Tribute to Al Rhea ~
On July 13, 2023, Papa Rhea boarded his flight to heaven. He had been sharing with us how excited this “fourth quarter” had been for him, realizing just how close he was to seeing His Savior face to face. This picture was taken a few weeks before his homecoming. We decided to have the words “Look Up” and “Psalm 19:1” printed on coffee mugs as a way of honoring Papa. “Do you know why it’s important to keep looking?” he would ask complete strangers. He absolutely loved how that simple question segued into a conversation about the Gospel.
Over the past few weeks, we, as a family, have felt God’s gentle and overwhelming love and care as we spent days relishing our time with Papa. Lots of amazing stories. Lots of time to just sit and be. Grandkids have had their special goodbyes. Tears and hugs were the norm, but with a strong feeling of peace and joy. He just could not have been happier during these past weeks. We could not believe how sharp his mind was up until he left this earth, remembering so many details and still praying earnestly for many of you by name.
He would mention repeatedly how blessed he was; how God in His graciousness provided and protected him throughout the years. His caregivers were on the front row hearing about Jesus on a daily basis. Last month, his 73-year-old caregiver texted Papa that she wanted him to know that she had accepted God’s gift! She wanted Papa to know just how grateful she was that he was so patient and kind and did not give up on her as he shared God’s plan for her. Papa about jumped out of his bed with joy!
When asked what he wanted to tell you, he said, “I am extremely grateful for your love, prayers, and financial investment in what Pat and I along with you have done all these years. Together we have made an eternal impact in the lives of so many people living in Kenya, Uganda, Washington D.C., (international diplomats), and Executives in Greenville. Also, for the past 14 years, we enlisted prayer for the countries of Southern and eastern Africa. From high-ranking political leaders to those who lived in huts and villages in Hoima, we have had the privilege of sharing the life-changing message of Jesus and the Spirit-filled life. It has really been a joy to do this with you. I can’t wait to see the joy on your faces one day in heaven when you finally get to meet all the people you’ve impacted through our ministry together. Thank you!”
From the family, we want to join Papa in saying a big “thank you”. Thank you for your prayers, love, support and friendship to our family and parents. We are so grateful for you and the vital role you have played in all of our lives! We love you!
Nancy, Alf, Betty Ann and Ruth
The service will be live-streamed to allow many in Africa and around the US to attend online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGMpNSk1uRY.
In lieu of flowers, please contact Ruth at Ruth.Greenhaw@cru.org
InStep International, USA/Worldwide
Praise the Lord - in August, Word of Hope celebrates their 35th Anniversary Service. Pray for the Good News Boat Island Crusades and the August Brazil Pastor’s Conference.
8/17 DAVID & KATHY NORTH
TEAM, USA/Worldwide
Kathy and David set off for several months in early July into late September to visit their workers in quite different environments including South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Italy, and Czech Republic with a little visit to family in Australia along the way. Please pray for them over the next couple of months that all travel logistics go smoothly.
8/18 STEPHEN McCONNEL
Wycliffe Bible Translators, USA
Please pray for solutions to the problems that keep Bloom 5.5 from being a stable beta test release. Pray that testing of Bloom 5.5 will be thorough and effective. Pray God will continue to use Bloom for His Kingdom in Scripture engagement and literacy efforts around the world.
8/19 OLI & JUDY JACOBSEN
Ethnos360, USA/Asia
Pray for Oli and Judy as they continue their travel throughout Europe, visiting family, churches, and partners in ministry. Pray as Oli speaks in the UK at the Conference for Furloughing Missionaries, and in the Faroe Islands.
8/20 CHARLIE & MARYBETH BERRY
Cru, USA
Praise God for another 100 new staff that Charlie helped train in Florida in July. Pray for these new staff members that God will use them mightily to spread His message.
8/21 ANDREW & ANNA GORSKI
In Touch Mission International, Poland
Thank God for favor in fundraising for the Evangelical Poland Conference Center and Amazing Grace Church building. So far, as of mid-July, God has provided 47% of the total goal.
8/22 ROSS & ROULA GEORGIOU
Campus Crusade for Christ, New Zealand
The Global Sports Chaplaincy Training for current and potential future chaplains will kick off today. It will be available online every Tuesday for 12 weeks. Pray that the training will be well attended, as there is a great need for it.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)
Our monthly Prayer & Praise Calendar is also available on fba.org/globalmissions
No comments:
Post a Comment