Loose a friend, gain a daughter...

I came home from the hospital tonight to read this e-mail from Jason Evans:

My dear friend, hero and fellow church planter, Mark Palmer, has passed away. Mark was a beloved father to Micah - who turned 4 on Saturday, husband to beautiful Amy, son to Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, brother to C.J. and an encouraging friend to countless many. He planted a network of faith communities called, The Landing Place in Columbus, OH. He was a leader and friend amongst these communities up until he passed away this morning. Please pray for Amy, Micah, his parents, brother and the Landing Place community.

Mark's insurance rejected him about midway through his battle with cancer. Some have asked how they can help offset the overwhelming expenses for his care. I guess the best way would be to send checks to: Amy Palmer 64 King Ave Columbus, OH 43201

Brooke and I will be flying out to Columbus on Wed. night most likely. We will carry your prayers with us.

I miss my friend terribly bad right now. But I wrote this on my blog this morning: "... I refuse to be without hope. Even now, Palmer's steady, calm strength envigorates me and pushes me forward. What our enemy, Death, does not realize is that this has simply fueled our flame of chasing after Jesus' and his dream for this world even more passionately. Death will not win here, ultimately. Death's fate is already sealed. You will lose. Yahweh wins." Amen.

Jason
for the Collective

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Earlier tonight I had written this:

Hey Friends!

Nadia Danae Buist arrived tonight at 6:34 p.m. (March 27) She weighs 6 lbs, 15 oz, and she is 19 inches long. Kathy & Nadia are resting peacefully after a good delivery.

Shalom,
Randy
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As I weep, I wrote the following comment over at Palmer's blog:

This afternoon we celebrated the birth of our third child, Nadia Denae. Mom and baby are healthy. Tonight I came home to read about Mark's earthly journey coming to an end.

My wife, Kathy, met Mark several years ago. We've stayed up on your family since that time, and we've walked from a distance... all of this to say, I wasn't big on the name Nadia at first, but... it means 'to hope' or to be 'hopeful.' As I doubted the name and considered alternatives this afternoon, I kept thinking of Mark.

Yet, I had no idea of your pain this morning. In the midst of your pain, may you find hope. With more love than I can leave here.

Shalom,
randy buist
(for Kathy, Anna, Jaden, and Nadia too)
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So, I think it's time to curl up on the couch and pray and cry and thank God and lament and cry and sleep -- hopefully in the arms of my God.