He Will Be Missed

I have a heavy heart at the accidental death of a young friend of mine. Jeremy Earnshaw was on staff at the YWAM base in Newcastle, Australia. He and three friends went to spend the day at the beach after he called his father, Darryl, wishing him a happy Father's Day. He and his friends were enjoying the day as they were walking near some rock outcroppings when a freak wave swept over Jeremy and one of his friends--they were pulled into the wild waves. Jeremy was never seem again. His friend was rescued by an emergency helicopter about an hour later as he clung to a life vest that was thrown to him. A gallant search and rescue followed and in the midst of the storm they searched but found no trace of Jeremy.

Many of his friends and family have prayed with hope that he would be found. At this point--we are all saddened that he has not been found. His father will be going to Australia to handle the final affairs and to comfort the friends of Jeremy. Jeremy was 23 years old and engaged to a wonderful Australian woman. His fiancee, Christina, needs our prayers for comfort. Also we need to pray for his family as they seek understanding for this accidental loss.

Jeremy Earnshaw was an amazing young man who learned to give his life to others. He was a friend of mine and even though I was old enough to be his father--he was a friend. I will miss him so much. He gave his life to help troubled youth. Jeremy lived a full life because he gave his whole self to others. I loved him and will miss the great talks and cups of coffee we shared. He was not shallow he built his life on deeply held beliefs. He stood on the rock of his life--Jesus Christ.