Beautiful people have a heart for others
By David Kahle, Senior Vice President, Agency Advancement

Recently I attended the funeral of a long-time LSS supporter and a personal, dear friend. At the age of 84, and after many years of poor health, our Lord chose to take him to his Heavenly Home so he could celebrate eternity with his Savior.

While not a total surprise due to his health, it was still an extremely difficult time for his wife of almost 59 years, as well as for his family and many friends who gathered at the church to celebrate his life.

Knowing I would have to leave immediately after the service to catch a plane, I asked if I might have a word with his widow before the service. I was led back to a room where, with eyes red from crying, she was already walking toward me … hearing I was coming to see her. She reached out, embraced me and we shed tears together. While doing so, I whispered in her ear that her husband no longer had a walker or the oxygen tubes, but is now completely healthy, happy and having a great time in Heaven waiting for her.

As I pulled back, she said, “I don’t want to let you go.” We embraced again and I assured her, “I’ll stay here as long as you want … I came for you.”

What happened next took me by total surprise. She took my hand and led me into an adjacent room where we were alone. She looked directly at me and said, “David, a friend shared with me some struggles you are going through. I pray for you every day and hope you are doing okay.” We embraced again, shared a few more tears and I thanked her for her concern and prayers.

As I drove to the airport after the service, I was amazed at how in the midst of her grief and on the most difficult day of her 80+ year life, this wonderful Christian woman was concerned for me. She wanted to know how I was doing and to offer ME comfort.

This is only one example of the beautiful Christians I have had the pleasure to become friends with during my 16 years with LSS. On a daily basis, everyone I come in contact with has a heart for reaching out to help others. Words cannot describe the joy these people bring to me. They also bring joy to the children and adults LSS serves … because my introduction to them usually follows a gift to the agency.

My hope and prayer is that, like me, you will be inspired by this wonderful Christian woman’s example and be willing to “reach out to others,” even when you are at your lowest.

Email: David Kahle

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