A Week of Loss

This has been a difficult week for The Bridge family as we have lost two beloved members of our church. On Saturday Matt Stewart departed this life doing what he loved more than just about anything, riding his motorcycle with his precious wife, Deb. While Deb will recover fully from the injuries she sustained, she is faced with going on without her husband and best friend. Please keep Deb in your prayers as she deals with this terrible loss.

I will always remember Matt for his quiet strength and steadfast love of God and His Word. This past Easter Matt, also known as “Hammer,” greeted me after the service with a big hug and an expression of thanks for what he considered to be a clear and bold proclamation of the Gospel. This meant the world to me.

Services for Matt will be held this Friday at Noon with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Alexandria Funeral Home located at 325 Washington Street in Alexandria. Following the service Matt will be laid to rest at the Kentucky Veteran’s Cemetery North in Williamstown.

On Tuesday, David Tye departed this world after a lengthy battle with a debilitating lung disease. Despite his long stay in the hospital, Dave never lost his quick wit and cheery disposition. Many of you will remember Dave as a long-time greeter and usher at The Bridge, but he’ll be remembered mostly for his warm smile and friendly manner. His dear wife Donna, daughter Kim, son David, Jr. and his sisters Phyllis and Carolyn will miss him terribly, as will we all.

A celebration of life will take place at the church on Saturday with visitation beginning at 11:30 with the service at 1:00 PM. Dave will be laid to rest at Plum Creek Cemetery in Butler, Kentucky.

“Because I Live”

In John’s Gospel chapter 14, Jesus spoke the words; “Because I live, you will live also.” It is because Jesus tasted death and then rose from the dead, conquering death, hell and the grave, that we have the assurance that those who have trusted Christ will live even after they die. It is because of what Jesus did for us on the cross that I can say with complete assurance that Matt and Dave are more alive today than they have ever been and that we will see them both again.

While we will miss having Matt and Dave with us, we know that they are right now enjoying the glory and the splendor of heaven. They have seen the face of their Savior and been welcomed into the presence of God. Let’s be comforted by this truth and let’s resolve to be steadfast in our mission to lead others to the saving knowledge of Christ. This is how both Matt and Dave lived their lives. Let us follow their example.

Bo