Psalm 18:31 For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?
Beloved missionary friends, already retired and living in the U.S., chose to return to northeast Brazil to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary among their dear friends there. They spoke at a conference June 14-16, concluding with a marvelous celebration of God’s faithfulness to them over their fifty years together.
The next day, Sam didn’t feel well. He and Connie traveled to another city, where a friend was concerned. “He arrived here with a bad cold,” came through the grapevine to us. Friday (just last Friday), we began to receive more messages from Brazil: Sam had to be admitted to the hospital. It’s pneumonia. Their daughter is on her way from São Paulo. Sam’s getting worse.
And Saturday: Sam has died.
As is customary in Brazil, his funeral service and burial took place the next day. (Just last Sunday.)
If we are stunned, imagine the people who were with Sam and Connie, celebrating exuberantly one day; shocked and grieving two days later. Imagine their children, who didn’t get to say goodbye. Imagine Connie going back home alone. Imagine the grief of their friends in northeast Brazil who had welcomed them back with such joy.
For all who knew and loved Sam, our world is shaken. But our God is a solid rock. Please pray that we will all hold fast to him.
Debra Kornfield 
I’m so sorry to hear this news about your beloved friend. Yes, I’ll pray with you for grieving family and friends.
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Thank you, Nancy!
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Much love and prayers as you grieve. But God is our solid rock, indeed!!!
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Another hero of the faith has crossed over ahead of us. Thank You, Lord, for turning Sam’s life around any number of times when he was here on earth with Your “But God’s” in his life. I think this may be the last one for him. From here on out it’s going to be more “And God” as the two of you walk together. Thank You, Lord!
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