Sorrow came in June as two sweet friends finished the race, left this planet, and entered into the presence of the Lord. Joy came in calling them "friend."
I met John Dettore in April 2010 and was immediately intrigued by his story and inspired by his attitude and faith. John's life was characterized by three things: his commitment to Jesus; his love for his wife, Ellen; and the joy he found in being a father to Alexandra. I only knew John for fourteen months, but during that short time, in spite of the difficult circumstances of his health, he consistently brought encouragement, hope, and laughter to my life. He served the Lord well, he loved his family well, and he left an example to all of us of a true warrior for Christ. Thank you, God, for allowing me to know John. Please take good care of him until we meet again.
Dan Chase was a quiet man of strength and grace. We met the Chase family many years ago when we attended the same church. In 2003, as we started Community of Faith, Dan and his family decided to join us. True to his nature, Dan immediately stepped in and started serving. He took the most difficult position - one that required early morning hours, long days, physical labor, and working in the Houston heat and rain. - he was the leader of our Roadie Team. For years he made sure everything was set up and ready to go on Sunday mornings, providing a safe, comfortable place for guests at COF to relax and learn how much God loved them. He never once complained, never once let COF down. What a gift he was to our church! The great love of Dan's life was his family - Melissa, his wife of 27 years, and their four children. When he wasn't working, Dan was camping, playing games, joking, and hanging out and loving on those five people who had the privilege of experiencing God's love through him. What a great example he was to all who knew him, and what a great emptiness has been left by his death. Thank you, God, for the honor of knowing Dan Chase. May I learn to be as humble and caring as he was.
The Roadies was the first thing I volunteered for at the 249 campus and Dan was the first person I really got to "meet" as a representative of the church leadership. Your description is so accurate and you have done his memory honor.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura
ReplyDeleteDan got me through many a rough time. Man, I can't believe that he's gone.
Larry Geiger