1 QUOTE

“For in grief nothing ‘stays put.’ Round and round. Everything repeats . . . The same leg is cut off time after time. The first plunge of the knife into the flesh is felt again and again.”

- C. S. Lewis in A Grief Observed

1 NOTE

Becky and I met Iris the month we married. Becky ran a tutoring program in South Central Los Angeles. We were invited to the birthday party of one of the little boys in her program. Iris was 20 years old, a rising

community college student, and super fun to talk to. At the party I asked her an evangelistic question, “Iris, have you ever read the Bible?” Immediately, she joined our weekly Bible study. For the next six months God answered all of her questions. The Lord moved in response to her prayers. The Word came alive. She fell in love with Jesus. Iris was the first convert in our married ministry. She called Becky “Mama B.” Becky called her “BGI” (Baby Girl Iris).

Let’s fast forward 26 years. Iris is now married to Jonathan. I had the honor of officiating their marriage 2 years ago. They are core members of our church plant. For the past year her father has been a part of Holy Faith Fellowship. It has been a joy to see his growth in Jesus.

Today, I just got off the phone with Iris. Her father has passed away from cancer. Becky and I are broken-hearted for BGI and her family. She was with him every day at the hospital. She handled every detail of the hospice-care process. Their fellowship was so sweet. She was an amazing, loving daughter. Baby Girl Iris honored her father (Exodus 20:12).

1 QUESTION

Will you pray for Iris and her family as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death?

Until Next Tuesday,

John