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| The photo we had taken with Lloyd and Maureen before Aaron and I left New Zealand June 2011 |
We had some shocking and sad news last night - Marks Dad passed away yesterday. It is very hard to be so far away from home at a time like this. Lloyd was very dear to all of us and it is difficult to imagine home without him being there. He was a typical kiwi "cow cocky" and loved nothing better than being on his farm, or being with his family. It is evident by his life course that living according to Jehovah's guidelines was very important to him and his family appreciate all that he taught them. And he taught them well - all of his boys serve as elders and along with their respective families, continue serving Jehovah faithfully. We look forward to the day we welcome him back, what a party that will be!
So what do you do when you are thousands of miles away and something like this happens (and I am sure it has happened to many other needgreaters and missionaries in the past)? Of course the first thing I want to do is get on a plane and head back but that really isn't practical. To get back to NZ fast is not impossible but not easy either (let alone the expense). My dear mother-in-law is very understanding and wants us to come home when she really needs us - right now she has all her extended family helping her and we can be linked into the Service from here via Skype. Of course we want to be with Aaron and Amanda, and so either we will go to Cuenca or they will come here. I am so glad we have them here in the country with us - family is family after all.
11 comments:
I am so sorry for this very hard time you are going through!! Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you!
Our brotherhood certainly ties us together no matter where we are. Please accept our sympathy and we keep you in our prayers.
Oh Beth and Mark you know we are sad for you alll (Aaron and Amanda included) wish there was something to be done. Mum wants to get in touch and we have tried to Skype you this morning with no success, please contact us. Ann and Mum
Hi Mark, Beth, Aaron & Amanda
Sad, sad news - and I do feel for you being so far away! Just can't believe it - the Tauranga congregation will be reeling too. You know we are thinking of you all. Lots and lots of love from the Wellie Rellies.
Dear Beth, Mark, Amanda and Aaron. We are so sad for you. We are thinking of you and wish we could do something to help. Lloyd has been a part of our family now for many years even before you two married we knew him well. He always made us feel welcome when we visited him or visited the congregation. We know what you are feeling right now and wish we could be there with you all. All our love Catherine and Wayne xxx
Very sad news indeed - we will certainly miss him in the congregation. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Karen (Bethlehem congregation)
So sorry to hear the news! Lloyd sounds like a wonderful brother. That must be a terrible shock for you all. We'll be thinking of you. Que Jehova les cuide. Un abrazo grande! -Hannah
Love and hugs to you all. xxx
To the entire James family, we send our sincere sympathy and condolences. We are so sorry for this terrible loss. We look forward to the day, along with you, when "the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing" (1 Cor. 15:26). Lloyd sounds like a wonderful brother, and what a spiritual heritage he passed along to his family. It will be a joyous day welcoming him back! Until that time, we pray that Jehovah keeps you all strong and enduring.
With Love,
A.J. and Jordanne
We are so sorry to hear about your father, Mark. The four of you, as well as your family back home, are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hi, just want to say so sorry about the news about your father, hope you are both coping, lots of love, jay and cheryl
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