On September 7th
(New Zealand time) I received the news of my dad’s critical condition following
a massive heart attack, and that I needed to return home. About 60 hours later
I arrived at the Intensive Critical Care Unit of the Dyersburg, TN hospital
where my dad lay in a coma. I was able to be with him and my family for almost
10 days before God took my dad home to be with Him forever. Although we
suffered a great loss and the sadness still remains, my family and I are
comforted by the realization that my dad was a faithful Christian and that he
was prepared for eternity. I owe a great deal to my dad for the Christian home
he and mom provided for my brother, sister and me, and for the example he set
as a Christian and faithful gospel preacher. I would not be where I am today
were it not for his influence on my life. I love you dad, and I am looking
forward to being with you in heaven, along with the countless souls you have
influenced through your life and service as a soldier of Christ.
I want to give a
special thanks, on behalf of my family and myself, for the multitudes of
prayers, visits, phone calls, cards, flowers, and support given during the
illness and passing away of my earthly father. The reality of God’s love and
closeness of His family on earth can especially be seen during times like
these. Despite the circumstances, it was good to see and spend time with
family, friends, and brethren whom I love so dearly. I regret that during this
time I did not get to personally see everyone who is involved in the New
Zealand work, but if God wills, I will see you on my next trip to the USA.
Although the death of my dad was a great loss in many ways, I am confident that
he can say, along with Paul, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”
(Philippians 1:21).
Kevin L. Moore
New
Zealand News 2:5 (September-October 1988): 1
