This morning is the Memorial Service for my Grandpa, Gene Auxier. He’s one of the most faithful men I had the privilege of knowing in my life. Since my father was a pastor and I pastor, I didn’t get to hear him preach that often, but can still remember his fervency in the pulpit in those times I did.
The best I can piece together his story, God called him out of working on the railroad to preach and minister. In my conversations with him, he remembered a simpler time. He didn’t grow up with a lot of luxury. His parents were farmers (at least Grandpa could remember slaughtering the pig and putting it up for the winter). Even growing up, I can remember being intrigued by his simple way of living.
In these last few years, he was diagnosed and battled leukemia. I had the opportunity to visit with him a little over a week ago and his faith was firm to the end. He would often remind me that God was in control and the best was yet to come.
I’m grateful that now his faith is sight. The fight is over and in Christ, He knows the firstfruits of eternal life. I hope today is a day that brings glory to the Savior who made all of this possible.