Quietly and peacefully on the morning of December 31, 2011 God called home one of his long time saints - Abe Dyck.  Abe would depart just days shy of 87 - from complications of a stroke.  Abe was known as a prayer warrior, a farmer, a faithful husband and father, and one who loved the church.  He was part of VMB for most of their history.

On Wednesday morning of this week I had the distinct privilege of joining the family for a memorial service.  Although I had never met Abe - I have been fortunate to know 4 of the sons in various contexts over a 30 year span.  What I witnessed was both a testimony to the strength of God's grace and the power of a legacy left by a man whose passion was a love for Jesus.

The family honored their dad and grandfather by bringing his casket (a simple wooden one) to the Cemetery in Vineland on the back of a hay wagon (pulled by a 135 Massey Tracker - the first one Abe had bought for the farm).  Most of the family was on the wagon.  After a simple service that sunny morning, individuals were given a chance to write words of thanks and blessing to Abe on the casket with colorful markers.  The casket was then reverently lowered into the ground (dust to dust) and family were given the chance to grab a shovel and drop dirt on top.  It was a very fitting way to honor this man who lived and died as a farmer.

Moving back to the church the family led the memorial celebration by reflecting on various scriptures that were meaningful to Abe and singing songs of God's faithfulness.  There were even several special numbers by the grandchildren.  What struck me were themes of loyalty (he was part of this church for most of his life), a passion for prayer (he was known as a vibrant prayer warrior), support of pastors (he regularly would visit and pray for the various ministers of VMB), family (he loved and cared for his wife of over 60 years, his 7 children and their spouses, and 21 grandchildren - praying for them daily), generosity (many stories were shared of his love to give), and farming (he was a farmer through and through). 

Although I do not know all the family members - the sons I've been blessed to know - live out a passion for Jesus that is an amazing testimony to their dad!  As I sat there I was struck at how powerful a legacy can be to pass on our love for Jesus - first to our families and then to the community in which we live.

As I think of the activities and practices that form such a legacy - I was struck by the simplicity of achieving it.  It really is an issue of daily persistent prayer, a growing love for Jesus, a passion for family, and a heart of love for those whom God brings into your life.  May I/we be legacy builders in 2012.  Thanks Abe for showing us how!