I have spent the whole afternoon and early evening with a community of young people, teachers and family members who are grieving the loss of a friend they describe as someone who made everyone feel they were special. Walking home from a party along the river bank, this young man lost his footing fell into the river and drowned. His friends have spent two long days helping the Police to look for him.
He is the fourth young person to be lost to our community in recent months, and he will be sorely missed. It is hard to hug the mother of your own son's friend knowing that unlike you she won't be able to hug her son again! It is heartbreaking to watch the young folk weep and hold onto one another for strength.
Incarnational ministry means being with those who mourn....simply being present...loving...holding and praying. Those prayers will continue.... and continue....
...for in our grief, GOD IS WITH US.....GOD IS WITH US...
