Blessings Were Had By All...

   Yesterday I got an email as follows:

"Gentlemen,
        Thank you for caring for our friend and elder Paul in what proved to be a very difficult chapter of life. Your steadfast love, and practical concern demonstrated in a powerful way the reality of Jesus’ love among us. Your visits, with reading, telling stories, sharing hymns and just being at his side proved of great encouragement as Paul prepared to depart.
        He has now gone on to his reward, but he will thank you for those visits the next time you see him. I want to thank you now. You have been friends in need, which is to say friends in deed.
        the Lord has manifest His love through you. Thanks for being channels of blessing.
        Grace"

   This was sent by a man who was (and still is) an elder in the church we attended when we lived in Blacksburg, VA for a few years. It was sent to the members of a "Boy's Club" there in Blacksburg.

   That "Club" is an organization that might need a little explanation and history.

   Back around '06 or so, a couple of retired men had the idea of a group of men who might meet on a regular basis to encourage each other, to do some Bible Study, have fellowship together and maybe even participate in some local projects, especially involving the church that we all attended.

   I believe we began with 6 "old guys". Bruce, John, Paul, George, Roy and myself.

   It was an eclectic group, and we had fun and some serious times together. We read some books that we talked about together at meetings, We packed some boxes for Operation Christmas Child, some played tennis or golf together, we socialized together with our wives at times, and generally enjoyed "man fellowship".

   When Mayre and I left Va in 2008, the group continued on with new members added over the years. It still functions, and they have been kind enough to keep me on the email list so I could follow their progress.

   They have also done a lot more in the way of service, including a lot of work projects around the church.

   And, as the group has grown older together, there have been times of a more personal service. There have been caregiver relief projects, where the "Boys" have gone into a home and sat with a sick relative or friend to let the caregiver get out and do some things outside the home.

   I was already gone from Blacksburg when these began, but I have been able to keep up with them from the emails.

   From a social meeting and study group, albeit with the serious purpose of "finishing our time on earth well" to a group that is doing a lot of good and showing a lot of care and love. I love hearing about the work, but I miss being a part of it.

   But I am proud to have been one of the originals and to watch these "Boys" serve their church, community and members of the body of Christ in such an effective and caring way.

   There was another email, this from one of the "Boys" that summed up their feeling of service, in this instance of sitting with a man who was an original member of the group, whose wife had just passed away a few weeks before, and who had served others for a long time in our church.

   It read:

"I believe I am speaking for the group when I say that it was a "blessing for us" to be able to be there with Paul. To hold his hand, rub his arm, talk with him (when he was alert enough for that), to read scripture to him, play hymns for him, some sang to him and to pray with him.
He told me he knew he would not be here much longer but he also said he was ready. He is now reunited with his  blessed Elna and meeting his Lord and Savior face to face. Thank you for your kind words. God's blessings on the family."

   Paul Ribbe died last week.

   Paul's life was one of dedication to the service of Jesus.

   "The Boys" displayed to the world the same service to the same Master.

   And Blessings were had by All.

   Amen