The birth of a baby is exciting and calls for a celebration.

The death of a Christian should be even more so.  

The period between life and death on a tombstone is separated by a dash.

We all will be judged by how we lived our dash or (life). Everyone’s life is filled with a mixture of joy that is welcomed and brings happiness, and trials that aren’t pleasant and causes sorrow. 

Regardless of what life brings, we are encouraged and challenged to finish strong.

Hebrews 12:1 reads, “Let us run the race that is before us and never give up.”

God knows that the Christian race is not a leisurely jog, but rather a demanding, grueling and sometimes agonizing race.

Last week, Galen Bernard, a young man, passed away at age 53. He is survived by his wife Dolly, whom he met on a plane while going to Trinidad on a mission trip.

His mother is Reah Bernard, one of the people responsible for starting God’s ministry of Get High on Life.

In the early years, Galen and his brother Neal were instrumental in ministering to many young people who battled with drugs.

In 1994, God gave birth to New Wine Christian Fellowship. Neal is the founder and pastor and Galen was the assistant pastor at the time of his death.

Galen struggled with poor health, on and off, for over two years. Regardless of the physical attacks to his body, he never lost faith.  

He was hospitalized the weekend before his death and as Dolly, his mother, brothers, nephews and nieces were with him praying for his recovery, he told them he was ready to go home.

I was told by his mother that he gave words of encouragement to all, including his nephews and nieces.

With the peace that only God can give, he ministered like he always did. 

Evidently knowing what awaited him in Heaven, Galen was able to finish strong. What a testimony to all of us! 

 

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.