pastorjfreeman

I’m finishing the message for my mother in law’s (Emily’s mom) funeral and in tears, I’m so thankful to have known her. She was a gift to me. I pray that the words God has given me will honor her and point people to Jesus. We will laugh, celebrate, cry and be filled with hope as we remember a life well lived…a life that made much of Jesus! Here is a picture of Cynthia with her daughters (my wife is on the right).

As many of you know, Emily’s mother, Cynthia, has fought a very brave battle with bone cancer for several years. She has endured tremendous battles and this morning, at 6:15am, the Lord called her home.

I am certain that when she arrived in heaven, her father, Bro. Bob Hammons, who passed away about a year ago and who she loved very much, was there waiting for her and was holding Toby (her newest grand baby who went to be with Jesus just a couple of months ago). I’m sure it was a glorious welcoming for her.

But most importantly, I know the Lord welcomed her and said those incredible words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Cynthia loved Jesus with all her heart and she made a HUGE difference in the lives of so many people.

I cannot even begin to tell of the impact she had on my life. I loved Cynthia very much and was able to see her for the last time on earth last Wednesday. She looked good. My oldest son prayed with her and she was an absolute blessing to us that night. I cannot wait to see her again!

We will have a home going celebration service on Thursday at 10am at First Baptist Church in Newcastle. Flowers can be sent to Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle, OK.

Thank you for praying for our family…the Lord has chosen to take Toby and now Cynthia. I don’t know what His plans are for Trey, but we continue to ask for a miracle here on earth.

Today is going to be a tough day for some families. Some have lost their dads and miss these terribly and some dads have lost kids and miss them as well. I’m mindful of three men in my life today:

1. My father, Ken Freeman. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his influence on my life. I love you dad and praise God for how He uses you in people’s lives. Thank you for all you do for our family. Happy Father’s Day!

2. My father in law, Larry McMains. I couldn’t have asked for a better family to marry into. Larry, thank you for the wisdom you give and daily sacrifice you make for our family. We love you. Happy Father’s Day.

3. Ben Stewart, my brother in law. I know today will be hard for you, but you will have the strength you need today because God will give it to you. You have three beautiful children on earth and one waiting for you in heaven. Love you brother. Rest in Jesus today!

To all the dads out there…happy Father’s Day. It’s a glorious calling to be a dad, but it is also arduous and weighty. Keep seeking the Lord and let Him be strong through you as you raise mighty warriors of the Lord.

Have a great day!

As a pastor, no amount of preparation can really get you ready to preach the funeral of a family member, especially one for a baby. I would ask that you would pray for me tomorrow as I try to be a good brother in law, but also a good pastor as I minister to my family. Also, please pray I will have the emotional strength necessary as I preach. It is going to be a hard day, but God’s grace is sufficient. The service will be very God-honoring and Christ-exalting and I hope you are making plans to attend if you can. Ben and Jeannie are doing well and we pray that God continues to minister to their heart in powerful ways. Our God is good and we trust Him…and to Him be all the glory.

Many have asked about seeing/visiting with Ben and Jeannie…tonight from 6pm-7pm there will be an open, but brief time of visitation with the family at the Wilson-Little funeral home in Newcastle, OK (Tri-City area behind Mazzios). There will, of course, not be a viewing, but rather just a time of encouragement and fellowship.

The family will have a private time together from 7pm-8pm.

Again, the funeral service will be this Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 1pm at First Baptist Church of Newcastle:
1650 N. Main St.
Newcastle, OK 73065
-a private family graveside service will immediately follow.

May God be glorified and Jesus lifted up high during these trying days. We love you!

The funeral for Toby Robert Stewart will be at First Baptist Church of Newcastle this Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 1pm. There will be a private family graveside service at Newcastle Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral service. Wilson-Little funeral home in Newcastle will be handling the funeral arrangements and I will be officiating the service.

Please be praying for our family, especially Ben and Jeannie Stewart, and their children. We hope you will be able to join for this difficult, but very special day as we celebrate Toby’s home going.

We love you!

Jeremy Freeman