This past month witnessed the death of two beloved saints of the Lord. Pastor D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Ministries and Rev. James Carter of Maryland.

{life} One who stood in the gapMany are familiar with the works of Dr. Kennedy who was a contender for the rights of Christianity in America. He stood unabashadly against the onslaught of evil, raised a standard of truth, and has now passed on the baton to the next generation.

In much the same way, though not as well known, Rev. Carter stood up for the truth and contended evil through inviting many to the Savior. For close to, if not more than, 50 years Rev. Carter faithfully preached the Word of God. A diligent man, who had much {life} A picture of Rev. Carter outside a church he once Pastoredpotential, Rev. Carter did not seek worldly riches but rather pursued the eternal souls of men and women. I would like to say that because of his sacrifice and ministry, I claim the name of Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Several years ago Rev. Carter stopped by the home of Frank & Mildred Snively. Inside, a little 6 year old girl could be seen sitting by a fish tank pondering all the wonderful little things 6 years olds think about. Rev. Carter tenderly approached her and engaged in a friendly conversation. Within minutes he had shared the life saving words of John 3:16 and that little girl, my wonderful mother, received the Lord Jesus into her heart.

{life} This collage of pictures gave testimony of the lives Rev. Carter touchedAs we drove to the funeral home the evening of the viewing, Dad shared of the impact God had through Rev. Carter. Few really knew him. He gained little popularity, but he was faithful and in God’s eyes that is all that counts. He has rewards in heaven that far surpass any riches, fame, or glory man could of conjurred up. As a spiritual grand child of Rev. Carter, I am forever grateful that love overpowered any fear of man in Rev. Carter. We have little idea how a word spoken in due season may impact the eternal destiny of a soul.

{life} A moment of joy with mom's brother 'Uncle Bill' on the night of the viewingThere was much joy ringing through the walls of the room where the viewing was held. Rev. Carter’s life was one to rejoice of. His motionless body was a simple reminder that we are but here a short while before we take on spiritual eyes and behold our Savior in full glory.

I leave you now with an inspiring word from D. Jame Kennedy given about 2.5 years before his death and would encourage each of you to hear the recording on his memorial site:

“Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a {life} The church D. James Kennedy pastoredbox and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone has known before.” D. James Kennedy

This entry was posted on Friday, October 12th, 2007 at 11:26 am and is filed under Family News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.