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Amazing Worship
Posted under Status by pastor joeChurch Family-
What a precious time of worship we had this AM. We are so amazingly blessed to have each other as a church family.
As we shared with you this morning:
-A marital dispute arose between Thomas and Erin.
-Thomas made a bad choice in how he sought to settle it, and during the dispute, took his own life.
-He was life-flighted to the hospital but did not survive long.
-Erin and the three kids are with friends, family, and church leadership, loving and supporting each other.
-No funeral service has been set at this time; we will update the website as those details come available.
There will be a time for our church family to be together for prayer and support tonight from 6-8pm at River Pointe Church’s main worship center. It will be a come and go time for loving on and supporting each other.
As a church we appreciate the kind words of support we’ve received from friends and family around the country. We ask that those reading this would stand with us as we grieve and suffer by praying for us and giving the family the privacy they need during this time.
Our God is with us and we trust in His incredible sovereignty.
The Past is Prologue-
The Sanctuary Staff and Leadership
Hearing of Thomas’ death this morning threw me for a loop and then to know how it happened really stung me. As a younger pastor and one who has worked with students for years, I have had the privilege to interact with Thomas on several occasions and he was always available to give me godly counsel and to spend time with me. I consider him a mentor in a sense in my ministry. While I cannot comprehend all of this I will always remember his energy and passion for the gospel. I wish it would not have ended as it did. Prayers to you, the people of the Sanctuary, and to Erin and the kids.
In Christ,
Sterling Griggs
North Carolina
Our church, Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida learned of the loss of your pastor in our service this morning from our new pastor, Dr. Stephen Rummage. Our church understands tragedy and loss as our pastor died in a plane crash in May of 2008. We then lost our music minister 3 months later and thought our church could barely go on. Many congregations across the nation prayed for our church. I know your church was one of them. You knew of our losses as your pastor worked with Kelly Green, who is part of our church, and your pastor also had ministered to our youth on many occasions. We grieve with you in this tragedy but believe God has a plan for you and will provide. We prayed for you today and I know we will continue to do so as you grieve, heal and eventually follow through with the plan God has for your church.
God bless you all!
J. Boll
I didn’t know Thomas personally as some of you did. But when our pastor told us this morning, there was an immediate sense of sorrow as our fellowship began to let the news sink in. Although Thomas only preached at our church on a few occasions, we still feel the loss. My prayers go out to the fellowship at Sanctuary and to Thomas’ wife and children.
Sara Urich
Texas
I am praying for everyone there. Thomas spoke at our School Release Crusade here in Knoxville, TN for the last two years. My daughter who is 12 years old was saved a year ago during the crusade said “that Thomas spoke God’s word in way that she could really understand.” I heard him speak at our church during the past two years as well, and feel that God was really using him to reach out to our youth here in Knoxville. Our love and prayers are with your families there and to his precious children and wife.
My heart breaks for Thomas’ family and for your church family. God hears your tears as prayers to Him. I pray for healing and comfort in the days and weeks to follow.
The past couple of weeks have been difficult for my family as we have been coping with my father-in-law’s sudden illness and death. The words of a Casting Crowns song, drawn from Psalm 121, have been extremely comforting. Now, as I hear of this tragedy, I feel moved to remind Christians that none of us stops being human when we come to Christ. We still have our human emotions and weaknesses to struggle with. However, our help does come from the Lord…the Maker of Heaven and earth. Nothing surprises Him. Nothing knocks Him off balance. So, in the midst of our grief and confusion, we can rest securely in the knowledge that even in the storms of life, He will not leave us or forsake us. May God use this time of trial to bring glory to His precious name. Micah 7:7, John 14:27
If you know Thomas, you will love this video of him from the mid ’90s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP6D4o-DnsY
My prayers are with you all.
Bryce Tumlinson
New Braunfels
Dear Flock at The Sanctuary Fellowship,
Know that you are prayed for. Redeemer Bible Church is praying for you. May Jesus comfort you (John 14:1)
In His Grip,
Jeff Medders
Redeemer Bible Church – Tomball, TX.
I am grieved to hear the news of Thomas. I did not know him or the church but heard of the news via twitter. I then began praying for his wife and children as well as the church. I know many are at a loss for words and are hurting. My family was stricken with a tragedy close to four years ago when my best friend/cousin took his life. We were close growing up and the pain, and hurt still lingers. Hearing this literally brought back the same emotions and pain on hearing the news back then. My heart hurts and don’t believe that I can say anything that can console during this time but please know that everyone,the church, the family, and friends are in my prayers. May God strengthen and sustain Erin and the Children. May he comfort and draw the church closer to him, and may others who are hurting find healing in the Cross of Christ. Cast all your care on him, because he cares for you.
George
Beaufort SC
I am deeply saddened to hear about Thomas’ death. My mind is boggled at what has happened. My prayers go out to his family and his church. I had the priveledge of calling Thomas a friend. I worked with him seven or 8 times over the past seveal years through various youth events, camps, revivals, etc. His passion for people and his love for Jesus were contagious. I will miss him greatly. I pray that God’s presence and grace will overwhelm Erin, the kids, and his church family.
Chris Watson
Lubbock,TX
Joe, Mindi and Sanctuary Fellowship,
We were only privileged to hear Thomas preach on one occasion, but were truly blessed by his message. We plan to return to The Santuary as schedules allow, and in the meantime, we will lift you and this precious family up in prayer. We’re sure they are grateful to have both of you in leadership during this dificult time. Be strong and take courage…you are God’s gift to many.
I found this website through John Piper’s website and was saddened to hear about your pastor’s death. Although I never met or knew your pastor or family just know that I and my family will be praying for you.
Hawk
Longview, Texas
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