One year ago today, Pastor Tim’s Dad went on to Glory. The picture up above is a picture of Tim and I and his mother Judy the day of his daddy’s funeral. I remember flying back to a little town back in Illinois for his funeral and I watched as Tim spoke to a room full of people that had known his dad. In front of family, friends, Christians and non-Christians I watched as God gave Pastor Tim the strength and words to address that audience. Every one of you would have been proud of Tim as he fought back tears and stood as a messenger of hope and preached a message of salvation to those who had come to pay their respects to his father. It is a moment I will never forget.

Yes.. the picture of the old house that I posted on my blog a few days ago was the house that Pastor Tim grew up in. Tim gave me a tour of the home and the area that he had grown up in. It was waaaaaaaaaaaaaay out in the country.

But we were there for Bill Winters funeral. Tim’s dad was a great man. A gentle man with a gentle spirit, a farmer, a teacher, a father, a friend. I rarely ever look at Pastor Tim, that I can’t help but think of his father Bill. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. For Pastor Tim is also a very caring, loving, gentle man. A father, teacher and friend.

Will you do me a favor today? Will you pray for Pastor Tim today? And just ask God to strengthen and comfort him. It’s never an easy thing to come to a day like today and not struggle to some degree. Timbo… I love you and I thank God that you are the friend of all friends. May you continue to bless us the way your father blessed others.