|
Printer
Friendly Version - opens in separate window
Tributes often begin with the sad news that
someone has died and from the human level that is where we must start
with the passing of Frank Croucher (1945-2006), a Director of Reachout
Trust since July 2003. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pauline
at present as she learns to cope with life without her constant companion,
best friend and indeed 'eyes' for many years.
For those of you who do not know Pauline is blind and Frank had very
restricted vision but together they worked together and were always
a source of joy and comfort to many. To say that Frank will be missed
as a Director and as a friend is an understatement.
Yes, it is sad news from the human perspective and there is the feeling
of grief and loss but at the same time, for the Christian who knows
their Lord, as Frank did, there is the joy of being completely healed
with His Lord forever and ever. I have the picture of him running around
heaven, something he had not done for a long time, with perfect eyesight,
giving glory and thanksgiving to the Lord he loved and served in this
life.
If I was asked to sum up Frank's life I would use the picture of Barnabas
- the son of encouragement. He was a great encourager, always ready
to listen to people's troubles and support them with a word of encouragement
and positive outlook. He did this for me on many occasions and I will
miss his phone calls. Fellow Director, Mike Thomas, agrees with this:
"For myself I found that Frank brought a
greater emphasis on prayer to our lives as he simply encouraged us to
take everything to the Lord. His caring attitude was foremost, especially
as he cared for Pauline and sought her interests first. But I shall
also miss his deep mellifluous tones over the phone as he voiced the
first thing that mattered to him, 'How are you doing?' He glorified
God with his life here, now he is looking on the One he sought so faithfully
to serve and to emulate. I think the likeness will be striking."
Mike also highlights the area of prayer that Frank was so passionate
about and many a time he would bring his fellow workers and indeed the
work in general, to the throne of grace.
Chris Horlock another Director of Reachout Trust adds:
"I was always encouraged by Frank in the
fact that even though he had BIG problems with his eyesight, he and
Pauline always showed great faith in the Lord, at a time when many will
not follow Christ because of the suffering in the world. Frank went
against this line of reasoning to show how weak that argument is. He
also showed great faith in the power of prayer, knowing they are answered
according to His will and purpose not man's agenda. We will miss him
as a friend and brother in the Lord!"
Frank will indeed be missed and I doubt if we will ever be able to fill
his shoes exactly. We rejoice for Frank but are aware that there is
a 'gaping hole' that he used to fill with his large frame.
|
