Loving the deGarmeauxs
Tuesday was a very painful and yet grace filled day. Gabe, Monica, their family and close friends experienced a whole range of emotions. We cried together, sat in silence, and shared favorite stories of Deacon. We also felt a measure of comfort and peace knowing that thousands of brothers and sisters in the Lord were praying and hurting with Gabe and Monica in this dark time. They have felt loved!
Many of you have asked if there is anything you can do to help. Here are three practical ways:
1) We need your prayers. Please pray that God would demonstrate his love and peace to Gabe and Monica at this time.
2) Sign up to bring bring a meal.
Go to www.gmail.com
Username: foodforgabeandmonica
Password: deacon123
It should take you straight to the calendar, but if not click the “calendar” tab in the top left corner. Once in the calendar, click the “month” tab at the top right to view the entire month.
For this week please take your food directly to Gabe and Monica’s house around 6:00pm (they are wanting to see friends). Also, keep in mind that they have family in town right now, so plan to have enough for 10-12 people. There will be more details soon about the coming weeks. Feel free to sign up to bring a dinner for the next few weeks, but we will likely do a few drop off “point people” so as not to overwhelm Gabe and Monica or their fridge.
Sarah Nagy has graciously offered to head up this effort. If you have questions email her at sarah.e.nagy@gmail.com.
3) Donate to the Deacon D. Funeral Fund. Many of you have expressed an interest to bless the deGarmeaux family by helping cover some of the cost of the funeral. If you would like to give toward this cause you can donate online by clicking on the “give” page at www.scarletcitychurch.org. Make sure you make the donation for Scarlet City Church and in the memo clarify that it’s for the “Deacon D. Funeral Fund.” Also, you may write a check payable to “Scarlet City Church” and add “Deacon D. Funeral Fund” in the memo. You can mail checks to Scarlet City Church 371 Arden Road, Columbus, OH 43214.
For more information regarding donations email jay@scarletcitychurch.org.
One final note, the funeral arrangements are still being finalized but we will be holding a service this Saturday at 11am at Veritas Community Church (345 East Second Ave., Columbus, OH 43201).
This tragedy reminds me of the brokenness and pain of the world we live in. I have found comfort in the words of Jesus from John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
May that ring true in our hearts today and in the journey that lies ahead.
This Twila Paris song showed up in my iPod shuffle on today’s drive. I wept…and prayed. Think The Spirit was involved?
A visitor from Heaven
If only for a while
A gift of love to be returned
We think of you and smile
A visitor from Heaven
Accompanied by grace
Reminding of a better love
And of a better place
With aching hearts and empty arms
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we’re so glad you came
We’re so glad you came
A visitor from Heaven
If only for a day
We thank Him for the time He gave
And now it’s time to say
We trust you to the Father’s love
And to His tender care
Held in the everlasting arms
And we’re so glad you’re there
We’re so glad you’re there
With breaking hearts and open hands
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we’re so glad you came
We’re so glad you came
Send Visitor From Heaven Ringtone to your Cell
Although we don’t know you, we reach out to you in Christ’s love and in prayer. As you walk through this difficult time, remember that God is holding your right hand and will NEVER let go.
(We are Dianne Braaksma’s aunt and uncle)
Dear Monica & Gabe:
I just learned of the news and wanted to let you know that Deacon & Lilly’s Kid’s Quest teachers will be praying for you and your family.
We miss you very much and our hearts grieve your loss. May God stregthen you for each new day. May your walk with our Lord and your ministry grow as God carries you through this season.
You are in our hearts and prayers.
Monica, Gabe,
My thoughts and my prayers are with you and have been. Such a terrible and sad time. I pray that God can offer you peace and strength throught this, and know that your family in Christ will gather around you.
David
Dear Monica, Gabe and Lilly,
I had the unbelievable joy to have Deacon in my Hiker/Navigators- Kids Quest room on Sunday evenings at MBC. We love Deacon and are sadden by the news, but comforted by knowing he is with our Heavenly Father right now.
We are praying for your family during this difficult time.
In Christ, Carolina
Gabe Monia and family,
Though Linda and I cannot be there this Saturday, our hearts grieve with you at your loss and are earnestly praying that God provides the comfort that only He can provide.
In His Love,
Bob & Linda
With Hope: By Steven Curtis Chapman
This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you’ve gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but …
We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
‘Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
‘Cause we believe with hope
(There’s a place by God’s grace)
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again
We’ll see your face again
And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God’s plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father’s smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
‘Cause now you’re home
And now you’re free, and …
We have this hope as an anchor
‘Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so …
So we can cry with hope
And say goodbye with hope
We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope
Our dear Monica and Gabe,
We continue to pray for you each day. May the Lord Jesus hold you in His arms and give you peace.
We know God will use this terrible tragedy, for His glory, as you minister to others in their tragedy.
You are loved and appreciated by so many. We hope you feel and know that love.
Love in our precious Jesus,
Sharon and Mike Cornwall, elder emeritus at Chase Oaks Church
We are family friends of Chellie & Wes… we have had many people here in Texas praying for you all. Know that we lift you up and take comfort that God is with you every step of the way… God is good and Deacon is running and playing with the angels and saints in heaven.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this incredibly difficult time. Heaven just received one adorable little angel!
My heart breaks with you over your loss of Deacon. I am praying for you.
We are grieving with you. We love the unique, beautiful, and tender heart that God has given you two and are praying for mercy and love.
Love G & A
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Just remember he is in God’s arms now. Stay strong for each other. Again I am so sorry for your loss.
Atleast 3 congregations in Virginia are praying for your family and church. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Deacon is in God’s Glory.
Monica, Gabe & Lilly, We are thinking of you and praying for you today as you celebrate little Deacon’s life. Wish we were there to hug and encourage you, but we know you’ll be comforted by everyone there. We hope to see you soon. Love, Claudia & Jim