Farewell my friend until we meet again

(Sunther in the middle with his arm over Ethan, flanked by Davian and Torina, in a photo taken with missionary friends, John and Melody woodworth, and their sons, Tanner and Grayson, and a church member.)


Today, the family and friends of Pastor Sunther will bid him one last farewell. I'm sure it will be a teary affair. While we know he has certainly moved on to a far better place in the bosom of the Lord - awaiting the last trumpet call when the dead in Christ will join all who are still alive to meet in the air to reign forevermore - he will be missed by those dear to him.

Sunther was the president of our graduating class in 1993. He was always jovial and outstanding as a leader among leaders. Quick to inquire when he spotted a need and to speak a kind word or intervene when he could make the difference. That was why his peers elected him.

Since then, the class of 1993 have moved on.... everyone doing their own thing in the ministry field, too busy to meet as regularly as we ought to have met. Like most ministers, the driven pace of work and tyranny of the urgent crashing into our pool of priorities, clouding oftentimes the menial from the what matters most in life.

The last I met Sunther was in the recent AG council meeting. Bright eyed and alert, he chatted only briefly with me. I noticed though, a pensive mood he carried. He looked the same only having added some kilos to his portly frame, but appeared quite different from the earlier days.

We all change. Life's choices weigh down on us. And the passage of time carve its effects on us.

Among our graduating class, he is the first to move on. At age 42, he leaves behind Lydia, his sons, Davian, Ethan, and daughter, Torina, and immeasurable memories behind.

One day, we will meet again.

Meanwhile, his passing on leaves a poignant impression and trailing questions.

At the end of the road, at the end of the day, what does it matter.