This week upon hearing of Brother Jon's passing several thoughts filled my mind. He loved the Lord with all his heart. He took every opportunity to share the gospel even having a monthly prison ministry at Connors Correction Center.
 |
| Brother Jon enjoying the 125th Anniversary of the church |
He loved the people of his church body. Brother Jon connected with each person by fixing his eyes on them as though they were the only person within his sphere of sight at the time that person was speaking to him. This was apparent following Grandma Gladys Smith's dibiliatating stroke which took her speech. Brother Jon regularly came to visit her bedside and pray with her, to our astonishment she spoke briefly each time. She loved him because he preached God Word as though it might be last opportunity for someone to respond to Jesus. Brother Jon shared her intense desire to see everyone come to a life-altering relationship with Jesus.
Brother Jon's eyes spoke volumes conveying intensity in the pulpit about life and death decisions. His eyes sparkled at a good happening in one of his parishioner's life. They could "turn on a dime" as to what they conveyed. I was told once at Falls Creek, he was confronted by the alarmed female campers and counselors concerning a large rodent spotted. His eyes conveyed a nonchalantness when he measured on one hand with his forefinger and thumb as he said, "It was only this big..." and as his eyes took on a mischievous look concluded, "between the eyes!"
His quick wit and desire to interject humor as much as possible were often near the surface of his interactions with fellow church members and community residents alike. This characteristic gave Brother Jon an inroad with almost anyone because he easily made most people feel comfortable, as someone said, "whether saint or sinner."
Frequently, as believers we quote Paul's words from Philippians 1:21 when he declared "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Yet I am impacted by Eugene Peterson's paraphrase called The Message he wrote for the young believers in his congregation. Here is his restatement of this powerful verse: Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm His prize. Life versus even more life! I can't lose.
As we grieve Brother Jon Ogle's death may we determine by the power of the Holy Spirit within us to carry on his life work of being a messenger of Jesus telling all who have ears to hear what He can do in any life yielded completely to Him. May we find comfort that Brother Jon is more alive than he has ever been and is rejoicing in the presence of the One he loved and served faithfully while here on earth.
Other Blog Posts About Brother Jon Ogle:
Beautiful tribute to a great Pastor/Shepherd!❤️
ReplyDeleteHe is one I’ll never forget. He kept a lot of us kids on the straight and narrow back in the 80s. Prayers for his family. He will be missed for sure.
ReplyDelete