The Visitation

A quick note before I begin working on the service for tomorrow.
The visitation went very well. There were 400+ people (my guess) at the funeral home tonight. There was so much love and comfort poured out on Scott, his family and the Jarvis family. I know they were very appreciative. I got to meet many of the people who came, and it was such (another) testimony to the far reaching effects of Jill's life.

I had so many people thank me for the blog and I want to say again how much of an honor (and therapy) it has been for me to be able to serve during this difficult time. I think I have been more helped than anyone else. I found that when I wasn't able to talk, I was able to type, so that's what I did.

Jill's Family Is Here

They are here now and Scott is greeting them. They will go from here to the funeral home.

Today So Far

Scott got a good night's sleep last night. They had the family viewing today at 1:30. Emily and I were privileged to be able to go with him and his parents. Scott and his parents went in first and we stood outside and prayed for comfort and peace for Scott in that moment. Scott was very strong, stronger than I was. She was beautiful and peaceful.

Afterwards, Scott, Clif and I went for a walk around the block and were able to talk about how we might minister to him in the coming days, the fellowship was sweet.

Earlier we found out that Jordan Thomas will be preaching at our church this Sunday, what an incredible act of love for a hurting brother.

The Jarvis family is on the way in and will be here around 5. They will have time to go to the funeral home and see Jill.

Scott is holding up amazingly well right now, and I pray that God would continue to sustain him. I've heard of God giving an extra measure of grace to people in difficult times, now I can say that I've seen it and perhaps even experienced it some.

A Video of Scott

I asked Scott if I could take a video or two of him for those of you who cannot be here with him.
Enjoy.

A Post By Jill's Brother On the Memorial at Lufkin

I am Andy, Jill's brother. The memorial service for Jill at her home church, Keltys First Baptist, in Lufkin, Tx was wonderful. The sanctuary was filled with probably 400 plus people, all of whom were heartbroken as we [mourned] over the loss of such a special person. Pastor Mark Livingston preached about the things that Jill loved - Jesus, God's Word, discipleship, missions, her church, her family, her husband Scott, and her son Bryce. It was an opportunity for those in attendance to hear the word of God preached boldly as I'm sure she would have wanted. We then had a time for several people to publicly share some memories they had of her followed by a time of prayer with as many as wanted all gathered around our family at the alter. We dismissed with 2 verses of Amazing Grace, sung accapella by everyone and what a joyful noise it was! For nearly another hour, folks waited to speak to all of us, greive with us, and encourage us. So many have offered so much to see that our needs are met and for this we are very thankful. I described Jill's life in an email earlier today as 34 years of high impact on the people she was around and the crowd tonight was just a small sample of the numerous ones she touched in some way or another.

Thank you Andy for your report, and please know we love your family and have been blessed beyond measure by your sister.

A Day of Mercies

I was talking with Scott a little while ago and he said that today was good. I felt like he had some much needed emotional rest from the turbulent past couple days. I know there are some really tough days ahead, and I'm thankful that he had a day of rest before tomorrow and Wednesday.

Scott is going to get through this. It will not be easy, it will require many of us rallying around him, and ministering to him selflessly as he and Jill have ministered to us so selflessly in the past. He will be changed, and he will have a deep wound that will never heal, but I believe God will grant him the grace to bear it.

I have had one verse William Cooper's song God Moves In a Mysterious Way going through my mind all day.

His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste (this bud certainly has an immeasurably bitter taste)
But sweet will be the flower

Some of us were praying before Scott got home today and I prayed that verse. After the prayer Clif and Adam both told me that they had been thinking of that song today. It is very appropriate, and it would do you much good to meditate on it.

I saw first hand what it looks like to bear one another's burdens today. I am so proud to be a part of a church that takes that task seriously. I can't brag too much on our deacons, they can deac with the best of them. I was so encouraged by the way people have gathered around Scott and began working on the church, and worked together to make sure Scott doesn't have to worry about anything. Our church is showing an incredible amount of love for their pastor. Keep it up.

Housing- Attention Wyatt Members, and Out of Town People Coming In For the Funeral

There will be a ton of out of town people coming in, and if you have room to house people please contact Kelly Bishop by email and let her know how much room you have. You may also think about preparing food for the guests as well. I prefer that you email her so that she doesn't have to constantly stop to write things down. Please include your address if possible so we can get directions.
She can be contacted at this email address- waddill@hotmail.com
Her phone number is 870-904-5799. You can call or text.

If you are from out of town call or email her and she will match you up with a family.

Service Planning

I have had the privilege of meeting with Clif and Adam on the service preparation and we sat down with Scott to talk about it. He pulled out Jill's quiet time books and notes. There were three seminary guys back there and her effort and study put us all to shame. Jill's devotional life was exceptional. Her faith was serious, not just an afterthought of her day like it is with me more times than I would care to admit.

We talked about the service and his desires. He wants God to be glorified through the service, because that's what Jill would want. We hope that our efforts at planning will be fruitful and many people will hear about the God whom Jill was so in love with. I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be around such an amazing group of people. It is a testimony to Jill that she would have such incredible people surrounding her.
Sorrrowful, yet always rejoicing...
Jonathan

Humorous Stories

Jenni's comment made me think that it would be a good idea to write humorous stories about Jill and post them here.

Fellowship

We are all here at Scott's house hanging out with him. He is in good spirits and is holding his son. They have made all the arrangements for the funeral and burial. Jill will be buried close to Lauren Hymer at Rest Haven.