On Feb. 5, 2008 a killer tornado ripped through Macon County Tennessee. Two days later, on Feb. 7, 2008, another tragedy hit the town of Lafayette, Tn.
The Rev. Michael Welch, his wife Julie and two of their children Jesse and Hannah were killed in a car wreck during their attempt to minister to the victims of the tornado.
Michael was the pastor of Lafayette United Methodist Church. As you could imagine his congregation was devastated. As a church member I can't imagine losing my pastor much less his family.
As a family member I know the heartbreak. You see Michael was my first cousin. He was eleven years older than me. We hadn't seen each other much due to living far apart. We had recently kept in touch by email and I received my last email from him that morning only hours before his death.
I cherish the many funny stories I have heard all my life about Michael. Especially how my Daddy used to call him " Michael the Great the Bald Headed Ape".
His family was very sweet and I wish I could have known them better. They were indeed a unit. It is a blessing that God saw fit to take them all home together.
Please say a prayer for my family, especially my aunts Kitty and Pat and Julie's grown son Garrison.
Tragedy is not marked on your calendar. It sneaks up on you when you least expect it. I can't imagine how people get through it without knowing the love of God.
I am thankful to know that my family had a relationship with Christ and I will see them again in heaven.
Leigh Anne
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away". Revelations 21:4
Hey girl. I am going to try this again. I have left you many comments, just don't know where they went! I am sorry to hear about your family. You have a very nice blog. Thanks for all your sweet comments on mine. Tell Amanda I miss and love her!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for your family! As hard as it is to loose loved ones, knowing they had a relationship with Christ offers a sweet peace. I'm so glad you are blogging! It's such a great way to keep in touch!
ReplyDeleteI remember this happening last year. I live in South Central Ky so it was all over our news when this happened. I am so very sorry that this happened. Thanks for commenting my last blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines Day! I love the verse about our tears being wiped away. Such comfort and hope.
ReplyDeleteI will visit the link to find out more. So sorry for your loss.