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.
posted by DH @ Monday, August 22, 2005
41 comments
41 Comments:
Dear Janet, and kids
My heart weeps for you and rejoices for you as I know that now is the time that so many conflicting emotions will assail you.
I have one request that as you walk thought this time, as we all must at some stage of our lives, that is to please be gentle with yourself. It is not weakness of faith to mourn the loss of both your Husband and Mother and to mourn them deeply. It is not weakness of faith the question, to weep, to be lower that you ever thought possible, it is not weakness of faith to be angry.
Each of us mourns differently, some need friends and family near by, some need solitude, some need a lot of both. Please, be gentle with yourself. Please let others know how they can help any time either now or 10 years from now.
It is now that Time relentlessly marches on, the world moves on, fellow mourners go home, the shock of it all wears of for the rest of us and the full truth of it comes to dwell with you alone. Please know that we will continue to uphold you and your children in prayer. We will pray for you as you move from Dwayne's Journey to see what God writes on the pages of Janet's Journey, Ashlyn's Journey and Tyler's Journey.
It can be so easy for all of us to say that God has good planned for you out of this all. That you are called for for such a time as this...but still you are the one that needs to walk thought this and we will continue to pray for all of you and your extended families as the Lord brings you to mind for many years to come. I do look forward to seeing how God will use all of this. As you know when God's people come together and pray,(as they have now through your loss of Dwayne)only good can come of it.
I always find comfort and a place to hide in these verses may they bless you too.
Jeremiah 29:11&12
Isaiah 57:15
Isaiah 40:28-31
Isaiah 43:1-2
Love in Christ Always,
Pat Teichrib, for Darrel
and our family
I was shocked this evening to read of the graduation of Dwayne, your husband (I was away at camp so I have not kept up with reading your daily entries in Dwayne's journal). I believed that he would be healed and now find myself quite speechless as to what to say to comfort you. Dealing with the loss of two very special people must be unbearable and yet survivable. I too am one of the many that followed Dwayne's journal regularly and was blessed to have known him through the journals and to hear you in Dwayne's journals as well. May you find comfort in knowing that there are many who will continue to hold you and your family up in prayer in this VERY difficult time. I, too, am one that has committed myself to pray for you, Ashlyn and Tyler in the coming months and years. God bless.
Lisa Dyck
Ontario
Dear Janet, Ashlynn and Tyler,
We have so many great memories of the times we spent with you and Dwayne when you first arrived at West Portal. (It always brings back a smile when we think of eating your birthday cake in our van with you and Dwayne )
We are thankful that God brought our paths together and we feel blessed that we were able to know Dwayne as well as we did. As many have said before, he was truly passionate about God and sharing Him with others.
Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with the World. Many lives have been touched - including ours. May God strengthen and comfort your family, as only He can, in the days and years to come.
With our love,
Devin and Tamara.
Dear Janet, Ashlynn, and Tyler.
Dad and I were away in Alberta this past weekend. I did learn of Dwayne's passing, but am just now catching up here.
I still find myself rather speachless, as one of the other comments says. Then I also agree with the one right here where I can see it, that suggests you be gentle with yourselves, and give yourselves time to grieve, and lay yourselves before the Lord.
Surely God is good - all the time. So He sees and weeps with you, and yet, He knows this is going to work out for you, and for His glory.
I haven't figured it out, but I've observed that true deep joy has sorrow for it's birth pangs. It would seem then that JOY is on the way! Even if the present pain screams "no way!"
Do remember that many of us are uplifting you in prayer.
Blessings,
Ruth Friesen
Dear Janet,
When I was about eight years old, my sister was born. A healthy, bright baby until four months. She then contracted Reye’s syndrome and was subsequently totally dependent for the remainder of her life--couldn’t talk, walk or even eat on her own. At one point when I was in university she was very near death. I felt more could be done for her and made some requests of the doctors. Once implemented, the course of treatment returned her to her usual state of health. My father later suggested I had saved her life and thanked me for my actions. I said nothing, but I wondered if, indeed, I had done the right thing--to save her life only to prolong her suffering and that of our entire family (I now maintain it was the correct thing to do). Many times during the course of her life, and particularly at this specific junction, I wondered at the purpose of all this suffering for both my sister and those of us in the family.
I believe God has recently given me an insight into the general whys of suffering. C. S. Lewis states that our nature (reflecting her creator) displays both selectiveness (certain people specially chosen by God) and vicariousness (others reaping the benefits of another person’s actions--the good suffering for the bad). These are rules by which she (and God) operate. God chooses certain people (I’m guessing rather strong, steadfast souls) to endure suffering for the betterment of others. (For example, while Mary was chosen by God for a very special purpose, she most certainly experienced the worst pain a mother could.) Because of other people’s sacrifices we can be drawn closer to God. Their suffering and sacrifice is necessary to begin a chain of events which will have positive results for God in other people’s lives.
What if we could follow the chain of events begun by our suffering directly to those who were positively influenced? Certainly we would be most willing to suffer in this life if it meant others would gain an eternity with God. I know most certainly I would not have the relationship with God which I enjoy today if it were not for the presence of my sister in my life. As for the particular junction in her life which I mentioned, I know that my life would certainly have taken a much different path if she had died at that point--only God knows toward what end. I assume it was not the one He wanted me to travel as He orchestrated things otherwise (my sister passed away much later).
What if God chose Dwayne from before he was born to serve his purpose. He would have to be a very strong force for God during his life in order to reach so many people before he died (as people agree he was). And what if his suffering (and, more specifically, yours) had much more far-reaching effects--effects which could not or would not occur if he had not suffered. What if, vicariously, many people will reap the benefits of Dwayne having traveled the particular journey God mapped out for him? I wonder if Dwayne would willingly choose to make this sacrifice for others (many of whom you will never hear of, some much closer to home) if the choice had been laid out before him? Most likely he was the type of person to eagerly do God’s will no matter the personal cost. Perhaps he was a soul made of sterner stuff than any of us can understand here on earth.
I don’t know if this line of thought will ease your sorrow--one could hardly expect anything to do that. But I don’t believe this was some cruel joke. I believe God’s laws were followed and Dwayne fulfilled his part in God’s plan. Many good things will happen for many people because Dwayne served God faithfully. Not simply by setting a good example during the course of his life, but by following God ‘s path for him through to the end.
Sincerely,
Wendy F.
I read your article in the paper today and I was deeply touched. I'm sorry to you and your family. My dad died from a heart attack when I was 17. [I'm 19 now.] I miss him terribly and my life has a massive void in it.
I really admire his strength and love for people. He is definately in Heaven.
God Bless,
Audrey De Brou.
Not knowing Dwayne and not knowing Janet and the kids, I read the article in the Star Phoenix and found the story of Dwayne to be an inspiration and wish I would have know him. If I could I would give the whole family a group hug from myself and my wife. I am not a church goer but you have really touched my heart and you just might see me in your congregation some day soon.
Dear Janet,
My heart goes out to you and your family.
We have just recently experienced the graduation of a Man of God also.
Pastor David Bounds of the Word Church in Lloydminister. He too was overtaken from cancer.
I'm not sure if you know the Bounds Family or not but they also have put there whole lives into their ministry and serving their church families like yours.
One of the things our Pator often said to us during times like these is..."Don't mourn too long but know that soon sadness will turn to joy!"
We have never met-But yet your struggles I have felt. Cancer takes many things, but it also leave many more. Your dear husband has touched so many lives, and so did you through your unwaivering loyalty and support. G-d bless you and your family. May you find strength in eachother and in your husband's memory.
Dear Janet & children,
I never had the pleasure to meet Dwayne and I am sad for that. He sounded like an amazing man and I feel truly blessed to have read of his journey and his strength that he had thru this very trying time. I admire him. He "lived strong". I also wanted to say thank you for sharing your story in the newspaper this past weekend. It brought tears to my eyes a few times, I was touched. My sincere sympathy to you and your family continue to "live strong" and know you are prayed for by many. Take care. Charmaine Budd- Saskatoon
Janet,
A friend e-mailed this to me to help with coping with all this. i have really struggled and wrestled with God and am now seeing through it with the help of many old (and young) friends. Not being able to go to the service, I felt like my last goodbye was stolen from me, yet even then God's mercy allowed me to learn to trust Him even More. I still would like to come see you and spend some time. Hope you get this as I do not have your email addy. Hope this helps you as it helped me.
>> > The Heart
Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began,
>> >
>> > "I'll open up your heart..."
>> >
>> > "You'll find Jesus there," the boy
>> >
>> > interrupted.
>> >
>> > The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll
>> >
>> > cut your heart open," he continued,
>> >
>> > to see how much damage has been
>> >
>> > done..."
>> >
>> > "But when you open up my heart, you'll
>> >
>> > find Jesus in there," said the boy.
>> >
>> > The surgeon looked to the parents, who
>> >
>> > Sat quietly. "When I see how much
>> >
>> > damage has been done, I'll sew your
>> >
>> > heart and chest back up, and I'll plan
>> >
>> > what to do next."
>> >
>> > "But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The
>> >
>> > Bible says He lives there. The
>> >
>> > hymns all say He lives there. You'll
>> >
>> > find Him in my heart."
>> >
>> > The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell
>> >
>> > you what I'll find in your heart.
>> >
>> > I'll find damaged muscle, low blood
>> >
>> > supply, and weakened vessels.
>> >
>> > And I'll find out if I can make you well."
>> >
>> > "You'll find Jesus there too. He lives
>> >
>> > there."
>> >
>> > The surgeon left.
>> >
>> > The surgeon sat in his office, recording his
>> >
>> > notes from the surgery, "...damaged aorta, damaged
>> >
>> > pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration.
>> >
>> > No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy:
>> >
>> > painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:, "
>> >
>> > Here he paused, "death within one year."
>> >
>> > He stopped the recorder, but there was
>> >
>> > more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud.
>> >
>> > "Why did You do this? You've put
>> >
>> > him here; You've put him in this pain; and
>> >
>> > You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"
>> >
>> > The Lord answered and said, "The boy,
>> >
>> > My lamb, was not meant for your
>> >
>> > flock for long, for he is a part of My
>> >
>> > flock, and will forever be.
>> >
>> > Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and
>> >
>> > will be comforted as you cannot imagine.
>> >
>> > His parents will one day join him here,
>> >
>> > and they will know peace, and
>> >
>> > My flock will continue to grow."
>> >
>> > The surgeon's tears were hot, but his
>> >
>> > anger was hotter. "You created that
>> >
>> > boy, and You created that heart. He'll
>> >
>> > be dead in months. Why?"
>> >
>> > The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb,
>> >
>> > shall return to My flock, for He has
>> >
>> > Done his duty: I did not put My lamb
>> >
>> > with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another
>> >
>> > lost lamb."
>> >
>> > The surgeon wept.. The surgeon sat
>> >
>> > beside the boy's bed; the boy's
>> >
>> > parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and
>> >
>> > whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"
>> >
>> > "Yes," said the surgeon.
>> >
>> > "What did you find?" asked the boy.
>> >
>> > "I found Jesus there," said the
>> >
>> > surgeon
My best memory of Dwayne was when he played ball with the West Portal team. He had asked me about another teammate who was a friend of mine, specifically if he was a Christian. I told him no, and the next opportunity he had, at a restaurant after a game, he made sure to tell my friend about Jesus even after knowing him only a very short while. I can't tell you how much that taught me, especially in light of his passing now.
I also have a memento of Dwayne which I keep in my Bible, a 'cheque' written to the Lord Jesus Christ, transferring to Him all my hopes and dreams for the future. This was a handout that came with one of his sermons some years ago. I don't often fill out those response forms, but his sermon impacted me.
All said, I didn't actually know Dwayne that well, but he has affected me greatly by showing the importance of making every moment count. May God take care of you his earthly family until you all meet in heaven again. I will pray for you.
Dear Janet and family...I was shocked when I read about Dwayne going home in the sask'toon paper.
He opened up a deep desire in my heart to respond to God's calling.
I was in a Sask. Town, several years ago to celebrate my mothers birthday and Mothers day...My son had flown in from B.C. to celebrate with us. We attended the church (my brother being a member) I so remember praying for God to have a special message for my son.
The Pastor introduced Dwayne for the message, of how he was starting a new church in Saskatoon..Oh dear I thought how boring and I needed a "message" Then Dwayne began to speak and God's Love and Message just flowed...I have never been the same and my son received what he needed..... Oh how wonderful God is and he used Dwayne for his purpose.
I gave Dwayne my E-mail after church to be put on the mailing list have received all the notices.
As humans we so want to ask why?,but God's ways are not our ways.
I used this in a funeral for a young boy and hope it helps.... I have a embroidered book mark on the back it looks like an unknown language , real messy and unreadable but on the right side it says God is Love.
We don't understand why now but when we get to heaven it will be clear.
You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless Elaine
davefisher6932
I sure hope your post was an attempt at levity. I wonder what would possess a person to post a link to a dating site to a widow that, only a month ago, lost the love of her life? Please avoid leaving your "advice" if it consists of these types of posts
Dear Janet, Ashlynn, and Tyler
You don't know me... I attended NBI the same year Krystal attended.
I just want you to know that I heard of Dwayne's death just this week, and have been burdened for you as you deal with the loss. I am praying for you that the Lord will continue to hold you up in His strong arms. I know you will come to mind over the next weeks and months and even years, and I will pray for you.
My our Lord strengthen you with His precious presence today.
In Christ,
Kara Elias (nee Stetski)
I would guess that the posting by davefisher6932 was some kind of automated spam posting, so he was posting to hundreds or thousands of blogs in some way, without knowing the content of any of the blogs. It is likely he has no idea how inapproprite his post was, so there's no sense getting too angry about it. This kind of thing is an unfortunate reality on the Internet. We can count it as a blessing that virtually all the posts here were heartfelt and sincere.
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Janet,
I cannot believe that I missed sharing this journey with you and Dwayne. I feel I have let you both down. It is never far from my mind that I could just stop in and see Dwayne at the church ... he would give me a hug (which meant he had some project that I was just the right person for!)
I still think of myself as part of your care group ... just as if 3 years could disappear as fast as they seemed to acculate. Thank you for the invite, I may just have to take you up on it (are you still a great square person?).
If you want to pick my brain of how it felt to have my dad die when I was young, I would enjoy sharing that with you. God has led me to know that he wants me to retain that information and to share it.
I am using those hankies now and wondering why Dwayne and not me instead. I will never understand His wisdom, publish Dwayne' Journal, It may help more people to accept His wisdom even if we don't understand it.
I'm glad that you sound like you are letting yourself grieve. Too many times we tell ourselves we just don't have time for that now.
Grieving is a gift from God to help us move from the place he had us to the place we are being sent to. It's hard, so hard but it does ease with another few gifts from God. There is His word and time to mention only two of those gifts. Grief never really goes away but it does soften around the edges on to bittersweet and if allowed it's full path, humour comes and stays. Thank God for laughter!
I am remmbering what possibly was the first time I was at our care group. A fellow, don't ask who, told me he would pray for me. I thought okay that is great. But then he said "I won't write it down but you can be guaranted that when I think of you I will pray for you." I have never forgotten the idea of random intercession going on just for me. So I will tell you that when ever I think of you and/or the kids I will be tendering a request to God that you find peace and that your new life is a good one.
I have full confidence that Dwayne is with God right now! I wonder how it felt. I know I will see Dwayne again and he will smile, give me a hug and send me to that perfect job just for me.
Take care,
Love Lynne
Everytime I read something from this journal or an email Dwayne wrote me it brings a tear to my eye. Parts of it to me seems so not real but it is. I remember the day when you guys lived in Midale and Id just pop into his office and probably an hour or so later I would return to the world outside his office. What an amazing man. Forever he will be remebered on earth and now rejocying in the great Heaven above. I hope all is well. Love and prays Opal
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Dwayne sounds like an amazing man. I thank God for his life and the wittness he's showed even to me. I never knew him, but i feel like i do after reading this. Thank You.
Sara!~
Regina Christian School
I love this guy
Okay look you little imature children that is not respect full, do you think Jesus would do that? I sure don't
Jesus wept.
this dude is spectacular! his legend will live on... FOREVER!!!!
Amen.
you cant be anymore rude can you? this is nothing to be joking about. get a life.
It's been a year tonite since Stu and I saw you in the hospital. It was so hard to see you suffer as you were. The pain of having you go has subsided, but I still miss you buddy. Thanks for being here, see you there.
DH, It's been over a year and I still miss you. We'll have lots to talk about when we meet again. Keep the coffee hot for me.
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I can't believe all of the horrible messages and links that have been left on here. That is so disrespectful and immoral.
I just wanted to say that I still think about Dwayne fairly often, even five years. I will soon be as old as he was when he passed, with two kids also. His life remains an inspiration to me when I think about his passion for Christ.
See you soon, Dwayne.
-Allan D.
It's hard to believe Pastor Dwayne left us so young five years ago now. I am happy to hear Janet that you have been able to move forward and find another person to share your life with now. We have found it hard to come back to Living Hope church since Dwayne's passing and yet we wish them well as they continue to serve the Lord in the north end of the city. God bless. ANd we still miss you, Dwayne@
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