We have been helping our neighbor get ready for a “Tool Yard
Sale.” Her husband passed away a year ago and she is cleaning out his storage
shed and tool closet. It’s been hard for her. Everything reminds her of Arnie
and she acutely feels the loss all over again.
As we sorted and priced multiple boxes and jars of nails and screws, wrench and rachet sets, screwdrivers, hammers, tape measures, power tools, painting supplies, plumbing paraphernalia, etc, Arlene shared stories of how Arnie helped others build, tear down or remodel. She would pick up a tool and with a chuckle tell us about a project Arnie and a friend tackled with varying degrees of success. It became very clear that Arnie was a servant leader. Actually, Arnie is how we ended up at Greencastle Baptist Church.
The week we moved into our current home, Dick and I met Arnie as he got out of his truck with his dog, Mitzi. We talked briefly and over the next few days we talked whenever we saw one another in our adjacent driveways. Then one day Arlene asked if we would pray for Arnie. He had fallen while walking Mitzi in the park. The doctors subsequently discovered Arnie had advanced bone and liver cancer. He passed away on July 10, 2024.
Out of respect for our new friendship, Dick and I attended Arnie’s funeral at Greencastle Baptist Church! Pastor At Arnie’s request, Pastor Rob Sheldon preached a salvation sermon that pulled no punches—clear and to the point but full of love! Many people spoke about Arnie and how he was always doing for others. Pastor Rob explained why—it was because Arnie loved Jesus. Dick and I decided that day that we would give Greencastle Baptist Church a try. We have been blessed to be a part of their fellowship ever since.
We never know what an influence our life, and sometimes our death, will be on someone. Arnie’s friendliness led us to go to his funeral and to become good friends with Arlene. His funeral brought us to a church home. And immersing ourselves in the worship and outreach of Greencastle Baptist, a church Arnie and Arlene helped start 50 years ago, has stretched and grown Dick’s and my faith. Thank you, Arnie and Arlene! Thank You, Jesus!
Be encouraged!
