God's Greatness in Our Loss

We just came through one of the most tragic events in the life of our church family. The loss of Karlee Byler deeply affected us all, whether we knew her well or not. Yet we also experienced God’s promised comfort and presence in times of loss and trouble. God continues to bring healing to us and glory to himself. What a great God we serve.

I am so proud of our church. The support of the Bylers, one another, and Jim and me are hugely appreciated. It seems that every day I hear praise from the community for our church in caring for this family. And that others have been praying for us.

We will continue to love the Bylers and one another through this. And redouble our efforts to reach children and families who aren’t following Christ yet.

Maybe we never really get over an event like this, but we do get through it. And God can somehow redeem it for us all. I am eager to see how he does that.

Karlee's Story

In a few hours we lay Karlee to rest. What a bittersweet day. We are suffering a loss we cannot fathom. What a huge hole a little seven-year old girl left behind in all of us.

But today we tell her story. Her laugh, her love, her hugs, her humor, and her heart make her story one that is easy for us to tell. She had a passion for Jesus that led her to take Bibles to school to give to her fellow students. Her favorite song was Big House which describes heaven from a kid’s point of view.

And today we get to tell the story she shared with others. Her short life will be the catalyst for many hearing of the Jesus she loved so much. And now she is dancing in his presence.

I am humbled to be the spokesman today for the most powerful message on earth. May God enable me to speak it clearly and in the power his Spirit. May all know his generous goodness and awesome redemption