Heroes

August 4, 2024
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
As a pastor, one of my responsibilities is to be a witness to the resurrection, at times of death.
 
Even as a boy, I think God was preparing me, “….for such a time as this.”  (Esther 4:14)  My recollection is that many family members died, and we always went to the funerals.  It was a family tradition.
 
Most of the time, knowing that today I need to be an anchor in stormy seas, my emotions are pretty steady.  On the outside, you might not see it, but on the inside, sometimes it’s a different story.
 
Recently, a 16-year-old beautiful girl, a member of First Covenant Church died.  She was involved in a tragic car accident that resulted in a severe brain injury.  Earlier this year, she applied for her car license.  One of the questions on the application asks, “Do you want to be an organ donor?”  She didn’t quite understand, but her family that was with her explained what it meant.  Her reply was, “Yes, I would want to do that.”  So, she checked the box.
 
On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, her family and Armona and I, followed her on her last “Walk for Life.”  Family, friends, hospital employees, and even strangers followed her to the place where she saved no less than six lives that night.  No doubt about it, she is one of my heroes.  The anchor slipped a little on that walk.  I cried that night.  I’m crying as I write this.
 
While we waited for “last goodbyes” a man, his wife and daughter came up to me.  The gentleman asked.  “Are you her Grandpa?”  To that I responded with, “No, I’m her pastor.”  The man broke down and started to cry.  “Our granddaughter will be here tomorrow night at 6:30. She too is an organ donor.”  I put my arm around him and prayed with his family.  I cried for him too.
 
Why would God send that family and have them speak to me at just that moment?  Because they were hurting too.
 
Yes, Amyrra, you are a hero.  Never goodbye.  Only, “See you later.”
Pastor Allan
 
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