KEITH AND CYNTHIA FREW

Some deaths are startling, tragic, not at all easily accepted. They never knew it, but when I was already pastoring and they were missionaries in Zambia, they influenced my walk with Christ. Keith and Cynthia Frew went to Zambia because they were highly motivated by the conviction that unless someone tells people about Christ, people won’t hear, and unless they hear the gospel, they won’t believe and if they don’t believe, they remain lost in their sins. However, if someone trusts in Christ there is a guarantee of eternal life and that means union with Christ, and eventual reunion with all the others who have believed in him. The Frews had years of service behind them already and their three older children, Mark, Nadine, and Rene had remained in Canada for studies while Keith and Cynthia and their fifteen year old son Ian, returned to Zambia where they worked under the auspices of Africa Evangelical Fellowship. During a river trip in Zambia, Keith and Ian and two other men struck some rapids and they spilled into the water. The three men fell from the side of the boat nearest the shore and Ian fell on the other side but all swam for the same nearby shoreline. The men managed to get to shore, but Ian was attacked by a crocodile and was taken under the water. His body was never recovered. The heartbreak was profound and Christians on several continents prayed.

The greatest decision that fifteen-year-old Ian Frew ever made in his life was to trust in Jesus Christ as the way to the Father and to heaven. Ian loved Jesus and committed his life to him. At the time of their family tragedy the Frews were called upon to trust with all their hearts that Christ’s words are true and in that to find comfort.

They live in Abbotsford now and still go back to Africa periodically to teach.

A LITTLE ABOUT A LOT

I have a great deal to say this morning, I can feel it. I have other things that I should be doing, but writing gives me a sense of wellbeing as I begin my day.

AYN VAN DYK - I don't get to this blog site as often as I should because I am preoccupied with other writing, such as advocating on GPS for the return of a 12 year old autistic girl to her parents, since she has been withheld by the Ministry of Children for no morally justifiable reason for over two years. 

FRIDAY - It was my birthday on Friday, Friday the 13th, that sinister phrase is laughable to me. I don't care who knows it except a potential employer but since I am not applying for anything for the foreseeable future,  I am 71. That's my new 70. I know the trend is to exaggerate numbers and I should have cleverly said it was my new 50, but that would not approach the truth. I am not anything like I was at 50, or 60 or 65. I am what I am.

SYRIA - Syria, who knows what Assad will or won't do. U.S. intelligence proudly boasts it can know whether the regime is transporting, concealing or destroying its chemical weapons cache. I'm sure that surveillance capability exists, but did you know that the U.S. cold-war chemical arsenal is vast and still sits in Colorado and Kentucky. That's how complicated the destruction of these hazardous nerve agents is, but the U.S still vows to destroy them all by 2012. By when? Oh that's past already! Syria may be hard pressed to comply to the demands of the Russian/American plan.

GRANDCHILDREN - I love my grandchildren. Five of them bring me so much pleasure. Cari's oldest, 13 year old Kailyn is a witty sweetheart, imaginative, sharp and she lovingly treats her 6 year old cousin Kadence like a little sister. That little Kadence, youngest of the five has a face that can produce endless expressions, most of which make me laugh. They both enjoy the relationship and it is obvious by the time they spend together. 11 year old Ryan is growing taller, slim as a bean pole, and fast like the wind. He is a runner whether sprints or distance. He may eventually identify is strength. Ryan and Kailyn are siblings and they have a younger brother Jayden whom I call JJ and he is 8 years old. Jayden is short of stature presently but strong, athletic and with a never-give-up will, possessing a love for trains, cuddling under my arm. His cousin, 8 year old Kale, is Kadence's older brother, and Kale is capable of playing almost any sport well, pitches with accuracy, rides motorcycle, snowboards like a pro. What a group and they enjoy being together. I couldn't ask for more and they love me but they know how to use Grandma, because she always gives them food, bakes stuff, slushies and other stuff.

PREACHING - I have been asked to preach six times through October and into November at Immanuel Fellowship Baptist Church in Abbotsford, two services each Sunday morning. I am a bit rusty but I do enjoy the research and composition and opportunity to teach effectively.

And it rained for 12 hours straight for perhaps the first time in 90 days. We have enjoyed atypical warm and sunny weather in this part of the Pacific Northwest and I have loved it, but the sound of the rain and what it does for our plants and grass is welcome. Okay, back to the priorities. I feel good.