender you and return this special gift, our loving son and brother, to Jesus our Lord. We give all praises to God and all glory to Him, our Heavenly Father. Praise the Lord!
I love you, son, I love you my dearest Zi On.
From
Your mom, love you forever,
Mama
5-1-2008
Gosh where do I begin. When I heard the news a week before Christmas. Both Kaelin and I were in utter shock and disbelief. Yet, I knew then that this is exactly the kind of heroic action that Zi On would do for another human being...that thought, nevertheless, did not make it any easier for us to digest the news.
I have known Zi On since he was a little baby and watched him grown into a fine young man. He was always the careful one, the steady one. Zi Lu was absolutely right their polar personalities. But they complement each other so well. In my mind they are the perfect duo in the Kerk's family!
Ta Ge, Ta Sau, Zi Lu, I know this is difficult time for you. Nothing I say will make the pain go away any quicker, nor is that my intention. Grieving is a messy process. Time is the only cure. Although I am not a Christian, I believe in higher power. God will take good care of Zi On. What He needs you to do is take good care of yourselves.
Uncle Leon & aunty Kaelin in Portland Oregon USA
I have known Zi On since he was a little baby and watched him grown into a fine young man. He was always the careful one, the steady one. Zi Lu was absolutely right their polar personalities. But they complement each other so well. In my mind they are the perfect duo in the Kerk's family!
Ta Ge, Ta Sau, Zi Lu, I know this is difficult time for you. Nothing I say will make the pain go away any quicker, nor is that my intention. Grieving is a messy process. Time is the only cure. Although I am not a Christian, I believe in higher power. God will take good care of Zi On. What He needs you to do is take good care of yourselves.
Uncle Leon & aunty Kaelin in Portland Oregon USA
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Allan's Words..
Tall and lanky,
Never cranky,
Always with a smile,
Up to a mile,
Outrageously colored hair,
Oh, so full of flair,
Laughing loudly,
Walking proudly,
As son, brother, cousin, friend,
Always there with a helping hand,
With a swim and a dive,
Touching hearts and saving lives,
Model of heroism,
Paradigm of altruism,
Heart of gold,
Ever so bold,
Kind and giving,
Loving and caring,
So much we can learn,
From the life of Kerk Zi On
I will always remember the kittens and the cats (White Tiger for one).
I will always remember you playing with the drums and toy guns.
I will always remember us playing football and video games.
I will always remember your laughter, smiles and optimism.
I will always remember you, my cousin.
Never cranky,
Always with a smile,
Up to a mile,
Outrageously colored hair,
Oh, so full of flair,
Laughing loudly,
Walking proudly,
As son, brother, cousin, friend,
Always there with a helping hand,
With a swim and a dive,
Touching hearts and saving lives,
Model of heroism,
Paradigm of altruism,
Heart of gold,
Ever so bold,
Kind and giving,
Loving and caring,
So much we can learn,
From the life of Kerk Zi On
I will always remember the kittens and the cats (White Tiger for one).
I will always remember you playing with the drums and toy guns.
I will always remember us playing football and video games.
I will always remember your laughter, smiles and optimism.
I will always remember you, my cousin.
A Loving Tribute to Zi On
Just like that, he was taken from our midst without even a goodbye, leaving a void in each of our hearts. Even as we mourn our loss, we also celebrate his life for we know God has given him as a precious gift to us. In our own way, we will always cherish and treasure the time spent with him. He has been a truly wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to all of us who have been given the privilege to know and love him.
In the Bible it is stated in John 15:13, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. In laying down his own life for 2 persons, one of whom was a total stranger, Zi On has taken this love to a higher and deeper level. As Christians, we are often referred to in the Bible as “soldiers of Christ”. Zi On has proven that he is indeed a TRUE and WORTHY soldier of Christ. Surely, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will present him a beautiful crown and lovingly place it on his head.
We commend our sister Cho Tan and brother-in-law Kerk Choon Keng for having brought up such an exceptionally fine young man. He is truly a son to be proud of. And to Zi Lu, you must be proud to have such an amazing brother.
We take comfort in knowing Zi On is with his Creator God and in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father and we look forward to the day when we can all be reunited in heaven.
Zi On, you will always remain in our hearts and we will always love you.
With love,
Aunty Cho Bee & family
20th Dec. 2007
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
From Emily Flahive.
Zion and I had a Korean class together at ANU. We were both beginners, filling in units to complete our degrees. Zion was always happy and very friendly. We had lots of group activities in our class, and one day I asked Zion where he came from (in bad Korean!) We then got talking about Malaysia, and he was interested in the fact that my parents were in Malaysia working at Bethany Home. At the end of the university semester I went to visit my parents in Malaysia. Whilst there, some friends of theirs (the Kerks) invited us to visit their palm plantation. After the tour Mr Kerk offered us some cold drinks and we got talking about his family and he mentioned he had a son at ANU. I was very surprised to find that his son was Zion who I had been studying with!! I didn’t see Zion again until the end of the year after we had both graduated. I met up briefly with Zion and his parents as my family wished to congratulate Zion on his graduation and I dropped off a bottle of champagne at the hotel where they were staying.
My encounters with Zion were brief, but memorable. It was a shock to hear the tragic news about him, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
- Emily Flahive.
My encounters with Zion were brief, but memorable. It was a shock to hear the tragic news about him, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
- Emily Flahive.
For Zi On- who lived as a blessing to so many (Delphine Tan)
I remember his smile. I remember his laugh. It had been two years since I had heard from Zi On. The next thing I know, he has saved a life and in the process, lost his own. When I first heard the news, the search for him was still continuing. These searches have ended today.
This verse has since entered my mind:
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS-Jn 15:13.
I find great comfort in the fact that he has left us because of his innately good nature. He had a choice and he chose to show love and compassion. I hope that Uncle and Aunty Kerk will find comfort in the fact that this is a mere temporary seperation and they are bound to be reunited in due course.
I hope that none of us will regret anything that may have transpired throughout the time Zi On was here with us on earth, especially his loving family. Things that may seem to have been "mistakes" may be blessings. Zi On would not have become the man we all know if those "mistakes" had not occurred. We have to trust that our God is a mighty one and everything has come to pass according to His plans and not due to our fallibililty. God’s ways are higher than our ways and His plans are perfect for us.
I truly hope that the girl, whose life was saved will turn to Jesus and come to know him.
I know he will find peace and joy in heaven. May his act of love bring many to the Lord.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.
My prayer is that many will hear of his story will realise that like that girl, they will drown unless they are willing to rely on Jesus who, out of love, died for them.
Below is a devotional from the RBC that I hope may encourage you:
December 12, 2007
Grief Is Messy
READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. —1 Thessalonians 4:13
The film We Are Marshall tells of the November 14, 1970, plane crash that took the lives of most of the Marshall University football team, the coaching staff, and many community leaders of Huntington, West Virginia. Seventy-five lives were lost in the crash, which devastated the university and the community. Through the composite characters of Paul Griffen and Annie Cantrell, the film dramatizes the aftermath of the crash. Their stories intertwine because Griffen’s son, Chris, was Annie’s fiancé. When Chris died, their lives were plunged into a year of pain that seemed unbearable. Why? Because, as Paul told Annie, "Grief is messy."
He was right, grief is messy. All of us grieve at one time or another—including those of us who are Christ-followers. For the believer, however, there is something beyond the tears, pain, and loss. There is hope.
Writing to a church family who had seen loved ones taken in death, Paul acknowledged the reality of grief. But he challenged them not to "sorrow as others who have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13). Loss and death are part of life, but believers can face them, knowing that Christians never say goodbye for the last time. We can comfort one another (v.18) with the hope of the resurrection and a future reunion.
—Bill Crowder
The Lord has promised to prepare
A place in heaven above—
A home where we will always be
With Him and those we love. —Sper
Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but triumph.
This verse has since entered my mind:
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS-Jn 15:13.
I find great comfort in the fact that he has left us because of his innately good nature. He had a choice and he chose to show love and compassion. I hope that Uncle and Aunty Kerk will find comfort in the fact that this is a mere temporary seperation and they are bound to be reunited in due course.
I hope that none of us will regret anything that may have transpired throughout the time Zi On was here with us on earth, especially his loving family. Things that may seem to have been "mistakes" may be blessings. Zi On would not have become the man we all know if those "mistakes" had not occurred. We have to trust that our God is a mighty one and everything has come to pass according to His plans and not due to our fallibililty. God’s ways are higher than our ways and His plans are perfect for us.
I truly hope that the girl, whose life was saved will turn to Jesus and come to know him.
I know he will find peace and joy in heaven. May his act of love bring many to the Lord.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.
My prayer is that many will hear of his story will realise that like that girl, they will drown unless they are willing to rely on Jesus who, out of love, died for them.
Below is a devotional from the RBC that I hope may encourage you:
December 12, 2007
Grief Is Messy
READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. —1 Thessalonians 4:13
The film We Are Marshall tells of the November 14, 1970, plane crash that took the lives of most of the Marshall University football team, the coaching staff, and many community leaders of Huntington, West Virginia. Seventy-five lives were lost in the crash, which devastated the university and the community. Through the composite characters of Paul Griffen and Annie Cantrell, the film dramatizes the aftermath of the crash. Their stories intertwine because Griffen’s son, Chris, was Annie’s fiancé. When Chris died, their lives were plunged into a year of pain that seemed unbearable. Why? Because, as Paul told Annie, "Grief is messy."
He was right, grief is messy. All of us grieve at one time or another—including those of us who are Christ-followers. For the believer, however, there is something beyond the tears, pain, and loss. There is hope.
Writing to a church family who had seen loved ones taken in death, Paul acknowledged the reality of grief. But he challenged them not to "sorrow as others who have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13). Loss and death are part of life, but believers can face them, knowing that Christians never say goodbye for the last time. We can comfort one another (v.18) with the hope of the resurrection and a future reunion.
—Bill Crowder
The Lord has promised to prepare
A place in heaven above—
A home where we will always be
With Him and those we love. —Sper
Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but triumph.
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