Goodbye Stef…..

It is with great sadness I write this. My blog friend and AC180 comrad passed away on Sunday. You can read it here.

He fought cancer so hard and we were with him and his family every step of the way.

It is an odd thing having internet friends. I have reconciled with myself however that even though I have not met many of them they are closer to me than friends I know in person.

Stef was an amazing man of God. He fought hard for his life and prayed hard. He lived each day to it’s fullest and cherished his wife and and three kids dearly. He was and still is an inspiration to me. Even in my personal struggles he would, while dealing with cancer, send me messages of encouragement and to let me know he was praying for me. I know it was tough. real tough. But stef lived the word.

In everything…Give thanks.

And that spoke to my heart more than anything.

I am thankful with every fiber in me that stef is with the Lord right now.

His favorite verse was

Phil 1:6 “6 There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”

God fullfilled a great work in stef. Probablly more than he or his wife even knew. He reached many people and I know at minimum the guys at AC180 all recieved a piece of Christ from him.

I am thankful I knew stef, wish I could have met him, and filled with joy about seeing him in heaven.

Thank you stefan…..


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10 responses to “Goodbye Stef…..”

  1. Shannon Lewis Avatar

    I’m sorry, though happy for him. It’s so strange: death is clearly “not the way it’s supposed to be”, but yet it’s the door to such great joy and true life. I’ll be praying for you, and his other friends and family. Bless you.

  2. lori Avatar

    Joel, I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. It is surprising how close we can be to people we haven’t met in person. The pain of loosing a friend is still familiar to me, and so I pray for Stef’s family during this time, and also for you.

    loris last blog post..Christmas Maryisims

  3. Chris Avatar

    I followed Stef’s blog every now and then over the last year or so. I hadn’t heard about his death until I read your post. What a crazy time of year for this to happen.

    Chriss last blog post..Worship Confessional – December 14, 2008

  4. Joel Klampert Avatar

    guys pray for his wife and three kids…It pains me to even think about had this been me and my wife and three kids…Very very hard time for them.

  5. Mud Puppy Avatar

    Great post Joel. It pains me that I never met him in person. We came so close once.

    I’ll see you on the flip side Stef!

    Mud Puppys last blog post..The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

  6. alece Avatar

    oh man. i am so sorry.

    aleces last blog post..twenty-three: hours to remember

  7. Aaron Conrad Avatar

    Joel and MudPuppy –

    I can tell you both that Stef spoke and thought so highly of you. AC180 was a special time and ministry for each of us. To reflect now and know that God, in his providence, was bringing Stef and I into a journey before it started speaks to Gods faithfulness. Just as he brought people into Stef’s journey then, I have faith that He will bring people into the journey that his wife and 3 children are just beginning.

    Stef lived my favorite quote: “You can say what you think, but you will live what you believe”. He lived what he believed. He believed in his family. He believed in loving his wife. He believed in people and friendships and most importantly to him, he believed in God.

    What a day that will be when our spirits join as one to worship the almighty together. Thank you for sharing the journey with Stef. Thank you for supporting all of us. Love you guys.

    Aaron Conrads last blog post..One Bright Hour

  8. Kurt Avatar

    I was routinely checking emails when I across this. 0n Christmas night. I also never had the pleasure of meeting Stef, but knew him like a brother none the less. Sadness is replaced with the joy in the knowledge of his place with our Lord. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife and children, as well as his family and friends. So long Stef, I’m going to miss you.

  9. Rindy Walton Avatar

    We never met Stef either, yet felt we knew him. All you AC180 guys inspired my son, Matt, and have left a lasting impression. Stef, and all of you, may never know what influence you have on the people you “meet” through blogging.

    Rindy Waltons last blog post..Knowing…and changing

  10. Fred F. McKinnon Avatar

    Stef’s fight was such an inspiration. Oh, how I wish (and prayed) that he’d have a miracle here on the earth. But his faith was so strong, and I admire the way he fought. God bless his family, and bring the peace and comfort to them that no one else ever could

    Fred

    Fred F. McKinnons last blog post..Christmas Carols – To Sing or Not to Sing

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