Condolences

Condolences

August has been a very sad month, as a number of our brethren lost close family members.  It is with sorrow in our hearts that we would like to extend our sincere sympathy to these families and pray that God will comfort and strengthen each one during this time of great loss.

 Celia and Peter Thiel

Peter and Celia Thiel__Cropped

The Thiel family are devastated by news of their tragic loss – Celia and Peter Thiel – who were killed instantly in a car accident on Friday 29 August, whilst returning home from a visit to their children and grandchildren in Western Australia.

Our prayers and thoughts are with those whom they’ve left behind – their children Br Ben Thiel (South Pacific Union Mission President, AUC ex-president) and his siblings Amos, Joanna and Rebecca and their families and also their extended family – brothers, sisters and their families.  What a wonderful reunion it will be for many at the return of Jesus!

Slavica Dikih

Slavi Dikih

We extend our sympathy to the family of Br Joe Voncina (current Australasian Union Conference Treasurer/Secretary) and his siblings Ben and Jack on the loss of their beloved sister.  Our condolences go to Natasha, Jonathan, Ruby-Jean and LeRoy on losing their mother and grandmother.  Slavica Dikih passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday 19th August 2014.

‘Slavi’, to those who knew her, came across to many as a strong individual, but deep inside there was a very caring and thoughtful spirit.  Not long ago, during a missionary outreach at the Adventist retirement village where there was singing to the residents, many will remember her hospitality.  She made sure each was comfortable upon arriving, and at the end of the program, all were invited to have a drink and some cookies before leaving the village.  Her hospitality and kind-heartedness will be remembered by various people.

Melisa Jane Lausevic

 Melisa Jane Lausevic__3

Our heartfelt condolences also go to Sam and Liliana Lausevic and their family in Sacramento USA, on the loss of their daughter Melisa Jane Lausevic, 18th August 2014.  Melisa passed away at the sweet age of 16 years.  May God comfort and strengthen you all during this sad time of the loss of your loved one.   Melisa now sleeps in Jesus at the Moriah Heights Cemetery.

Valma Alice Rendell

Valma__as in the order of service sheet__Edited

Our condolences go to the family and friends of late Valma Alice Rendell who died from a severe heart attack on Friday 8th August 2014 at the wonderful age of 93.  We look forward to the time when we will see Sr Rendell once again at the beautiful home prepared for the faithful.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”  I Corinthians 2:9.

 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4.

 “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

We thank God for the rich promises in His Word; the hope of meeting our loved ones again nevermore to part.

May these promises in the Scriptures be our hope today, our peace tomorrow and our comfort always.