Friends - This isn’t the
New Year newsletter that I expected or wanted to write!
It is with great
sorrow and acute pain that I have to inform you of the untimely death of our
dear friend Barrie Renwick. After spending a joyous Christmas and
New Year at his beloved Lee Abbey, Barrie returned home where it appears he
passed away quite suddenly and unexpectedly.
Barrie was our
longest serving associate. He first encountered CMM at our Hull
production of GREATER THAN GOLD (1983-84), and since then has been a regular at
most of our holiday weeks, UK tours (where he was the Hull organiser) overseas
tours, and as a soloist, helper and driver at many of our days and
weekends. To say that CMM will not be the same again is a gross
understatement. He was our dear friend and part of the family!
But, in
the midst of our grief and tears we know that there is another reality – that
Barrie is now with Jesus in a place more perfect than we can ever imagine or
describe. I quote from Helen’s Facebook post of yesterday:
Friend.
Where you are now there is no more sadness. You will never ever be alone again.
Pain is no more. The weather will always be just right for the perfect photo.
All is beautiful, peaceful, joyful and glorious. And the cricket will be so, so
good.
This is
not “pie in the sky” wishful thinking. Those of us who know and follow
Jesus have a certain future and a secure hope. This does not take the
pain away but helps us to live through it and see beyond it. “For
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that
which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Tim 1:12)
It is
appropriate to mention our free Epiphany SONG OF THE MONTH “As with gladness”, from STARGAZERS. The last verse says it for Barrie and us all:
In
the heavenly country bright need they no created light
Thou
its light, its joy, its crown Thou its sun which goes not down
There
for ever may we sing: Alleluias to our King!
May
Jesus bless you all!
Roger Jones
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