We have just received the sad but wonderful news that one of our longest serving and committed supporters has finally gone home. Totally paralized from MS for close to ten years, only able to whisper at best for eight, and unable to eat for his last five, Lorne interceded in prayer, successfully lobbied government, master-minded "Kimber Cabs" (taxis equipped for the disabled), raised support for the disabled at home and abroad, and powerfully impacted hundreds of people’s lives. His deep concern and dogged determination to bring the Gospel of the Kingdom through justice and evangelism to anyone who happened to come across his path or venture into his hospital room, made him a force to contend with. With the ‘ministry of all believers’ and the ‘marketplace’ being the primary focus our church in Vancouver, Lorne effectively modeled this in his own unique way as pastor-at-large.
Communication was always slow and tedious but he loved it! A slow blink meant “No!”; a wink “Yes!”; the roll of the eyes and frown conveyed a frustrated “Can you believe that!?” and, depending on the situation, “So what are we going to do about it?” which could only spell trouble for any opposition! Never far from weeping with joy or compassion, or chuckling with sheer delight at something he found amusing, I never heard him complain about his condition, rather with tear-filled eyes he repeatedly told me how blessed he was to have found such a deep love relationship with the Lord through his illness. We prayed for his healing on many occasions. We didn’t see it happen the way we would have loved, but his healing is complete now.
He has now entered into the joy of his Lord. Rest in peace dear friend and faithful co-laborer.
Please lift his family up in prayer, especially his sister, Lorna, who is herself dealing with MS.
Comments
I have an unsaved neighbour 2 doors down also with MS. He has a young family with a 5 and 10 year old daughter and he is only around 40 himself. They have only been in the street for 6 months, and his degeneration in the last 6 weeks has been rapid. He has been racing to finish his house renovations before the MS took over but it seems to be outrunning him!
I have been praying for him and along with the prayers of my homegroup are hoping for a breakthrough that he will at least come to know the Lord even if he doesn't get healed of his condition.
Would appreciate your prayers for an opportunity to share the Gospel with him as he hasn't ventured outside for weeks and I need to be sensitive how I approach the situation.
Wal
GPH,
Vancouver
Thank you all for your comments about my dad. He was a force of light to people in need and spoke for the ones whos voices must be heard. All though he has left us he has left us all with that spark to never give up. Thank you again.