Dear K2 Family,
At this point I am sure that a number of you are aware of the tragic accident that happened in the nursery this last Sunday at K2. Major Rhodes was in our nursery with some other children and four adults when he began choking and stopped breathing. 911 was called immediately and several doctors and nurses who attend K2 immediately came to Major's aid. Paramedics arrived soon after and took him to Primary Children's Hospital. The medical staff were able to get Major breathing, his heart started beating and he was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit. Unfortunately too much time lapsed where Major was not receiving oxygen and he passed away this morning around 4:00 am. It is hard to even express the heaviness in my heart as I write these words to you.
David and Darcy have been surrounded by friends and David's parents were flying in for a visit yesterday so have been here with them the entire time. In speaking with David he is amazed at the grace that God has been giving them and truly feel and are thankful for the support and prayers of everyone.
They were able to donate Major's kidneys and liver to offer life to another child, which was important for them. At this point their plan is to fly back to Nebraska as soon as possible where they will have the funeral and burial service for Major. There will be a memorial service here at K2 soon after they return. We will let you know the date and time as soon as we know.
I am sure that many of you will want to know how you can help. At this point their K2 small group is providing tremendous care and support. After they return we will let you know if there is further, tangible help you could assist with. At this point the greatest thing we can do is be praying for God to shower his grace and comfort on the family and all those involved on Sunday morning.
There are two other things that we want to offer anyone who may need to process this tragic event. First, we will have grief counseling available. You can contact the church office at 801-486-2240 if you feel this would be a helpful service. Second, we will be providing a meeting on Thursday evening at 7:00 to provide a time of prayer and discussion. All of us at this time have been thrown into a jumble of emotion and questions. We are the body of Christ and believe coming together can be helpful so we want to do that.
There are no answers to all the questions we have. But there are some things that we can know are true. And it is the truth about God that we are clinging to in times like these. Last night around 100 of us joined together at the church to pray for Major and the Rhodes family. Psalm 46 came to my mind and I shared it last night. I would like to leave you with these verses from that psalm.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day...
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
May we remember that He is ever-present with us and faithful to redeem the hardest things we face. We all appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time.
David NelsonLead PastorK2 The Church
2 comments:
Meg, it is so good to hear what wonderful support Dave and Darcy have through this! I can't even imagine the emotions involved. I was Dave's college roommate and heard about the tragedy a few days ago. I'm in Omaha, and my family and I are all here praying for their family as they go through this. We are ready to surround them with support at the funeral as they grieve. Because of the quality of guy Dave is, he has so many friends throughout the country and here in Omaha who are ready to do what we can to help.
Sincerely, Steve
Meg, I'm Kristi...Dave's sister. What kind words you wrote, though to read them again brought tears to my eyes as I recalled the day as my parents called. What a tragic event that took place but as we all have SEEN, God's amazing goodness has been revealed over and over again. I was sharing with Dave on the phone yesterday that 3 people have given their lives to Christ since sharing this story of family, faith, and God's mercy. There was also a friend of ours who is doing missions in Uganda, he received the email Wendesday night and brought the village together that he has been working with....over 200 people....the women formed a circle, arm in arm, and wept for Darcy as they have lost so many children themselves and lifted her up for God's peace that has carried them to carry her as well. The men, same thing...they prayed for Dave and his strength to be from God and that he would see God's goodness in this...Dave has! The children...this is what got my heart the began crying for the girls and they broke out in song and prayer...he said this went on for hours and not a dry eye in the hut was seen. God loves this family as He does love all of us! This is such a difficult time, though not impossible with our King! He is ever present in ALL things! I miss Major! He was born 2 weeks before my twin girls were. He was a precious baby who is with our Maker and though we deeply wish he was here, he couldn't be in a better place!! Thank you again for supporting my brother and Darcy. I love them and miss them already!!
In His Grip,
Kristi Cole
cole.kristi@yahoo.com
PS Jed, Darcy's brother said this of Dave & Darcy and their faith during the service and then on their blog: To see Dave stand in front of his son's casket and share to the congregation in the service of God's goodness shows just how much he does love the Lord and that his trust IS in him. And during the service when "How Great is Our God" started, their hands IMMEDIATELY stretch towards heaven praising God! What faith in our God and an inspiration to all of us! As Jed said "This was a good day"
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