Dear Praying Friends,
We want to thank you for praying for us. We have received many e-mails, calls, and cards concerning Mom’s Home-going. We are thankful that Mom is no longer suffering and that she is enjoying the presence of her Lord (as well as those who have gone on before).
We left Florida on Thursday afternoon (last week) and arrived in Iowa on Saturday night. Tim preached Sunday morning, Visitation was Sunday night, and Mom’s funeral was on Monday afternoon. Tim was one of the speakers at Mom’s funeral, and the three of us sang Mom and Dad’s favorite song – “Amazing Grace.” Many of the children and grandchildren also had a part in the service. Mom’s funeral was a celebration of a life well-lived for Christ. Not only did Mom write her own message for the program (see below), but she also sang at her own funeral and gave the Gospel (through video). Everyone present was challenged, once again, to use every opportunity God gives us to share the Gospel. Mom and Dad had just moved into an Independent/Assisted Living facility, and were looking forward to the many witnessing opportunities that it would bring. Please continue to pray for Dad, as he gets used to life without his sweetheart of 70 years. Dad knows that God is not finished with him, and has him here for a reason.
On Wednesday, we drove (700 miles) to Firth, NE and back for the burial service. We spent some time with Tim’s Dad and family, and then left Iowa on Thursday afternoon. On our way back home, we stopped in Clarksville, TN for a couple of hours to spend some time with Susan’s Mom and sister. We then headed to Athens, TN and arrived home early Saturday morning.
We are on the last leg of our 3,900 mile trip, and plan to be back in Jacksonville, FL late tonight/early Sunday morning. Susan’s next appointment at the Mayo Clinic is on Monday morning, with many tests to follow. Please pray that God will give these Doctors wisdom in testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
With many thanks for your continued prayers,
Tim, Susan, and Rachel Vermaas
Mom’s message for the program at her funeral/celebration service:
Dearest Loved Ones:
Thank you so much for coming here to honor me. But I want to tell you that this body that you see here isn’t really me. It is only the house that I lived in for many years. The real me (my spirit) has embarked on the most wondrous adventures that anyone could ever imagine. Now I am filled with such joy being here with Jesus, and many loved ones who preceded me.
My greatest prayer now is that you will join me, when it is your time to come. Just remember that the only way that you can come here to be with me, is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I hope to see you at our reunion in Heaven.
Love,
Bernice
