With Jesus

I was just walking in the door with lunch, when Jeremy told me.  And my very first thoughts were, Charlie Petersen is with Jesus.  He’s not suffering anymore, and he’s not in pain.  And I felt grateful for him, but so very sad for everyone who would indeed miss this dear friend.

Charlie and Toni Petersen have been a part of Eastport Bible Church for many years.  And through the many trials that they’ve had these past years (Toni battling two cancers and Charlie battling cancer as well) they’ve lived such a beautiful testimony of God’s love, power and strength.  They’ve been surrounded by many witnesses, all of whom have seen the reflection of God’s love through the way that they’ve lived out their lives.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Charlie’s wife Toni today.

Because Charlie loved her so very much.

We also send our love and prayers for Charlie’s children.

And for Toni’s too.

And I know that we all can take comfort in knowing that while we lost a dear friend, Heaven gained a great man.  Charlie is whole and healed and rejoicing with Jesus today.  He put his faith into Jesus and wanted everyone that he knew to do the same thing.  Because he knew that even through trials, we could live with hope.  Even through cancer, he knew that God would heal him and eventually make his body whole again.  He knew that life was good, but that God was even better.  He lived in such a way that everyone around him knew what he knew because he was always willing to testify to God’s great love.

Thank you Charlie Petersen.  For the way that you lived your life.  My family was touched by it.  Thank you for teaching our son more about Jesus.  Thank you for your sunrise pictures as your constant reminder that every day is a gift.  Thank you for living a beautiful life, and for encouraging others to do the same.  Those lessons have touched our lives and we will miss you very much.