Going Home

Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth forever!
-Psalm 106:1

Friends,
I write this email to let you know that my dad, Rick Petefish, went to be with Jesus early this morning (Tuesday, August 17). He his now cancer free and he is no longer suffering. PRAISE JESUS!

My dad was a fighter. He fought a good fight and finished his race. He is now and forever enjoying the presence of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ. Though we are sad and will miss him here on earth, the Lord has taught me to have more of an eternal perspective. I don't long for him to be here any more (as I know he doesn't long to come back), but I long to enjoy heaven with him and the rest of the saints that have gone before me. I know that I have the same HOPE that my dad did. Hope that Jesus took my place of punishment so that I can be with and enjoy God forever... that I might have abundant life. That is the hope and peace that my dad departed with and that is the hope that is offered to all that trust in CHRIST. So we do not grieve as those that do not have hope, but we have hope that Heaven is more wonderful than we could ever imagine. We have hope that to be absent from the body is to be present from the Lord, and that is better than anything we could enjoy here on earth.

My dad's race is over, as all of ours will be someday. I am thankful that God has given us an opportunity to partake in eternal Peace and Joy, through his Son, Jesus Christ!

God, Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that thy Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer)

And the saints below, join with the saints above, rejoicing in the RISEN LAMB! -Steve and Vicki Cook
Memorial/Worship Service
River of Life Church
Ringgold, VA

Please pray for Mila as she grieves the Loss of the husband she loved dearly.
Pray for us as we deal with all the financial and logistical things.

Anyone that would like to send a note or card can send it to:

PO Box 206
Semora, NC 27343

Grace and Peace Abundantly to You!
Full of hope,
Melissa