Dear Brethren,
Christian greetings with Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
It is with heartfelt sadness that we inform you of the passing away of our dear brother Paul Balbach, just short of his 59th birthday. He peacefully went to his rest in the quiet of his home, surrounded by immediate family members and a few friends on Sunday, August 12th, 2012 at approximately 9:55 a.m.
Most are aware of our brother’s courageous battle against cancer and the bountiful mercy of God in graciously granting him considerably more time than the doctors had predicted at the time of the diagnosis.
A more comprehensive obituary of his life will be prepared shortly.
Bro. Paul Balbach served as a dedicated minister and General Conference Secretary of the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement, greatly beloved by believers all around the world. His presence here in Roanoke was uplifting and encouraging; he was indeed a man of faith. We will greatly miss his words of gratitude to God and that deep, rich baritone voice raised in melodious praise to his Saviour and Redeemer.
Plans are underway for the funeral to be held in Sacramento, California on August 19, 2012, the Lord willing. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, any donations in memory of Bro. Paul Balbach should be made toward the First Sabbath Offerings for the missionary projects in Ethiopia (June 2012) and England (in 2013).
May the Lord of life comfort those that mourn, in harmony with His sure promises–and may each of us be found faithful to our charge while opportunity lingers.
"We may sleep, but not forever;
There will be a glorious dawn;
We shall meet to part, no, never,
On the resurrection morn.
From the deepest caves of ocean,
From the desert and the plain,
From the valley and the mountain,
Countless throngs shall rise again."
Yours in the blessed hope,
The brethren from the Roanoke Church