Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Tuesday Morning Update

Thank you again for the outpouring of love and support that have been shown to Laura, Jon and Tanner. Tonight is the memorial service for Lindsay Bear and I know that the kids will appreciate your prayers.

Thanks to the folks at Dover Baptist Church, you will be able to listen to the service tonight by visiting this website: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/lindsaybear The service will begin approximately at 7:30 PM.

We will try and put a link for the service on the blog for those of you that can't get hear it through the church link, and can send you a CD upon request.

I would also encourage you to listen to today's SONGTIME broadcast with Dr. John DeBrine. He gave us an opportunity to share some of the things we have learned through this experience:
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Songtime/archives.asp?bcd=5/20/2008

Keep your blogs coming! They are encouraging the kids and all of the family. We love you.

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

We think of all of you so often and pray that God would give you a peace that is unfathomable. We will be praying for the service tonight... that you would have strength and that God would be glorified.

Much Love and Prayers,
Scott and Jill

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for you all. We'll especially be thinking of you today and tonight. We are sorry we can't be there for physical support tonight, but know that we love you and are supporting you from miles away!
All our love,
Jon, Kristen, and Liam

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and hopefully will be listening tonight.

Bracelets came yesterday so Lindsay's story is still being told and people are praying for you.

May God continue to make His presence known and cpmfort you and give you His strength and peace..

Love you all,
Miriam

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura, Jon, Tanner, Bill, Jan, Zach and the rest of the family - know that we continue to hold you CLOSELY in prayer. We have cried many times over the last several days and cannot begin to imagine what you all must be feeling. We are thrilled that they may be able to broadcast the service, or even have a link to a taping of it - we have tried to figure out how to logistically arrange our schedules so that at least one of us could be there with you tonight. Know that even though we have not succeeded on that front, we will very much be with you there. You have all become like part of our family and we have grown to sincerely love you through your trial. We are especially praying for you throughout today and the service this evening.

Love,

The Gibsons in CT

Anonymous said...

Jon, Laura, Tanner, Bill and Jan,
Unfortunately I will be unable to attend the service tonight as I am working at the hospital. However, please know that Lindsay is in my thoughts now and always....I am still wearing my bracelet and angel pin as I write this. I am planning on visiting the website posted and listening to the service tonight. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Lindsay's 8East Nurse,
Julia

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Kimberly Sousa

Phyllis -
Everyone here in the center are continuting to pray for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

The Hymn "Be Still My Soul" keeps going through my mind and one perticuler verse stuck out to me:
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Praying for you today.
Karyn

Anonymous said...

Laura & Jon, we are praying that the God of comfort will hold you in His arms. Our hearts hurt for you. We wish we could be there to give you hugs and support.

Much love, Candy & Greg

Anonymous said...

Oh Lord our hearts are heavy, but we set our face like a flint and know that YOU have her! Would anyone willingly give up such a blessing, this precious girl? And if so to whom? It is to You oh Lord that we commit her, from You she came and to You she has returned. Lord, I pray, You would bridge this period of time apart from her as this family lives on by Your grace. May they have the joy of sharing with as many as you will allow the story of their daughter's mighty ministry! In JESUS name I pray, amen.
Dear Laura, Jon & Tanner,
May the love in your home for each other increase and abound.
Love to you,
Dina
We will be listening tonight and praying.

Anonymous said...

hi jon and laura, my prayers and thoughts are with you and family at this time.ruth,elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura, Jon, Tanner, Bill, Jan, Warren,and Phyllis,

I'm walking with you through this
day...praying for the Lord's peace to envelope and strength you. Think on the tesstimony Lindsay's short life has been to the doctors, nurses, technicians...including me.

Does Jesus care when I've said goodby
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks-
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

O yes, He cares: I know He cares,H
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares. (He cares)

Grieving with you, MER

Unknown said...

Thinking of each one of you and praying for you. My heart and prayers are with you today, and will be tonight especially and the days to come. I love you all and our SS class and camp and friends here in PA are praying for you. I had a really great conversation with Chance and Kim Powell from our SS class about you guys on Sunday, and they have just felt so connected to you all. Love you, Melissa, Brian, Morgan, and Colin

Anonymous said...

i am happy that the technology guys at DBC are able to get the service on line for tonight. I will be watching it.

-Rachel C

Anonymous said...

"Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus."
May you "dive" into that deep, deep love and feel it engulf you, comfort you, support you..
We are holding you in our hearts, and pray His perfect peace and comfort when the tears come, when the emptiness seems overwhelming. We know there are no "right words" that can fully express our sincere sympathy, but please know how much we love you and are praying for you in the days ahead. His promises are sure, His love everlasting...Praying for all of Lindsay's family..Diane & George Nichols Wilm. DE

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura, Jon, Tanner, Bill, Jan, Zach- and families-

We continue to pray without ceasing- storming heaven for prayers of comfort, peace and strength for you this day. I do pray that the hole in your hearts will be filled with great memories and cherished times together as you remember Lindsay tonight and always.

We will be with you in spirit- listening to the broadcast and praying for you in the coming days. Please express our great appreciation to the techies that make it possible for all of us that are 'remote' to be with you.

Much love and many prayers to you all-
Matt, Sharon, Kelsey and Jared

Anonymous said...

Jon and Laura and Tanner, and extended Groen and Welte families -I'm struck by the comments on this blog from people all over the world. I'm one of those who can't be there tonight in person but will be there in spirit. Know that while you are gathered at Dover Baptist, many others will be turning from their day's or night's work to grieve with you and to celebrate Lindsay's life. I so wish I could be there. Much love, Sarah

Anonymous said...

I got an e-mail from a good friend telling me about your little girl. I'm so so sorry to hear about what happened. I wish that I could give you a big hug. I know they don't take away the hurt but they sometimes make you feel good to know someone cares. I lost my little boy this past December to a brain tumor. He was 6 years old. My only child. If you ever want to talk...I would love to hear from you.

My heart goes out to you because I know the pain you are going through.

brndymtchll@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura, Jon, Tanner, Bill, Jan, Zach, Warren,and Phyllis,

We are praying for you all today and this evening. Our family needed to stay behind at Keswick to keep things going here and are sorry we can not be there with you all tonight but...We send our love from our family to your family. The Wilson's in Whiting

Unknown said...

I will keep your family in my prayers. May God hold you in his arms during this time of pain and grief. God Bless!

With sympathy,
Sara Tannehill
(friend in Christ)

Anonymous said...

Although we will not physically be in Dover tonight, we will be there in spirit. We have not stopped praying or thinking of you ALL. Knowing Lindsay has helped us become better people and we are forever changed and grateful.

Love and prayers,

The Bowies

Anonymous said...

Jon & Laura and family,
This morning in my devotions I was reading one of the letters from a little book of letters of Frank Laubach, a missionary to a tropical island in the 1920's and 30's. This one really spoke to me of God's heart for us.

February 6, 1931
"Tonight, lonesome and half ill with a cold, I am learning from experience that there is a deep peace that grows out of illness and loneliness and a sense of failure. These things do drive me up my hill to God, and then there comes into my soul through the very tears a comfort which is so much better than laughter. It is 'the peace of God that passeth all understanding' unless one has it. God cannot get close when everything is delightful. He seems to need these darker hours, these empty-hearted hours to mean the most to people. You and I have known that over the coffin. We have known it when we parted and our hearts were sore. We have known it when we lay in bed helpless. Is this a deep truth in the very heart of nature?

We sing,
Nearer , my God, to thee, nearer to Thee!
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me.

Is the cross the only doorway to the very heart of God?"

Jon & Laura, Bill & Jan, Warren & Phyl,

God has laid on you the cross of the death of a dear, dear child. But Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29.

How I wish that I could take up your yoke of grief and carry it on my shoulders for you for just one hour. But I cannot. Only Jesus can shoulder that yoke. And even he does not lift it off your neck. He kneels down beside you and puts His arm around you and puts his shoulder under it with you. So that the burden will be bearable for you. Mt 11:30.

But I can pray. And I am. And I will.

Uncle Fenton

Anonymous said...

You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, especially this evening as you celebrate and honor Lindsay. I know the pain you are feeling and my heart breaks for you. I will continue to think about your family in the weeks, months, and years to come.
Love,
Nancy Brown
Hudson, NH

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon, Laura, Tanner, Bill, Jan, Uncle Warren and Aunt Phyl,

How often Vic and I and the girls have thought of you these past few days and sent up a prayer on your behalf. I can not even pretend to know what you're going through, but when I lost my father I remember the overwhelming sorrow and pain. The only, ONLY thing that got me through that time, the only thing I could cling to was the thought "I WILL see my dad again someday." And so it will be with Lindsay. You and all of us WILL see her again someday. May that bring you some measure of comfort. May these words from Steven Curtis Chapman encourage you today and in the days to come.

"This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but

We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
There's a place by God's grace
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again.

And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and

We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so

We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope.

We are praying! We love you!

Vic and Mary Lou

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura and Jon,

I just read the blog your parents sent to you. Yes,like Frank Laubach wote in 1931, it often takes grief, disappointment, lonliness, weariness for us to experience the peace and love of our Heavenly Father. We are never far from His sight...He is there supporting us with His comfort and everlasting arms.

Weeping with you, MER

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon, Laura, Tanner and family,
We are praying for you and wish we could be there with you. Our prayer is that God will comfort you in a way that you know peace, strength and courage comes only from HIM in a time such as this. As He wraps His loving arms around you we wish we could hug you right now. We love you. Aunt Connie and Uncle Bob

Anonymous said...

i am thinking of you guys today. I know its extreemly hard to say goodbye to your child, especially too soon. I feel for you, and can honestly say i know how you feel. My heart aches with you, and i wish i could have been there, everything told me i needed too, but just couldnt make it there. I have something on the way for you in the mail though. Talk to you soon!
Sibahan- Philadelphia, PA

Anonymous said...

Been praying for all of you off and on all day today and especially now as you get ready for Lindsay's memorial service. I hope to be able to listen and share this time with you. May GOD give you HIS incredible strength beyond measure tonight and in the days to come. GOD bless.

Carol Budd
Lakes Chapel, NJ

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon, Laura, Tanner and Family,

We're continuing to think of you and keep you all in our prayers. We're praying for continued strength and peace throughout the coming days.

Many prayers and hugs sent your way.
The Sheldon Family
Whiting Bible Church

Anonymous said...

Thinking of Lindsay and the family at this time.... God Bless and May Peace Be With You All. Still Pryaing in Westminster, MD. Kathy Cornell.

Anonymous said...

The service has wonderful, I did loss the sound and picture about 8:15pm. There was not one bad word about Lindsay, God has a wonderful child with him.
God bless each and everyone of you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the privilege of sharing in Lindsay's Memorial service.

God bless and comfort you all as He sustains you by His grace.

Love you all,
Miriam

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful remembrance of Lindsay and a tribute to God's grace and love. Thank you for sharing this time with us through technology- we only missed about 2 minutes! We are praying still- and will be in the days and months ahead for all of you.

Love and prayers-
Matt and Sharon

John 3:16

Anonymous said...

Laura-
Seeing you tonight stand and give thanks and speak at Lindsay's service- if Jon has raised the bar for fathers-you have just raised it for moms everywhere. For certain for me- I thank you for your willingness to demonstrate Phillipians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I will be praying for you and hope to see you back with us soon.
Love to you all,
Dina

Anonymous said...

I watched/listened to the service tonight. I could not hear all that was said, but the love of the speakers and singers came through loud and clear. My prayers will continue as I ask the Lord's comfort and peace in your lives.

God Bless You

Norma

Anonymous said...

prayed for you all constantly today. i asked the Lord for a peace and comfort that you could only trace to Him. just got home from work and was able to listen to the last portion of the service. thanks for sharing that with us as well. i will continue praying. jane

Tara said...

Jon, Laura & Tanner,

Although we have never met, I visited the blog everyday from the first day I heard about it. I just wanted to let you guys know you are in our hearts and prayers, and I pray the Lord will provide you peace, comfort and strength. Linday's has touched so many lives.


Tara & Chris Gann
Trinity Fellowship Church

Anonymous said...

Laura, I was so proud of you as you got up and spoke and thanked so many people. The grace God gave you was an encouragement to all moms out there. What a lovely tribute to Lindsay and thank you for sharing the memorial service with those of us who could not be there but were watching and praying. God is going to great things thru your steadfast faith and trust in Him. To God be the glory. Love, Aunt Connie

Anonymous said...

Laura,Jon and Tanner and families...I thought of all of you this day and though there may be hard times in the coming days you will be sustained.."When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee..."Isaiah 43:1...you have been a true inspration to so many; your beautiful angel is walking with the Lord...God bless, Melanie Vara(Whiting Bible Church)

Anonymous said...

So thankful to be able to view Lindsay's Memorial Service on the computer while it was taking place.
To God be the glory!

May the Lord continue to comfort and strengthen your each of you.

You are in our thoughts & prayers,
Bob & Linda West

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful and honoring service for Lindsay bear tonight. we were privileged to be there. praying for rest for you all tonight and traveling mercies for your wonderful family and friends.
love pam and fam

Ruminator said...

Dear Jon, Laura & Tanner,

The problem of pain was so well answered by your testimony and the beautiful service tonight. We do not always know why suffering is allowed but your faith has shown how to deal with it. Most people at work are at a loss of how they would weather such a storm. I have had opportunities to share your faith and what enables you to not despair.

We will continue to pray that Christ would bless you beyond measure, carry your yoke and put a hedge around you.

Micah

Anonymous said...

Been praying for all of you often today, Jon, Laura, Tanner, Bill, Jan, Zach, Julie, Josh, Jon's family...and all!
With love in Jesus!
Becky

Anonymous said...

Laura, Jon, Tanner, and the entire Welte and Groen family;
The service tonight was beautiful--I couldn't help smiling through my tears. My husband and I watched it online and saw the number of viewers exceed 130...and you know there was more than one person watching at each computer so that number is actually much higher! The image of Jesus caring for us the way Jon tenderly cared for Lindsay will stay with me forever. I pray constantly that God will comfort and strengthen your family. It may sound bizarre, but this little blond girl I never actually met has taught me more about courage, faith, hope and family than I have learned in my 31 years prior to this blog. I look forward to thanking her one day.
Love,
Abbie Hackett

Anonymous said...

My heart broke when I heard your news. Your MOPS International sisters (Zone Field Leader Team, Area Coordinators, Regional Coordinators, and MOPS Int. staff) across the country have been lifting you up in prayer and are continuing to do so.

May you find comfort in this quote from Peter Marshall. "Those we love are with the Lord, and the Lord has promised to be with us. If they are with Him, and He is with us, they cannot be faraway."

MOPS love,
Sherilyn DeHart, MOPS Area Coordinator - New England

Anonymous said...

I watched the memorial service last night until 8 p.m. when I lost the feed. It was a wonderful service filled with much love for Lindsay and the entire family. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have shared this time with all of you. You all have been a true example of facing trials with faith in the Lord. Thank you for that. Please know that you nor your beautiful daughter will not be forgotten. My family and I will always remember you in our prayers.

Love in Christ,
The Sheldon Family
Lisa, Scott, Noah & Sarah
Whiting Bible Church