In the past few days funerals have been held for some of those killed at Virginia Tech University. Baptist Press carried stories on a few that had ties to Baptist churches. Their faith was highlighted in the services. Those are tough days for families, friends and pastors. I have one of those kinds of funerals coming Thursday afternoon in Jacksonville. Joanna Knepper was killed early Sunday morning when her car was struck from behind by a fast moving SUV. She was the daughter of Randy and Penny Knepper and sister of Nate. Before recently moving to Jacksonville Randy was an active deacon at Olive and served as our chairman on two occasions. Penny worked on our staff in the media library. The Kneppers were choice servants of the Lord and Olive Baptist Church.   

Several people have told me they will be praying for me as I do the funeral on Thursday. They normally add, “I know that will be a tough one.” One never walks into a situation like this and finds it easy. Yet we know God is alive and rules. We cast all of our care on Him. He cares for us. Joanna was a sweet follower of Jesus. I remember days she came to our house to play with Rachel and attend birthday parties. Now she lives in the presence of Jesus.   This week in our city we have been reminded that death can come at any time. We knew that all along. But when 32 people are slain on a college campus we are awakened to the fact in a new freshness. Then a Blue Angel crashes in South Carolina and one of our fine young ladies is killed in an auto tragedy.

All of that reminds us life is fragile. Death can come at any moment. I encourage you to be prepared. Then live like today might be your last on earth. 

Pastor Ted Traylor     

Posted on Tuesday, April 24th, 2007 at 9:22 am.
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