Dries’s brother Joop passed away this morning. He was 75 years old and died after a long battle with prostate cancer.
(Second brother in two years)
‘Entering God’s rest’, was the thought which first went through my mind. After that, ‘amazing grace’. Dries had the privilege to lead his brother to assurance of salvation during his time in South Africa during lockdown. Dries sent him sermons and teaching on a daily basis and amidst Joop’s tremendous suffering, he was able to grow in his faith. It was such an encouragement for us to see that God’s grace has no bounds and forgiveness has not time limit.
Dries and I saw Joop a short time before Dries returned to Madagascar. I knew that all was well with Joop’s soul after I saw the light in his eyes when he talked about his journey.
He had loving family members taking care of him during his final months and we want to honour them for their sacrifice and selfless commitment.
It is with that thought of God saving people at the crossroads between life and death, that we can have great joy and peace in a time of mourning.