Dwayne Kevin Harms
July 27, 1967 to August 16, 2005

The passing of Pastor Dwayne Kevin Harms, age 38 years of Saskatoon, SK, occurred on Tuesday, August 16, 2005. He was born in Killarney, MB. He began his relationship with Jesus Christ at the age of 8, and was baptized at age 12. He married Janet, the love of his life, in 1989. They were blessed with two children, Ashlynn and Tyler. Dwayne passionately pursued his love of Jesus Christ, and enthusiastically shared it with others. Dwayne was a pastor for 12 years, and absolutely loved his ministry and his church family. During Dwayne's brief battle with cancer, his faith remained strong. To read his journal, visit www.livinghopechurch.ca . He is survived by his wife Janet; daughter, Ashlynn; and son, Tyler; his parents, Dan and Helen Harms; sister, Shauna (Andrew) Wiebe; brother, Karsten (Jacklyn) Harms; grandparents, Agatha Harms, and Abe and Susan Bergen; father-in-law, George Wiebe; sister-in-law, Carol (Wes) Schellenberg; and five nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Kristal; grandfather, Walter Harms; and mother-in-law, Erica Wiebe. A public visitation will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. from the Acadia Drive Funeral Chapel (915 Acadia Dr.). Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2005 with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Forest Grove Community Church (502 Webster Street, Saskatoon). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dwayne Harms Memorial Fund for his children; (Scotia Bank, Lawson Heights Mall, Saskatoon) and to Living Hope Church building fund (102 Goerzen St, Saskatoon, S7K 7E3). Arrangements have been entrusted to Terry G. Michayliuk, ACADIA DRIVE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 955-1600.

Service Time

Following the interment a Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 19 at Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon.

Journey's End

This morning at around 7:30am Dwayne's journey here on earth ended and he began his face to face journey with his Saviour, Lord and Friend, Jesus Christ. God has accomplished His purposes for Dwayne here on earth, but I believe that his influence will continue on for many years. Dwayne was truly a unique and gifted man who was passionate about his family, his ministry and most importantly his relationship with Jesus. He walked faithfully, served lovingly, and finished victoriously.

Whether you knew Dwayne personally, or got to know him through this blog, I know that many of you have been impacted by his words and actions. As part of Dwayne's legacy to his children and me, I plan to print out "Dwayne's Journey" in it's entirety, including the comments. If you have any memories of Dwayne, or if his journal made a change in your life, please feel free to comment. We are so blessed by the love and care sent our way.

Details of Dwayne's Celebration of Life service will be posted here shortly, as will his obituary.

On behalf of Dwayne, this is Janet, signing off.

To God Be The Glory!

Bitter Sweet

Thursday and Friday were difficult days. Dwayne's medication combination was causing great agitation and anxiety for his body and emotions. He was not lucid and so conversation was minimal. On Thursday afternoon he asked for the elders to come and pray and anoint him with oil for healing. Amazingly within minutes several of our church leaders showed up at his room, all without a single phone call. We prayed in faith. God promises that all things work together for good...but it is the last part of the verse that is really important, and sometimes we miss that part. "For those who are called according to His purpose". God will fulfill His purposes, but not necessarily according to our requests.

Dwayne was not miraculously healed. Today, however, the doctors were able to change his meds and his mind was clear. He had very significant conversations with each of our children. Ashlynn is leaving for camp tomorrow, as per our joint decision, and so he said goodbye to her. Dwayne and I had some very beautiful moments together as well. We talked about his service, and what some of his wishes are. We tell each other often that we love each other.

Thank you again for your prayers. God is still able to heal...but we also want to finish well.

A Bit of Encouragement

Last night Dwayne had a better rest and we were all so thankful for that. As a result he had a bit of a better day today. Today they removed his epidural, and so now we're on to new pain meds. Tonight Dwayne was able to drink a bit more liquids, and was also able to lie on his side comfortably for the first time since surgery. It was good to see him improve a bit. Very slow progress, but progress nonetheless. His meds make him confused at times, but today I printed off the blog responses of the past several days and we spent the evening reading them intermittantly. Beautiful words of encouragement, so needed during these days. "Thank you" will never be enough. Thanks for the prayers as well. We are blessed by them.

By the way, Tyler is back at home. This year it was just too tough to be away.

Please Pray

We are experiencing a very difficult day today. Dwayne did not sleep well last night and today his spirits are very low. He is struggling to see any hope. He says that this is not "humanly possible". I agree, but with God all things are possible. He is simply so worn down. Please pray that there will be a break-thru in his health. I spend so much of the bedside hours in prayer. We are all fighting discouragement.

"He's Still Able"

That was the title of our sermon in church today. Our speaker said that when you're clinging on to the edge of the impossible, God is still able. He will accomplish His purposes. Such encouraging words, as I feel like we've been on that edge for weeks now. Dwayne has a bit of infection post surgery, so he is now on antibiotics. He did keep some juiced veggies and a bit of broth down with some effort today.

Our 9 year old son Tyler reluctantly left for Bible camp today. He is worried about his Dad. So much burden for such a young child. My heart aches for my children. I'm so thankful for all of your prayers. God is still able.

Yet Will I Praise Him

Another difficult day has passed and God has proved Himself faithful, but still some moments can be very hard. My Mom's service was both honouring to my Mom and glorifying to God. That is what we hoped would happen. Please pray for my Dad as he adjusts to life without his partner.

Dwayne is slowly recovering from his surgery, but much improvement is still needed. He is not yet able to eat solid food, and struggles with nausea. There is a lot of fluid in his abdomen which is coming from his liver, and that also makes him feel ill. The road ahead of us seems so long. At times his spirits are good, but he also struggles with discouragement. I too have asked God,"How long, Lord?" Please pray that God will answer quickly. We so earnestly desire complete healing.

Sufficient Grace

God is so amazing! That "peace that passes all understanding" was so evident today as Dwayne, his parent, and I walked thru the day. Some friends and family met early in the morning to pray at the hospital. Dwayne's was wheeled away just after 9 AM. At around 12:30 the surgeon appeared and informed us that surgery was over and things had gone well. The tumor was sent to pathology for testing and those results will be revealed in a weeks time.

During the hours while we waited I can honestly say that I felt an uncommon quiet and peace inside that I know came from my heavenly Father. It was so good to be surrounded by friends and family, especially those who came to pray outside the hospital. I truly believe that God was glorified in what happened today. We really see God's hand guiding and shaping circumstances so that the surgery would occur.

Now the path to recovery from surgery begins. Please pray that this will be swift, that we will not be impatient, and that our witness will be strong amidst all.

Prayer Opportunites

August 3rd will be spent with single-minded focus as we petition God for healing for Dwayne. If you are looking for an opportunity to pray with others, feel free to join a group of believers and friends who will be meeting on the patio just to the side of the main doors of Saskatoon City Hospital. This will begin at 6:30 AM and continue on throughout the morning or the day.

My (Janet's) family and I spent the afternoon today planning the celebration of the life of Erica Wiebe. Once again God's grace was sufficient for our needs. The service will be held on Saturday. God's Word tells us that when we are weak, then God's strength is revealed thru us. May God show Himself powerful in these next few days.

Eternal Glory

Less than 24 hours remain before Dwayne is scheduled to be in surgery. The past few days have been long ones, and we spend much time in prayer. God says that our troubles here are but momentary and light when compared with the weight of eternal glory. Please continue to pray for us, and if God impresses on you the need to fast and pray, please consider how you might be obedient in that as well.

Yesterday my (Janet's) mom slipped away peacefully from her momentary troubles here on earth into her eternal glory with her Savior, Lord and Friend, Jesus Christ. Please also pray for our family as we plan her service and remember her legacy and give glory to God for her.