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.
posted by DH @ Tuesday, August 16, 2005
43 comments
Dwayne's Journey
Life is an adventure, a journey we travel. And God walks it with us - hand in hand if we let Him. Guiding, shaping, and molding us through the circumstances. I seek to journey more intentionally here.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
About Me
- Name: DH
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
I am a 37 year old husband and father of 2. A church-planter and pastor of a 4 year old church (Living Hope). I am now on medical leave and have been told that I have renal cancer. My journey through this part of the adventure God has for me may be worth reading about.
Previous Posts
- Journey's EndThis morning at around 7:30am Dwayne'...
- Bitter SweetThursday and Friday were difficult day...
- A Bit of EncouragementLast night Dwayne had a bett...
- Please PrayWe are experiencing a very difficult da...
- "He's Still Able"That was the title of our sermon ...
- Yet Will I Praise HimAnother difficult day has pas...
- Sufficient GraceGod is so amazing! That "peace th...
- Prayer OpportunitesAugust 3rd will be spent with s...
- Eternal GloryLess than 24 hours remain before Dway...
- Quick UpdateOne week has past since Dwayne was adm...
43 Comments:
You probably don't know the band, Foo Fighters. There's a song they did, it makes me think of Dwayne. Part of the song is:
''There goes my hero, Watch him as he goes, There goes my hero, He's ordinary''
It makes me think of Dwayne because he was a guy like a lot of us, but he was also so much more, an inspiration to those around him, a hero and yet an ordinary person at the same time.
He was truly a good and faithful servant. I will miss him.
It was seven days at camp this summer that our families touched each other. We were drawn to you and the powerful presence of God that was flowing from your lives.
Janet, I desired to be close to you, listen to your faith and hope you expressed through our time together in sharing and prayer. In your great race of endurance you were a strength and encouragement to me. How is that possible? Only by the grace of God. You also were fulfilling God's glory in your testimony of hope to me.
God's purpose was complete the night Dwayne shared with beaming joy and peace that he had given his life to Jesus even unto death. Jesus could have it all! The room was filled with awe and wonder at a man who we could actualy see and touch was telling us, his captivated audience, that all he had to give was his life back to Jesus.
It was a most amazing time. Sort of like a gathering of disciples around Paul as he proclaimed his desire and committment to follow Jesus no matter what. It was worth it all. Dwayne truly was a humble man of God.
We have prayed for you daily and will continue to do so as your journey with Jesus has changed. You are not alone. When the body of christ suffers, we all suffer. We share in your loss of Dwayne.
Love, from North Dakota the Faul's.
Janet,
Dave & I have both been touched,
as many have, in following Dwayne's Journey. We have cried and prayed along with so many.
My thoughts and prayers have so often been with your two young children, as I too lost my father at the age of ten. I pray that the aches in their hearts for their dad would be less because of the many prayers holding them through this time, mine included.
Janet, I will continue to pray for you and for Ashlynn & Tyler, not only on Friday, but many times through the coming months. What plans the Lord must have for each of you! Please know that I am here any time for you Janet. God bless you,
Peggy King
Janet I will be praying for you and Ashlyn and Tyler. Dwayne was a great man and a great friend when I badly needed one. Dwayne was the person who got me interested in youth ministry leadership in which I am still involved today seven years later. Dwayne went out of his way to make me feel welcome in small town where I knew no one.
Stephen Lewry
We too were blessed to spend a week up at camp with you this summer, and to get to know Ashlynn and Tyler in Kidskorner. God has had his hand on your special children, and He will continue to Father them now. Your faith amidst such hard circumstances is a testimony of the reality of God's unending presense in your lives. Janet, you were a constant encouragement and reminder that "God is always faithful and always good". As you sang during worship it was like a sacrifice of praise to your God; as you prayed in faith to your God, it was evident that HE was holding you and Dwayne up, as only HE can. Thank you for your realness and transparancy that week at camp and for allowing us to walk with you for that short time in the journey. We consider it a privilege to have met your family. We hurt for you in the loss of Dwayne in your lives.
Our prayers for you will continue as we ask God to be all that you need during this time. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, as it has strengthened us in our faith as well.
God is good,always.
Love and prayers,
Maryanne and Scott
Janet, Ashlynn and Tyler. I have had your family in my prayers this summer, and was so sorry to hear of your loss. I continue to hold you in my heart and prayers as you go through the next days. I am so glad that you are strong in your faith, for as I have experienced, that will carry you through. Knowing that our loved ones are with our Saviour and are pain free gives us peace. May God continue to be with you and ease your pain.
Deb Hargreaves
Janet. Thank you for sharing this blog with all of us across the country. As we were reminded, we prayed and will continue in the days ahead.May God keep you strong and as you said, "To God Be The Glory" NBI days Dwayne called us Mom and Dad H. [Byron's parents]
Janet,
What can I say? Though I spent many hours on the phone yesterday making sure everyone heard the sad news, saying it over and over again didn't make it any more real - it still seems surreal.
I still clearly remember the day at West Portal that I met you and DH and we showed him his "office". April Fool's Day... makes me think of Jim Elliot's quote "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." DH gave and gave and gave - fully and joyfully - and as is evidenced from his blog he gave his ALL.
Working so closely with him over the past 4-plus years has been such a growing experience for me. DH challenged me, encouraged me and inspired me.
I will forever remember him, on occasions too numerous to count, walking into the church, coming to stand at the door of my office with that huge grin... and I just KNEW what was coming next..."I LOVE my job" he'd say, then go on to describe his excitement at having had the opportunity of sharing Jesus with someone (over coffee of course :)
DH was my biggest support and cheerleader. Without fail, whenever he had a visitor, he'd bring them to my office, introduce me and pronounce "This is where the REAL work is done." (Heb 3:13, 10:24) He had the humility to admit when he'd made mistakes and apologize. HUGE coming from a "boss". In reality, he seemed more like a friend than my superior, and made sure I knew and felt that... we were CO-laborers.
I treasure our times of coaching sessions, times of joking, times of prayer during "staff meetings" that were more like sharing between good friends. I clearly remember the day when we "broke our rule" and gave each other a hug after the cancer diagnosis. How my heart ached to take it all away.
I watched him cry during our prayer times as his heart ached for his wife and children. Janet, you and Tyler and Ashlynn were so DEARLY loved... and I'm sure I only saw a small portion of that. Remember the Leadership Team retreat when everyone took turns in the "hot seat" being encouraged by all the others? It was your turn and DH's comments included many of your wonderful gifts, ending with... "and besides - she's HOT!" We all laughed, but we knew he was madly in love with you!
I watched him cry too as he spoke of a lunch "date" with Ashlynn after the diagnosis - each of them knowing the pain and trying to be strong for each other. I'm so glad he started that Bible for Ashlynn early. I'm sure she'll treasure all the notes he wrote for her.
And Tyler - such a challenge at times, yet I know DH saw himself in all the energy and enthusiasm. He told the story over and over to everyone who would listen about Tyler leading his friend to Christ in the boy's bathroom at school. DH gave him a heritage of passion for people to know Jesus that I'm sure will impact many people in Tyler's lifetime.
Specifically in regards to Tyler, I'm sure that you know Mark has always treasured his relationship with Tyler and is more than willing to play a larger role in Tyler's life in the coming years... which would probably include more than a few wild times of romping, tree-climbing, bouncing around and generally expending great amounts of energy:)
Dwayne's concern for MY family was always evident and greatly appreciated. I know Jaron was impacted greatly by DH's ministry during the crucial high-school years that he spent here at LHC. I'm sure DH had not a small measure of influence in Jaron's decision to go to Bible school and become a pastor. They often went "for coffee" and I'm so glad he had a chance to take Jaron for coffee one last time when Jaron was here for only 2 weeks this summer before moving to Alberta. I know DH was the first to convert Jaron to Tim Horton's iced cappuccinos :)
I'm so glad DH was able to participate in Micah's Kunaar in May. That message he gave to Micah will be treasured forever. He always made a point of encouraging both Micah and Jaron whenever they'd accompany mom to "work".
Mark too, was impacted by DH and encouraged in his struggles as DH walked alongside him.
Obviously, I could go on and on, with so many years of incredible experiences and memories. But there are two things that stand out most as I consider how to close this epistle.
1) DH always made sure that the "staff", whether it included just me and him or when it was extended to include Steve and Rebekah, knew that he "watched our backs", (James 4:11,12) Meaning that whenever someone might criticize us he would always come to our defense and never pass on negative comments. That was always precious to me, and I always felt the same about him. Now that DH is gone, rest assured I still feel the same about you and your family... trust that Mark and I wish to "watch your backs"... in whatever way we can.
2) I saw so much growth in DH over the years that I've known him. Growth as a leader and especially his growth in Christ. What struck me especially in the past year was his passion for people to forget about "religion" and discover a "relationship" with Jesus.
Praise the Lord, DH is enjoying the fullness of that relationship, the sweetness of which he was just beginning to taste and share here on earth.
My prayer for DH when Mark and I visited him in the hospital on his birthday was Eph 3:17-19 "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
DH is experiencing the width, length, height and depth of Christ's love right now in a way that we can't even begin to fathom... and my sorrow is tempered by the knowledge that my prayer was answered... even though I never expected the answer in that way, or that quickly.
I want to pray that same prayer for you, Janet, and your entire family as you walk through your own journey. To paraphrase the chorus we've sung so often at LHC "God's love is amazing... steady and unchanging...His love is a mountain, firm beneath your feet."
Love,
Your sister in Christ,
Moira
Dwayne...
Yes, this part of your journey has been worth reading. I have been drawn closer to Jesus through your hopes and fears, your pain, your transparency, and your willingness to give absolutely everything to God. Thank you for challenging me to do the same.
Janet...
Dwayne is in a better place, a place where there is no suffering. But how I ache for your loss. I do not know why the Father has chosen to release Dwayne from his earthly body, and I do not pretend to understand the burden of sorrow you are carrying. I will continue to lift you and Ashlynn and Tyler before the Father. May His arms surround you, and may His presence be your daily source of strength.
Father God...
"Praise be to You, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles." (I Cor. 1:3,4) God, be near to Janet and Ashlynn and Tyler, Lord, today and always.
Thank-you for the honesty and transparency that you have lived your faith in, through these last weeks. You will not know until heaven the impact that you have made on many lives. You have given Glory to God through your words and actions. May He now comfort and guide you.
Dear Janet
I have been praying for you and your family since I heard of Dwayne's illness. I had a good conversation with Dwayne at the beginning of July when I was home in Saskatoon. He shared with me the struggles he would be facing and confidence he had in your strong support. I have been following his journey and was encouraged in how strong of a "rock" he has been in his faith. I know that Dwayne was an inspiration to those around him and will continue to be even though he has left this earth. God has used Dwayne through this journey and will continue to affect many. I remember Dwayne's zeal for life and I am sure that his legacy will continue through you Janet, and the kids. I trust now, and in the days ahead, you will be able to hold onto the words of Phil:4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strenghthens me". Janet,I will be continuing to pray for you and your family as you continue on your journey.
Love and Prayers - Sharon W
Dear Janet, Ashlynn and Tyler
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. We do not understand why God saw fit to take Dwayne from us all but we do know and rejoice that he is no longer in pain and in heaven. Dwayne was a real encouragement to me ten years ago when I had cancer and then with other circumstances in my life. Terry reminded me today of how I used to say, "How did he get so smart so young." We really enjoyed your years in Midale, fellowshipping with you and being surrogate grandparents to Ashlynn and Tyler. With Dwayne and Ashlynn whenever you asked them how they were, their reply was always "Great!" with a great big smile. Your blog has been a real blessing to us as we have not been as close as we used to be. We will not be able to attend Dwayne's memorial service but want you to know that we still live at the same place and will be here for you if you need us. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Love you all lots, Sharon and Terry
Does Jesus care? Oh yes, He cares. His heart is touched by our grief. When the days grow weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Saviour cares.
I loved Dwayne's enthusiasm. He was a rubber ball that never seemed to stop. I often think of Dwayne when I pour my cup of coffee in the morning before having devotions. I loved Dwayne's comment about having coffee with God. He reminded me that the relationship we could have with our eternal Father is as sweet and intimate as with any friend that we would sit down to have a good heart to heart visit. He challenged me to push past my limited understanding of knowing and loving God.
Janet, we uphold you and your kids in prayer. We ask for peace of mind and heart for you. We ask that you will experience a strong confidence that your needs will be met. And the Holy Spirit interprets our groanings as we sometimes don't even know how to pray for you at this time.
Jesus cares, and we care for you too.
I remember the very first time I met Dwayne. Having spent my whole life preparing for full time vocational ministry, my first ministry "gig" had not gone very well. I was burned out. I felt like a failure, and I was totally disillusioned with God, church, Christianity and all that goes along with them.
I don't know if I had really stopped to process how I was doing with some of the events that had just occurred in my life, but looking back I realize that I was just about ready to give up. I was cynical and bitter.
By a bizzare series of events, we were told of Living Hope Church, and more out of curiosity than anything, we decided to check it out.
As I recall, the service was alright, the music was OK, I don't remember the message, but on the way out, the Pastor introduced himself. It wasn't the standard "thanks for coming" that Pastors seem to be taught at Bible College. Dwayne actually took the time to find out who I was, where I'd come from, and what brought me to church that night.
A couple days later we met for coffee. I had never realized that there were people in the world who love coffee as much as me, but Dwayne...
I was drawn to Dwayne's passion for nearly everything. I've never met anyone else who has had such a pure love for life. Whether it was ministry, family, running, or hunting stories. You almost never spoke to Dwayne without him having that mischevous twinkle in his eyes.
Over the course of a couple years, Dwayne became one of my close friends. He forced me to think because hey, lets face it, my job didn't. I found myself arguing about predestination and free will with a group of men who were clearly smarter than I was, but the coffee was fantastic. Dwayne kept me preaching too. I can say with confidence that if it weren't for the time I spent with him and the opportunities that he put in my direction, I would not be where I am today spiritually.
As I mentioned, I was burned out and cynical. As is true of most cynical people, my perspective on things seemed to be just a little bit off most of the time, and I can't say I was always edifying to be around. I appreciate the fact that Dwayne had a way of accepting people right where they were, while simultaneously encouraging them not to stay right were they were.
Tomorrow Tracy and I will drive to Saskatoon to be with our spiritual family and to celebrate Dwayne's life. There have already been so many tears. At some point before we come back to Edmonton, I plan to take my Bible and a book to lofty for me to comprehend, and go down to Jimmy Java for the "burning bird" and a half dozen insomnias and I'll remember the man whom God used to keep me walking with Him.
I'm so thankful that I made it out to Saskatoon last weekend to visit. I wouldn't trade the moments I spent with Dwayne for anything...
We will keep on praying for you Janet, and for Tyler and Ashlynn. May our God, who comforts the downcast, who is a father to the fatherless and upholds the cause of the widow, may he be your strength and song even through the sadness of today.
We love you Janet. We'll see you soon.
Kevin Boldt
Edmonton.
Janet, Tyler and Ashlynn,
We heard a few days ago about what has been taking place and now found Dwayne's journal.
We were very saddend to find out what took place. Dwayne was an amazing man and Friend. The time that I was able to spend with him for three years at bible school was a joy. He was an inspiration and had a great sense of humor. I will always remember him coming out of the showers early in the morning flexing his muscles and saying "where's the Beach". Not only was the time at school a treat, when we became roomates in Saskatoon before the two of you got married was an honour as well. We would do so much together, Hockey, basketball, baseball. Just about anything we could think of we would do together. And during all those times his passion for God was inspiring. He loved God and desired so much to serve him. And he was so excited about the fact that he could serve God together with his wife to be Janet.
Janet, Our prayers are with you and your family. May your faith stay strong during this time as you continue the journey that has been laid out for you and your children. Find rest as you dwell under the shelter of the mighty God.
Terry, Leigh-Ann, Braden and Brooklyn
I don't know what to say that could be of a help to you Janet and your family that hasn't already been said. I have been reading this blog daily to see what Dwayne would have to say and all I could read was how strong and courageous he was and how committed Dwayne was to God. What a great example Dwayne was to many. Janet, I have seen your strength as well, as you have been walking beside your husband. May the Lord of all comfort, be your strength and comfort at this difficult time. Our hearts ache for you and your children as you have lost a great man and father. I see from your entries into this blog that you will keep trusting God and believing that His plan for your life is still the best plan. Our prayers are with you and your family. Praise God that we can trust in his promises " When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God." Isaiah 43:2+3a. Its great to know a heavenly father that will always be with us no matter what we go through. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Love in Christ
Connie Klassen
I am so proud of you, Janet, Ashlynn, & Tyler for keeping a positive outlook and having such a strong faith through this hard and trying time. My father and step-mother are battling cancer right now and I strongly believe in thinking positively and looking to God for strength. Thank you for sharing your story. It truly inspired me to stay stong and that I am not alone in fighting this horrible demon we can 'cancer'.
Although I have never met you nor your family, I will think of you often and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, again, for sharing your story to the world!
God bless you forever,
Lindsay
Saskatoon
I was listening to the radio this morning and the song "Homesick" by MercyMe just played. My thoughts turned to you, Janet, and I sent up a prayer for you and your family.
"Homesick" -MercyMe
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again
Janet we are so sorry to hear of Dwayne's passing. We take comfort in knowing he is safe in the arms of Jesus.
I would like to share a verse that has become so very special to me since the passing of my father inlaw. 1Cor. 2:9 ........"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." I pray that you will find comfort in these words.
It's been many years since we have touched base but hope that we can connect again in the near future.
Darryl and I have just returned from our ministry in Blue Creek Belize and would love to share some wonderful memories of the place you spent many of your growing up years.
We are praying for you and your family through these difficult days. May God wrap his arms of love and comfort around you and your children both now and the days to come.
Martha Neudorf
Janet,
We never did get to know Dwayne but have been deeply touched by his journey. We will hold you up before the Father daily. You are a strong woman.
I was not in town these past two weeks but Gwen called me Tuesday morning in Edmonton. Luckily I was able to get the morning off & I could spend some time alone in prayer in a nearby church.
I had hoped to see DH today when I got back but I am glad he did not wait for me as he is much better off being at home with his Father. I will sorely miss him and I grieve for him but not as one without hope as I know I will see him again when I get home too.
Janet, you are in our prayers all the time. If you want I can take Tyler aside as I have been where he is going now.
Love,
Scott for Gwen & family
I sat alone the other night, looking through all my pictures of our week together at Oshkidee and was overwhelmed by the joy and peace that flowed from you and Dwayne... pictures of you both being prayed for by the youth of the camp; youth that had been severely affected by your journey, your witness and testimony of God's overwhelming love. My son struggles now to accept Dwayne's death; upset that prayers offered in faith did not move the hand of God to fully restore Dwayne's body... and then I consider what kind of a miracle have we now witnessed when a man whose body is dying, refuses to curse the God that gave him every breath even while his last one slips away.
To God be the Glory... He gives and takes away... blessed be the name of the Lord.
Janet, you are loved, and we continue to pray for you, Ashlynn and Tyler.
mjb
Dearest Janet, Ashlyn, & Tyler....
Words cannot properly express the deep sadness I feel for your loss. Dwayne was a great Pastor & person, & I know he will be surely & deeply missed. His beautiful relationship & walk with the Lord will continue to be such a truly inspiring example to the rest of us! Please know that you are all always in our prayers, our thoughts, & our hearts. Always remember that you are in the precious palm of the Lord's hand at all times, & He will be your strength & your comfort. As He says in His word: "Come to me, all you who are weary & heavy burdened, & I will give you rest" (Math 11:28). Lean on Him & He will fill you with His peace, which passes all understanding.
Our hearts share in the pain of your loss, Janet. We are all brothers & sisters in Christ, & we are all here for you & the children.
In Christ,
R. Joyal & family
Janet, Ashlyn & Tyler,
I was very moved by the time of sharing last night at Acadia Funeral Chapel - especially all the laughter! Dwayne was a great man, brilliant, funny and intense and he touched the lives of so many people in so many ways.
I am reminded of a poem that has come mean alot to me, especially at times like this when we just don't understand the "whys" of the events in our lives:
-------------------------
The Divine Weaver
Author Unknown
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors
He weaves so steadily.
Often He weaves in sorrow
But I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the lower side.
But the dark threads are as needful
In the weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
Not till the loom is silent
And the bobbins cease to fly,
Shall He unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
------------------------
My heart goes out to you - these are dark, sorrowful threads, but I'll bet the tapestry from the other side is the most beautiful thing we can ever imagine!
Janet, I just wanted to pass along a story about Dwayne and his joy. I believe it was last year in April when I went with Dwayne on a men's retreat, this was the quadrunner retreat up north where a bunch of Osler church guys invited Dwayne to speak. So Dwayne asked me to go along with him. I really didn't want to go at first, but Dwayne is so infectious, he was so excited about the trip.
Anyway, the whole retreat was basically roaring around the bush in the mud and water on quads and three-wheelers. Dwayne was a madman behind the wheel of the quad they gave us. I know because we paired up to ride, Dwayne would drive for a while, and then I would drive. Your husband doesn't have a lot of fear, by the way.
So, I think it was the second day, we were out bogging through the mud and we came to a really deep puddle, deep enough to cover most of the quadrunner we were on. I was driving and Dwayne was on the back hanging on to me as I tried to get us through the swampy, muddy pit of water. I gunned the throttle and was rocking the quad back and forth, and Dwayne fell off, right on his back in the water, completely covered and soaked and muddy.
I'll never forget the look on his face, he wasn't mad, he wasn't upset, he didn't say a harsh word about me bucking him off into the mud and water. He was beaming and the look on his face was pure joy.
Dwayne had a way of seeing the joy, of choosing joy in his life. I'm a better person for knowing Dwayne, he impacted the lives of so many people in such positive ways.
I thank God for Dwayne. Amen.
Janet, Ashlyn and Tyler,
Janet, you may not remember us, we met at Birks soon after my mother died, and you have helped us with making some jewellery since. Since the first day we met you we were impressed with your friendliness and the faith that was evident in all that you did. While we never got to know other members of your family, there was a strength in you that spoke of a faith-filled life and home. We talked about you being a preacher's wife while I was a preacher's kid! Early this week we learned about your family's journey, and were humbled as we read Dwayne's story. We cannot even begin to imagine the myriad of emotions that have been part of your roller coaster summer. Now Dwayne has gone to be with his Heavenly Father, and while you are certainly not alone, there will need to be time to create a new normal for your life on earth. Please know that Allan and I have had you in our prayers ever since we learned about Dwayne, and we will continue to remember you. I hope our paths will cross again - it is evident that many of us have been blessed by Dwayne's and your presence and work.
In Christ,
Lynnette and Allan Stamler
From the first day, drinking the best cup of coffee I ever had, my life began to change. Dwayne challenged me in ways no other person had. He became my first accountability partner, he was my confidante, he prayed for me daily and challenged me to never stop growing, learning or developing. We cried together and we laughed together.
I am stunned, shocked, appalled and sick. I thought I'd get to see him again on this side of the veil, but I won't. My life on earth has lost a champion.
Janet we carry you, Ashlynn & Tyler in our prayers, as we have for so many days already. We will be unable to attend the celebration service because we are too far away to get back. We are on vacation and haven't been online for several days again. This morning we checked for an update and received what for Dwayne is the greatest news any of us can look forward to. Although we didn't have the opportunity to see him I have no doubt that he finished well. Even as Dwayne loved to run so much, I know that the crown on his brow now is the greatest prize he longed for:
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
We weep for you, and for those whose life he also touched so powerfully.
Thank you Janet for helping Dwayne finish well. Thank you for being his song and his strength. Ashlynn & Tyler, your father was so very proud of you ALL the time. You inspired him and he often talked about the difference you made in his life, how you redefined his purpose and added such joy to every task. We will carry you daily to the Lord in prayer, claiming His promises for you and trusting that He will lift you up.
In His grip,
Kevin, Teri, Jesse & Rachel Enns
Janet.............a song.
"I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine, when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!! Only imagine!!!
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine, when all I do is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine."
B&K
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With condolences...
I had busy plans for this day, but the Holy Spirit had better plans and lead me here through a series of links. This was not the day to be a busy Martha, but instead, a contemplative Mary who sat at the feet of Our Lord and listened and reflected.
As is evident in his posts, Dwayne opened his heart's door and invited Jesus into it. During Dwayne's last months on Earth, Jesus took up residence in Dwayne's heart, mind and soul when Dwayne gave all of himself to Our Lord and came to love Him with his whole heart, mind and soul.
The words that came from that well-occupied heart touched mine in a profoundly deep way. Dwayne's eloquent words about his life, his body's dying, his faith in Our Lord and his loving thoughts of his wife, children and family, his church family... and those leftovers in the refrig that brought him such bliss... uplifted, inspired me, and fed my spirit as they will continue to do for those who are also being led here by God's Will.
This blog is Dwayne's lasting legacy, perhaps his best sermons that are meant not only for his immediate church flock but for those beyond his church's walls.
God bless Dwayne, Janet, and their beautiful children Ashlynn and Tyler, his congregation, his peers, ... and oh yes, those wonderful dogs who brought him such sweet joy.
http://old.mbherald.com/39-05/pers-4.jpg
I trust in Jesus and therefore I trust that Dwayne is with Him. Though I do not know you, I shall pray for and with each of you who personally knew Dwayne and grieve. God knows who you are. May you keep your sights on Eternity, when we will meet and be reunited once again as one family in Christ.
"All is well. All is one."
In God's Light,
D/ Peace Pilgrim
http://peacepilgrim.fotopages.com/
http://www.geocities.com/sptmbrmrn/
Janet,
I was saddened to hear about Dwayne and my prayers go out to you and your family. May God strengthen you and be your comfort through this time. He is always there and will never leave you. I will never forget Dwaynes smiling face at NBI. It was always on and he always had nothing but positive things to say. He truly loved the Lord and loved to serve him in every way. We had so much fun on the Drama Team and I will never forget that. When I heard about his death I went to my old NBI year book and found a little message that he wrote to me. At the end he said "PS, Race you to Heaven". I guess he beat all of us. We all long for the day when we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven forever. So this journey on earth is temporary and we will see them again. I pray that God will strengthen you and give you the wisdom that you need to raise your children.
Love and prayers,
Sister In Christ,
Barbara Wolfe
Red Deer, AB
I didn't know Dwayne personally, but knew of him through Michele Bartlett (nee Marshall), who is now my wife.
I work in Saudi Arabia and live in South Africa with Michele and her daughter Ellen.
Dwayne's messages of hope over the many years he sent them were a great inspiration to Michele and for that I express my sincere gratitude. May you rest in peace Dwayne. You have touched many more lives than you may have realised.
Yours in Christ,
Steve Bartlett
Madinat Al-Jubail Al-Sinaiyah
Saudi Arabia
I only knew Dwayne for a very short time, but for that short time I did know him I was deeply touched and affected by his intense passion for Christ. Dwayne made me strive to have a better relationship with the Lord and brought me so much closer to him. Before I came to Living Hope I didn't really have a close relationship with the Lord, I thought I did, but I really didn't. Dawyne showed me a lot and I have completely changed, and I owe it all to Dwayne for helping me. I'm so glad that Dwayne was the one who baptized me, it means the world to me that he could. I'm lucky to have the privilege of knowing such a special person like Dwayne, even if it was only for a short time. Dwayne will be missed greatly.
Janet, Ashlynn and Tyler you all have my prayers. I will continue to pray for your family, espcially in this time of need.
Love
Brette Zacharias
Hello Janet,
We just recieved news that Dwayne has passed into heaven and we were stunned and numbed.
I had heard that he was diagnosed and having surgery but knew nothing since then until we returned home on Saturday and recieved that news in an email from a friend. We had no idea.
We too feel a sense of loss. It has been years since our friendship at NBI and I still remember both of you with good memories. In fact I thanked God for a year of pots and pans gratis just because it gave me the opportunity to get to know both of you.
Please know that we had prayed for Dwayne during these last months but now we dont need to. We will now pray for you and your children.
It seems you have a large network of support around you. A gift of God. Please consider us now a part of that network. Our prayers are aimed at you. Our thoughts and love are sent to you.
Let Gods love and strength carry you and let the prayers of those close to you guide you through.
We will also be in prayer for the children and for your father as well Dwayne's parents and family.
If we are able to help in any way including praying, we will be there for you.
We missed the celebration on Friday, as we were our of town and did not know. I am sad to have missed that opportunity. But now I celebrate. Dwayne's prelife is done here on earth and now his real life has begun. How exciting!! Praise God that we too will experience real life when he calls us away from here. I can hardly wait to sit and chat with him, catch up on all we missed and see his great smile once again.
I wish I were writing to you under different circumstances. But please know we care about you and are praying.
In Christs love,
Glen and Lori Giesbrecht
Dear Janet, Ashlynn & Tyler,
My thoughts & prayers go out to you today.
I did not know Dwayne, but thru his journey writings I feel like I have come to know God even more.
I know God will continue to hold your hand & I pray for peace & comfort for you, Janet, & for your 2 children.
God promises He will never leave us or forsake us.
In sisterly love, Frieda
A message for Tyler:
Hi Tyler,
do you remember when we were at Oshkidee and you and your Dad went on the ski tubes? The first time? Well, I was driving the boat, and if I remember correctly, it was late in the afternoon, and most of the people had already left the boat dock, so it was just you and your dad waiting for a turn. The weather was sunny and warm, and we took off with you on one tube, and your dad on the other... Your dad told me that you liked it when you "battled" each other on the tubes - when you'd crash into each other like bumper cars... BUT, he told me, you didn't want to get dumped...Your dad was very clear that he wanted YOU to have a great time out on the tubes...
So I took off... driving the boat... a little bit worried that you might not like the ride...
For the first little while I took it pretty easy, gently swinging you back and forth across the wake... but you weren't really doing the bumper car thing. So your dad gave me the "thumbs up" sign... "go a little faster"... "swing us out some more"...
So I did... and after a while we had a great rhythm going... swinging you back and forth... bouncing you and your dad across the wake... crashing into each other where you'd both reach out a hand, or a foot, to ward off the other tube... both of you laughing and smiling... And your dad... that smile of his? Well... it was BIGGER than I'd EVER seen it. And except for those couple of times that he looked to me to provide some instructions about how fast the boat should go, he kept his eyes fixed on you... for the entire time we were out there zipping back and forth, he never took his eyes off of you... NEVER... and he smiled... he was so happy watching you be happy...
I had a sense at the time that your Dad was not wanting to miss a single thing... and a couple of times when you almost flipped cuz I drove a bit more crazy that I should have... then your Dad's expression changed quickly from that big smile, to a look of concern... but changed right back to that huge smile when it was clear that you were okay... we'd taken you to the edge... nearly dumped you... maybe even frightened you a bit... but you were okay and still having fun...
We broke the rules that day... your token got you three times the regular run... cuz it was just SO obvious that you and your dad were sharing a really special moment... and I was having so much fun watching you and your dad enjoy the moment...I didn't want it to end...
Finally, and only cuz it was close to supper time... we brought the boat and tubes back to the dock... and the two of you crawled out of the water... both exhausted from having hung on for dear life for the past 15 minutes...and BOTH of you were now wearing that huge grin that your Dad is famous for!
As I drove the boat that day I knew that this ride would be worth remembering... and I regretted NOT having a camera, or video... but the image of your dad, his head turned to the right, looking you... and smiling... that image will never fade from my memory. It was so obvious how much he loved you! He was unwilling to take his eyes of you...ever...
Thanks, Tyler, for letting me have so much fun with you and your dad... it was the most fun I've ever have driving boat up at Oshkidee...
I'm really sorry that your dad won't be back next year at Oshkidee ... but maybe you, and your mom and Ashlynn can come up for another week of family camp... and we'll go tubing again...
blessings on you,
milt
I was told of this blog today by a friend across the waters, it brings tears to my eyes just reading it, i am a father of 2 children and 36 yrs old and the courage of Dwayne's journey is so immense. I don't know how i would cope except knowing going to a beeter place, but leaving behind a hole for others must be so hard. I pray that this blog will bring people to the Lord and make them realise how little time we all have to waste
Today I realized just how much I appreciated Dwayne's advice and prayers. Well I have always realized that but today I realized it more. As Trev and I pray and ask God where He wants us in the fall I wanted so badly to email Dwayne and ask him for advice. But then it hit me that I will never be able to ask him again. So I went back to some old emails from him and printed them out.
I was so glad I could be in Saskatoon this last weekend. After Dwayne passed away I questioned God a lot. Well after the funeral I was challenged to go hard for God. Dwayne did everything 110%. He loved his family, life and his job. The funeral is exactly how Dwayne would have wanted it...all the glory being given to God.
My heart still aches for you Janet, and especially for Ashlynn and Tyler. I pray for the church and trust that God will protect and guard the people of Living Hope.
I didn't get a chance to share at the service Thursday night. But one story I am remined of is Dwayne's hair cut. He came to staff meeting one day excited about his new hair dresser. I guess she couldn't cut his hair and he didn't like that, but she wasn't a Christian. He said he was going to keep going to her because she needed Christ in her life. Wow! Dwayne loved Jesus and he was the most contagious evangelist that I know. What an example! He truly was the aroma of Christ.
~Rebekah
Janet
It was truly an honor to celebrate Dwaynes life together on Friday. We continue to lift up our prayers for you and the family as you begin your new journey. I found this poem and I felt I needed to send it to you.
The Bend in The Road
Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end
But God has a much wider vision
And he knows it's only a bend
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we stop for a rest
The path lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best
So rest and relax and grow stronger
Let go and let God share your load
Have faith in a brighter tomorrow
You have just come to a Bend in the Road
We will miss Dwayne, however we have the memories to hold on to.
May God Bless You
Don Mary and Alyssa Geiger
Edmonton AB
Today, as I was ironing, I continued to reflect on Dwayne’s life and what that meant to my family and I. When I first started attending LH it was for my children’s benefit as I recognized the need for them to know God. I certainly wasn’t going to get attached to this church for what had that proven in the past...headache. Well, before I knew it, through Dwayne’s ability to bring life to the “Living Word” God was drawing me in. Dwayne had a way with words that was exciting, funny, serious, and challenging. His imaginative ways of teaching drew the attention of not only his “flock” but also the media. Remember being told to reach under our chairs...some of us found a loonie, toonie, $5 or $10 bill there...what would we do with this God-given gift...would we use it to the Glory of God thus increasing it’s value & His Fold or would we bury it to the benefit of no one? Remember arriving at church to find a small swatch of material on each chair...did we have enough faith to just reach out and touch even a corner of Jesus’ cloak – His life-giving love? Even after Dwayne was diagnosed with cancer he continued to teach through his blog...to teach about what he loved most...Jesus’ love for us. Dwayne truly blessed many including my family...through him we not only came to know about Jesus but we came to KNOW JESUS as our Lord, Saviour & Friend.
There are so many memories that could be shared...baptisms, early morning hours at the church during 24/7, recommended reading, prayer at the hospital, concern over the health of my husband(a fellow runner), mentoring my daughter and giving her pointers when putting a sermon together, greetings on the Meewasing Trail, etc.
A couple of years ago, as a church body, we did a 50 day spiritual journey. Through the course of this study we were encouraged to memorize 1 Peter 2: 9 – 12. These verses are basically telling us that as children of Christ we are strangers here on this Earth, it encourages us to live out our lives here as Jesus would have lived them out, and to keep our focus on our Eternal Home. Just think how awesome that must be for Dwayne to be sitting at Home with his Eternal Father. Let us keep our focus on that finish.
Janet, Ashlynn, & Tyler, thank you for sharing your husband/Dad with us. All those hours he spent listening to our concerns, praying for our concerns, teaching us, mentoring us, encouraging us to go further. A little bit of him lives on in each of us.
With Love & Prayers
Kathleen & family
Dear Janet and family,
I was deeply saddened to read the news of Dwayne's passing in Saturday's paper. I had the great fortune to meet Dwayne many, many years ago at Redberry Bible Camp. Even as a teenager, he was a pastor at heart and touched the lives of all of us there. After reading the front page of the Star Phoenix this weekend, I logged onto Dwayne's Journey. I have never been as emotionally touched by any piece of writing. It truly has changed my spiritual life. I will be forever grateful.
Candace
September 2, 2005
Dear Janet;
I met you at our children's school yesterday and I met your kids today as they headed into their classrooms and thought to myself about how brave you all were and how strong your spirituality was. It is clearly evident in you Janet and in your children.
I was widowed years ago before I met Jackie and Lindsay's dad and I remember vividly those early days of an almost surreal-like time. If it wasn't for my faith in our God Yahweh or Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ our Lord and King I would not be stronger in my faith.
I hurt for you Janet, I pray for you and yor children for strength and courage. 2Corinthians 4:7 states "however we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the power beyond what is normal may be God's and not that out of ourselves. We are pressed in every way but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed but not absolutely with no way out"
Revelation 21:3,4 has always sustained me throughout my life. It says: "...Look! The tent of God is with mankind and he will reside with them and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." God has promised not just a new wonderful life for Dwayne and all those who have gone before and those who will yet leave this earth in death-but there is a promise to us the living of a wonderful new paradise in the future where our loved ones who have passed away in death will be resurrected to a new life on earth as was mentioned in Revelation that death will one day be no more. If death will one day be no more then heaven will not be a place we will be going but a restored earthly paradise will be. I love the bible just as I know you do Janet. Continue to teach your children and continue to be the inspiring person that you are for so many need to hear about the works of our God. Dwayne will be missed but you will see him again one day. Have faith. Dwayne is in God's memory now until that great great day!
With love from our family to yours Janet as we lend support to you and your family in the days, months and years to come.
Candy LeClaire-Roach
Janet and family,
I saw the article about Dwayne and your family in the Star Phoenix. Not only did I read the article, but I went on to read Dwayne's posts. It takes a lot of courage to tackle what you dealt with. I must express my admiration for your and Dwayne's journaling of your innermost thoughts and responses to what you were going through. I am honored to say I had the privilege of meeting you and your husband while he was at RUH, and he made quite an impression on me, both personally and professionally. May the memories of the times you had together stay with you forever.
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