This has been one busy week.
Jim's funeral is on Friday, and everyone in the congregation is helping to get ready for it. After the fellowship meal at church on Sunday morning, Elsa shared her and Karin's ideas for the funeral with a large group of us, and then suggestions were made and jobs were assigned.
The funeral will be at the church building at noon, and then we'll walk to the cemetery for a short service and the burial. Afterwards, whoever wants to stay will go back to the church building for coffee and cake. As of right now we're expecting about 130 people for the funeral, and even though the new building is larger than the old one, we can only fit about 70 or so people in the main meeting room. Some people will have to stand at the back, and others will sit upstairs in two of the classrooms but will still be able to hear thanks to a sound system and speakers placed in the rooms.
Ingrid and I cleaned most of the church building yesterday evening while some of the men mowed the lawn and carried out some old furniture and other things that somehow managed to hang around despite the purging we did before we moved out of the old building back in May. This evening a group of us arranged chairs and talked about last minute details. It sounds like everything is coming together. Elsa told me today that Rüdiger recently said planning something like this is akin to planning a wedding...only you only have a few days in which to finish everything. I think I'd have to agree.
It's been tremendous, though, to see how the congregation has come even closer together through this. I saw a long time ago how much of a family this congregation really is, but it's become even more clear over the past couple of weeks. Rüdiger preached on Sunday, and he reminded us that this is not Jim's congregation but rather has always been and will continue to be God's congregation. Jim will be greatly missed; many in the congregation have lost their "spiritual father," of sorts. But it's their faith in and love of the Lord that binds them together and will carry them into whatever future God has planned for them.
Several people have asked me how I think the congregation will fare without Jim's leadership, and my answer is "they're going to make it." The congregation has no elders, but even before Jim died the men started meeting to make some decisions on how things will continue from here. Several are taking turns preaching, and Mark has taken over teaching Jim's Wednesday evening Bible class. It will take some adjusting on everyone's part, and I'm sure there will be more changes made as the months go on, but I'm confident this congregation will move forward. One thing Jim and Elsa have done very well is teaching people to be future leaders.
Also this week I've begun a new project with Jim's books. I seem to be the only one here with any understanding of Jim's library system, so Elsa has asked me to organize the books in such a way as to make it easier for her, her daughters, and others to look through the books and decide which ones they'd like to keep. This is no small task, and Elsa's hoping I can have it finished by Christmas, which I think is reasonable.
Elsa has also mentioned that she'd like to turn Jim's counseling and psychology books into a small library for use by her counseling clients. When Elsa mentioned this to me, I couldn't help but get excited over the prospects. I know Elsa thinks I'm weird (she actually said so yesterday), but I really do enjoy working with books. To top it off, I've been able to use my library experience in Germany. More than that, though, I'm glad to be able to do something to help Elsa and her daughters right now. There are a lot of things I can't do, but I know my talents can be put to use through this project, and I really feel like I'm being productive and helpful.
On another note, please pray for Jim and Elsa's daughter, Diana. She still has not delivered her baby, and she is already 10 days past her due date. Elsa said that if she doesn't go into labor in the next day or so then the doctors will perform a Cesarean, which Diana wants to avoid.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for me and for the congregation. Please continue to pray for us, especially for Elsa, as we finish preparations and then have the funeral.
I pray that "you and yours" are doing well wherever you are. Gott mit Euch.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Remembering Jim
It's very surreal that Jim is gone.
Elsa and Karin were at church yesterday evening, and it was weird to see them there without Jim and without people asking how Jim was doing. People are still marveling over how quickly the cancer appeared and then ravaged Jim's body.
But people are also remembering Jim - smiling at his love of chocolate and appreciating his 45-minute sermons. He had a quirky sense of humor, but in almost every situation he seemed to find a way to remind us of the Gospel.
Today I was looking through some of the notes I took during my and Jim's recent studies of the covenants between God and man, and I found a couple of quotes from Jim. I think they basically sum up how he lived his life.
I have one of those calenders with daily quotes, and today's quote seems quite apropos right now:
On another note, we learned yesterday that the funeral and burial will be October 19th, Friday of next week. From what I understand, that's a longer than normal time to wait before a burial here, but I think Elsa's trying to give Jim's family and others from the U.S. time to get here. Please continue to pray for Elsa and for the congregation. Please also pray for Jim and Elsa's daughter, Diana, who as of last night had not yet had her baby.
Thank you for your continued prayers and well-wishes. I know there are some people whom I've never met who read this blog, and I appreciate you just as much as I appreciate my friends and family. Your encouragement keeps me going.
Elsa and Karin were at church yesterday evening, and it was weird to see them there without Jim and without people asking how Jim was doing. People are still marveling over how quickly the cancer appeared and then ravaged Jim's body.
But people are also remembering Jim - smiling at his love of chocolate and appreciating his 45-minute sermons. He had a quirky sense of humor, but in almost every situation he seemed to find a way to remind us of the Gospel.
*****
Today I was looking through some of the notes I took during my and Jim's recent studies of the covenants between God and man, and I found a couple of quotes from Jim. I think they basically sum up how he lived his life.
"Those who seek Him will be the victors, and that's not a maybe."Jim sought eternal victory through faith in Christ. Because of this faith, he used his life to help others attain the promise of "a great nation" (i.e., heaven) given to Abraham by God. What better way to live one's life than to seek the Lord and then share that Good News with others?
"What Abraham sought has now been found by many, and the key is to help others find it. That's what it's all about."
*****
I have one of those calenders with daily quotes, and today's quote seems quite apropos right now:
"Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them, and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier by them."
- George William Childs
It seems like whenever someone dies, so many things in life suddenly become insignificant, and I am reminded of the fleetingness of this life and how much I need to appreciate people while they are here. Ultimately, though, life takes over again and I forget. I don't want to forget anymore.
*****
On another note, we learned yesterday that the funeral and burial will be October 19th, Friday of next week. From what I understand, that's a longer than normal time to wait before a burial here, but I think Elsa's trying to give Jim's family and others from the U.S. time to get here. Please continue to pray for Elsa and for the congregation. Please also pray for Jim and Elsa's daughter, Diana, who as of last night had not yet had her baby.
Thank you for your continued prayers and well-wishes. I know there are some people whom I've never met who read this blog, and I appreciate you just as much as I appreciate my friends and family. Your encouragement keeps me going.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Jim Springer, 1942 - 2007
Jim went to be with the Lord a little after 8:00 (2:00 U.S. eastern time) yesterday evening. Karin was able to come from Switzerland again on Sunday, so she was there at the hospital with Elsa.
I don't know anything yet about arrangements except that Jim will be buried here in Bremen rather than in the U.S. The Springers had planned to "retire" here in Germany and so they had no plans to move back to the States. Each of the neighborhoods in Bremen has its own cemetery, and one of them happens to be at the end of Jim and Elsa's street, so he will probably be buried there.
I thought I had prepared myself for Jim's death because we all knew it was imminent, but hearing the actual news was much more difficult than I'd imagined. Perhaps it's the speed at which all of this happened that makes it hard to believe and to accept.
From my perspective, though, I don't think God could have chosen a better time to take Jim. I was among 15 women at the church building yesterday evening for our weekly Bible study when the phone rang. We all knew what the person on the line was going to tell us. Stefanie was the one who finally answered the phone, and Rüdi gave her the news that she shared with the rest of us. Many of us said we are so glad we were all together when Jim died because we could lean on one another. I would not have wanted to be at home alone when the phone call came.
I felt really bad for one of the women there, though. She had not been there for a few weeks and until we took prayer requests at the beginning of the study she did not even know Jim was sick. My heart sank when she left the room and began to cry after Stefanie reported his death.
Helga led our Bible study yesterday, and I admired her efforts to finish the study after Rüdi called, though I think maybe only 2 or 3 people were actually paying attention by that point. Yesterday also happened to be Helga's birthday, so we all ate cake together after the Bible study despite the fact that it felt a little weird to be celebrating and grieving at the same time.
I suppose that's what we should be doing, though, since we know where Jim is now.
Please continue to pray for Elsa, Karin and Diana, and Jim's mother and siblings in the States. Also, Diana's baby was due a couple days ago, and we're all hoping she has the baby very soon and is able to come for Jim's funeral.
I don't think I can handle writing any more about this right now, but I'll try to post something else after church this evening. I can't express enough my appreciation for your thoughts, prayers, and love through all of this.
I don't know anything yet about arrangements except that Jim will be buried here in Bremen rather than in the U.S. The Springers had planned to "retire" here in Germany and so they had no plans to move back to the States. Each of the neighborhoods in Bremen has its own cemetery, and one of them happens to be at the end of Jim and Elsa's street, so he will probably be buried there.
I thought I had prepared myself for Jim's death because we all knew it was imminent, but hearing the actual news was much more difficult than I'd imagined. Perhaps it's the speed at which all of this happened that makes it hard to believe and to accept.
From my perspective, though, I don't think God could have chosen a better time to take Jim. I was among 15 women at the church building yesterday evening for our weekly Bible study when the phone rang. We all knew what the person on the line was going to tell us. Stefanie was the one who finally answered the phone, and Rüdi gave her the news that she shared with the rest of us. Many of us said we are so glad we were all together when Jim died because we could lean on one another. I would not have wanted to be at home alone when the phone call came.
I felt really bad for one of the women there, though. She had not been there for a few weeks and until we took prayer requests at the beginning of the study she did not even know Jim was sick. My heart sank when she left the room and began to cry after Stefanie reported his death.
Helga led our Bible study yesterday, and I admired her efforts to finish the study after Rüdi called, though I think maybe only 2 or 3 people were actually paying attention by that point. Yesterday also happened to be Helga's birthday, so we all ate cake together after the Bible study despite the fact that it felt a little weird to be celebrating and grieving at the same time.
I suppose that's what we should be doing, though, since we know where Jim is now.
Please continue to pray for Elsa, Karin and Diana, and Jim's mother and siblings in the States. Also, Diana's baby was due a couple days ago, and we're all hoping she has the baby very soon and is able to come for Jim's funeral.
I don't think I can handle writing any more about this right now, but I'll try to post something else after church this evening. I can't express enough my appreciation for your thoughts, prayers, and love through all of this.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Continuing to know that God is good
Jim's condition continues to worsen. He's on an antibiotic for an infection and received morphine on Thursday night for the first time. From what I understand, that was the first pain medication Jim has taken so far. He's never been one to take medication voluntarily, so he asked to be taken off the morphine on Friday.
His kidneys are starting to shut down as well, and he has refused dialysis. He sleeps more and more. From all accounts the doctors basically are just doing what they can to keep him comfortable. Many people from the congregation are taking turns sitting at his bedside. Jim is respected and loved by so many people here, and as Stefanie said yesterday, Jim's a "spiritual father-figure" for a number of them.
I think there are several blessings in this situation. First, we know Jim will not have to suffer for long before going home to God. Second, because we know what is coming, we all are able to begin the grieving process before actually having to deal with Jim's death.
There are so many emotions people are trying to sort through right now, not least among them being shock that all of this is even happening. I guess cancer is always a surprise, but the magnitude and speed of Jim's case has caught everyone off guard. Four weeks ago today, we had the block party. Jim helped set up the tents and spent the afternoon and evening chatting with the neighbors. The next day he preached his last sermon and still seemed like nothing was wrong. A month later he is in the hospital with stage 4 colon cancer and is experiencing liver and kidney failure.
The third blessing is one we actually have all the time but often don't notice: God's faithfulness. God is, always has been, and continues to be a good and gracious God. As Joshua took over leadership of the Israelites after the death of Moses, God told him in Joshua 1:5, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," and that promise holds true for us as well.
God most certainly has not left Jim, whose faith has always been strong but is now all the more determined as Jim looks toward -- in his own words -- "seeing God's glory in the next few days."
His kidneys are starting to shut down as well, and he has refused dialysis. He sleeps more and more. From all accounts the doctors basically are just doing what they can to keep him comfortable. Many people from the congregation are taking turns sitting at his bedside. Jim is respected and loved by so many people here, and as Stefanie said yesterday, Jim's a "spiritual father-figure" for a number of them.
I think there are several blessings in this situation. First, we know Jim will not have to suffer for long before going home to God. Second, because we know what is coming, we all are able to begin the grieving process before actually having to deal with Jim's death.
There are so many emotions people are trying to sort through right now, not least among them being shock that all of this is even happening. I guess cancer is always a surprise, but the magnitude and speed of Jim's case has caught everyone off guard. Four weeks ago today, we had the block party. Jim helped set up the tents and spent the afternoon and evening chatting with the neighbors. The next day he preached his last sermon and still seemed like nothing was wrong. A month later he is in the hospital with stage 4 colon cancer and is experiencing liver and kidney failure.
The third blessing is one we actually have all the time but often don't notice: God's faithfulness. God is, always has been, and continues to be a good and gracious God. As Joshua took over leadership of the Israelites after the death of Moses, God told him in Joshua 1:5, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," and that promise holds true for us as well.
God most certainly has not left Jim, whose faith has always been strong but is now all the more determined as Jim looks toward -- in his own words -- "seeing God's glory in the next few days."
Friday, October 05, 2007
Latest news about Jim
Yesterday morning Jim went to the hospital to have the port placed in his chest. The doctors decided, however, that he was too jaundiced to perform the procedure and were also concerned that his blood might not clot properly, greatly increasing the risks inherent in the operation anyway.
Chemotherapy can't be administered without the port, so since Jim cannot get the port, chemo can't be started. With the hope of healing and relief delivered by chemo suddenly taken away, the situation has taken a rather grim turn.
Mark, Karen, and I visited Jim in the hospital yesterday, and he was in a much better mood than the average person in his situation would be. We laughed a lot, and Karen told him his sense of humor is definitely still healthy. Before the Abercrombies and I left, the four of us prayed together. Jim's faith and trust in the Lord still humbles me. He worries about Elsa, but besides that he's ready to go home to God.
This whole situation is very surreal to me. I'm still trying to comprehend how just one month ago Jim seemed perfectly fine. I also find it strange that all of this is happening during the time I committed to be here working with the Springers. Over the past few months I've had many moments of questioning my place here and seeking direction in how I'm supposed to serve, but now I find myself in a position full of opportunity: there's an open door for helping and encouraging Elsa and the rest of the congregation during this time.
I haven't heard anything about Jim today, but I'll post again when we know more. Please continue to pray.
Chemotherapy can't be administered without the port, so since Jim cannot get the port, chemo can't be started. With the hope of healing and relief delivered by chemo suddenly taken away, the situation has taken a rather grim turn.
Mark, Karen, and I visited Jim in the hospital yesterday, and he was in a much better mood than the average person in his situation would be. We laughed a lot, and Karen told him his sense of humor is definitely still healthy. Before the Abercrombies and I left, the four of us prayed together. Jim's faith and trust in the Lord still humbles me. He worries about Elsa, but besides that he's ready to go home to God.
This whole situation is very surreal to me. I'm still trying to comprehend how just one month ago Jim seemed perfectly fine. I also find it strange that all of this is happening during the time I committed to be here working with the Springers. Over the past few months I've had many moments of questioning my place here and seeking direction in how I'm supposed to serve, but now I find myself in a position full of opportunity: there's an open door for helping and encouraging Elsa and the rest of the congregation during this time.
I haven't heard anything about Jim today, but I'll post again when we know more. Please continue to pray.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Quick update and new prayer requests
Today I spent most of the afternoon at Jim and Elsa's house sorting through the almost 200 well-wishing emails they've received in the past week or so. I had asked Elsa how I could help, and this was one task she hasn't had enough time to do. I copied and pasted the emails into a Word document and then Elsa printed it - all 20 pages - for Jim to read. If it wasn't already clear to me before, it was after today: a whole lot of people love and care for the Springer family...and with good reason.
I sat with Jim for a little while as Elsa cooked dinner. His voice was stronger than it was on Sunday when I last saw him, but overall he seemed to be weaker. His spirits, though, are stronger than ever. While his physical condition breaks my heart, his spiritual and emotional states encourage me continually. Jim is definitely sure of what he hopes for. He smiles as you talk with him, he asks how others are doing, and he even still has his uniquely-Jim sense of humor. While I'd like to think otherwise, I don't know that I would be at the same point if I was in his shoes.
Tomorrow is a big day for Jim. He has an appointment for surgery to place a port in his chest through which chemotherapy and other medications can be administered. Please pray that he makes it through this procedure well and with no complications.
After the port comes the next big hurdle: beginning chemotherapy. Elsa is afraid the doctors will want to wait until Monday to start, and she is seeking ways to push for them to begin on Thursday, or Friday at the latest. Please be praying that the chemotherapy can begin as soon as possible. The situation has become very serious very fast, and time is of the essence. No one can predict how Jim and the cancer will react to the chemo, but there's no way to know until it's begun.
Thank you again for your prayers. I know all of us here appreciate them. One of the many wonderful things about being a member of the Lord's body is sharing the burdens of life with fellow Christians - even ones who are half a world away.
I sat with Jim for a little while as Elsa cooked dinner. His voice was stronger than it was on Sunday when I last saw him, but overall he seemed to be weaker. His spirits, though, are stronger than ever. While his physical condition breaks my heart, his spiritual and emotional states encourage me continually. Jim is definitely sure of what he hopes for. He smiles as you talk with him, he asks how others are doing, and he even still has his uniquely-Jim sense of humor. While I'd like to think otherwise, I don't know that I would be at the same point if I was in his shoes.
Tomorrow is a big day for Jim. He has an appointment for surgery to place a port in his chest through which chemotherapy and other medications can be administered. Please pray that he makes it through this procedure well and with no complications.
After the port comes the next big hurdle: beginning chemotherapy. Elsa is afraid the doctors will want to wait until Monday to start, and she is seeking ways to push for them to begin on Thursday, or Friday at the latest. Please be praying that the chemotherapy can begin as soon as possible. The situation has become very serious very fast, and time is of the essence. No one can predict how Jim and the cancer will react to the chemo, but there's no way to know until it's begun.
Thank you again for your prayers. I know all of us here appreciate them. One of the many wonderful things about being a member of the Lord's body is sharing the burdens of life with fellow Christians - even ones who are half a world away.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Helping Jim and Elsa
Here's the less-serious news first:
The repairman finally came this afternoon to fix my dripping water heater. A few turns of a pair of pliers later and the dripping stopped. So far, so good.
Mark's parents and sister have been in town for the past week, and yesterday I went with them to Bremerhaven. They had wanted to make the trip, but Karen couldn't go because she had German class, so they recruited me to help Mark with navigation and translating. All in all it was a fun day that provided a break from the seriousness of the past few weeks. I'll try to post a few pictures soon.
And now the more-solemn news:
Sunday afternoon, Mark and Sergej took the Lord's Supper to Jim. He hasn't been at church in a few weeks, and as of this point we don't know when he'll be able to attend services again. Mark said the fellowship seemed to be good for Jim, so several men are going to take turns sharing Communion with him each Sunday.
Then Sunday evening, I went to the Springers' house with a small group of people to sing for Jim. It was the first time I'd seen him in three weeks. He seemed really tired, and his voice was weak, but he was glad to see us and enjoyed the singing. After we sang the German version of "It is Well with My Soul," Jim got a bit emotional and said, "That's been one of my favorite songs for over 50 years." Several of us had had trouble getting through the hymn as it was, but after Jim's comment I really had to fight back the tears.
In all honesty, Jim did not look good. His abdomen was distended, and he was really pale. The gravity of the situation became quite apparent to me after the visit on Sunday. The Springers' daughter, Karin, arrived in town on Saturday evening, and I know her presence has been a tremendous blessing for both Jim and Elsa.
Jim is uncomfortable right now but doesn't seem to be in pain. I've told Elsa that I want to help in any way I can, and beginning tomorrow I'm going to take care of some "secretarial" work for them. Just about everyone in the congregation is banding together to help support Jim and Elsa in different ways, and I know that's what it's going to take for all of us to get through this.
Please continue to pray for the Springers and for the congregation. We all appreciate your petitions to the Father, and I know they're being heard. Gott mit Euch!
The repairman finally came this afternoon to fix my dripping water heater. A few turns of a pair of pliers later and the dripping stopped. So far, so good.
Mark's parents and sister have been in town for the past week, and yesterday I went with them to Bremerhaven. They had wanted to make the trip, but Karen couldn't go because she had German class, so they recruited me to help Mark with navigation and translating. All in all it was a fun day that provided a break from the seriousness of the past few weeks. I'll try to post a few pictures soon.
And now the more-solemn news:
Sunday afternoon, Mark and Sergej took the Lord's Supper to Jim. He hasn't been at church in a few weeks, and as of this point we don't know when he'll be able to attend services again. Mark said the fellowship seemed to be good for Jim, so several men are going to take turns sharing Communion with him each Sunday.
Then Sunday evening, I went to the Springers' house with a small group of people to sing for Jim. It was the first time I'd seen him in three weeks. He seemed really tired, and his voice was weak, but he was glad to see us and enjoyed the singing. After we sang the German version of "It is Well with My Soul," Jim got a bit emotional and said, "That's been one of my favorite songs for over 50 years." Several of us had had trouble getting through the hymn as it was, but after Jim's comment I really had to fight back the tears.
In all honesty, Jim did not look good. His abdomen was distended, and he was really pale. The gravity of the situation became quite apparent to me after the visit on Sunday. The Springers' daughter, Karin, arrived in town on Saturday evening, and I know her presence has been a tremendous blessing for both Jim and Elsa.
Jim is uncomfortable right now but doesn't seem to be in pain. I've told Elsa that I want to help in any way I can, and beginning tomorrow I'm going to take care of some "secretarial" work for them. Just about everyone in the congregation is banding together to help support Jim and Elsa in different ways, and I know that's what it's going to take for all of us to get through this.
Please continue to pray for the Springers and for the congregation. We all appreciate your petitions to the Father, and I know they're being heard. Gott mit Euch!
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