My good friend Gordon crossed over “to the other side” yesterday, suddenly. On Saturday I chatted with him briefly in the driveway of the Glauser homestead on Broadway, where his dad and brother live, which he frequented as an office and shop for his home-improvement business. He was very chipper and alive in his tie-dyed T-shirt and bib overalls, saying that he was “back, and even had work” having had some health issues earlier this year. It was good talking with him. 

We discussed many things, including weekly prison ministry which he did for more than 13 years, inviting me along and handing it off to me a few years ago. He especially delighted in telling me about singing his step-granddaughter, Alyssa, to sleep each night. He and his “replacement bride,” Lynda, are raising Alyssa at their home in Depew.

Gordon’s son, Aaron, called me this morning to mention that there would be a memorial wake at Meyer Funeral Home on Broadway in Alden, on Wednesday morning (tomorrow! so, please PASS THE WORD). After the service there will be a cookout at the homestead.

Gordon was one of the most direct and focused Christians I’ve ever met. He was utterly without brand, and was ever considering kingdom life here on planet Earth. He ministered to people in their turmoil: in basements, in floods of sewage, and all the perils and hardships of daily life. This morning, while praying for insight on his departure, I came upon this comforting verse from the words of Jesus, which may awaken us all as to how God’s river of saints flows through our lives: “Of them which you gave me, I have lost none.” (John 18:9).
I’ve also inserted this into our virtual hometown newsletter, which can be seen here: 

https://sw-alden.nextdoor.com/invite/8a86b128e662806cc941  (What a great way to get the word out instantly!)