Question: What is my only comfort in life and in death?
Answer: That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head and that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto him.
Dear Church,
A follow-up on from my email Sunday night about Dameon and Ruth’s daughter, Gabby, who has been at hospital in Rockhampton.
It is with many tears and much sadness that I can let you know that Gabby passed away, due to medical complications on Monday (27th May).
Gabby loved and belonged to Jesus, she lived her life for his glory.
The question and answer from the top of this email comes from the Heidelberg Catechism and was on a plaque next to her bed. Each day, Gabby was reminded whose she was and the hope of Jesus in life and death.
Right now, Gabby is fully awake and experiencing her full salvation with her glorious God.
It is with this hope that we grieve in the sadness of death. Psalm 23:4 reminds us that our God walks with us in this place, comforting us and having gone before us.
Please continue to uphold Dameon, Ruth, Alex and Beth and their family in prayer.
I’ll keep you informed as to what’s next over the coming days and weeks.
Luke Dahlenburg.
(Senior Pastor Trinity Church Golden Grove)