Dear Shiloh Family,
It is difficult to find words for this week's newsletter. And yet, I could talk for days. Processing thoughts after the loss of a loved one is confusing, so I'm in a bit of a quandary. My heart is heavy, but my spirit is not sad. My heart hurts for Mom, my family, and all of you, our friends.
For many of you/us, Dad has been your/our Pastor for most of your/our lives. We will certainly miss him, and feel lonely in his absence. The O'Neal family appreciates your prayers, but we also want you to know that we are praying for you as well. It didn't go unnoticed how some of you went out of your way to assist or encourage Pastor Paul every week, and we will be eternally grateful. We pray that you will not be saddened by his homegoing, but rather, that you will be empowered in knowing that our hope is not on this earth, nor does it lie in things or people on this earth.
1 Corinthians 15:15: 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. KJV
Our hope is in heaven, and his name is Jesus. Our Pastor would want you to remember what Jesus did for us and how he is our only comfort. Our Savior told us that he left to prepare a place for us, and Dad is there.
I am confident you will keep Mom in your prayers and continue to help fill those soon-to-come lonely days. Come join us Sunday at 4:00 PM at Shiloh. We will do our best to celebrate a legacy of ministry and worship. Paul O'Neal spent his entire life around the church doing the things of the Lord. Our family would be honored if you would share this special moment with us.
The O'Neal family would also like to ask a request. In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate it if you would make a donation to the Shiloh building fund. He so wanted to see the completion of the new children's/youth wing.
True success is when people are better when you leave than they were when you arrived.
God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell