By now some of you may already be aware that Dave McLaughlin has passed from this life and is no longer with us but with the Lord Jesus Christ. Our condolences and prayers go out to Mattie and the entire McLaughlin family. I have know Dave since the early 1990′s when I happened to meet a Missionary named Steve Zimmerman and a group of people who supported Steve from the various states. Dave was one of those people. We shared two things… a love for the Lord Jesus Christ and the evangelism being done by Steve and the Africans at his side.
Memorial services are at the East 91st Street (http://www.east91st.org/) in Indianapolis, IN. There is a time to visit at 10 a.m. and the service is at 11 am local time. There will be no funeral as Dave donated his perishable body to science. I will speak briefly on behalf of Steve and the Mission’s Board. Steve and I have already talked and he has sent a tribute to be read on his behalf of Dave’s service to the Lord and the mission work.
As you already are aware we are not to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope. Dave is not dead but only asleep.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
In the meantime we eagerly await our day when either Christ comes or we too fall asleep in the Lord. So I leave you with some words written by Steve and I hope the will also fit our lives as well.
“Hamba Gahle, Mbazalwane!” said Thompson Ntobie. (Ham-bah Gath-leh, Mbah-zal-wah-neh) This is isiXhosa for “A Good Journey for you, My Brother!” This saying has two meanings: first, as you leave us, we wish blessings for your journey; and second, your journey to this point has already been blessed!
A Good Journey To You.
SIncerely His
Mark Vernik
Acting SACM Chairman
mark@mlvernik.com
567-712-9299
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I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dave McLaughlin. I met him when I attended a SACM board meeting several years back. He was a very kind gentleman and you could tell that he loved Jesus. Again I’m saddened but know that he is on the journey. Blessings…
Fred M. Schmid
Emmanuel School of Religion M-Div Student
First Christian Church of Chicago