Sad day

Today was a sad day for my office. Our dear VP of finance, Chuck, lost his battle with cancer. We all knew the end was near as on Thursday of last week, we found out he was unreponsive. Chuck passed away at home. He leaves behind a wife and stepdaughter, and a whole office that loved him.

I didn't cry at all today. I cried on Thursday when I found out that he was indeed dying. I had wanted to go by one last time and talk with him and his wife Barbara about the Lord and the gospel. I am thankful that I was able to visit with them back in March, give them a Bible, and talk about the hope I have of eternal life and peace through Jesus. The last time I talked with Chuck was just 3 1/2 weeks ago, and because my boss was along, we talked about work the whole time. He seemed to be doing ok. I thought I had time, and when I heard two weeks ago that Chuck was sleeping most of the time, I decided to go over again but with two other coworkers who also wanted to say goodbye, and we waited too long.

I don't know if Chuck ever read the Bible, but I do know that the Lord is sovereign over men's hearts. When I go back to visit his wife, I'll be praying that I can talk with her about the gospel. I think this is the first time I've had someone that I know die who was probably not a believer. As far I as know, he didn't have hope of eternal life with our Lord. I am praying that I have opportunities to witness to my other grieving coworkers.

On other note, this is the third person that we've know who has passed away because of cancer within the last five weeks. Joshua's former coworker and close friend Carla passed onto heaven the day after Easter, and my former coworker Barbara joined her there about three weeks ago. Chuck's death has been the hardest because I don't know where he is. This should spur me on to be bolder in my witness to those around me, and it makes me so thankful for my salvation and hope. May I not forget this.