The service was held "to celebrate the life" of Hunter. " We worship God and thank Him for the gift of Isaac," said in the announcement on the website of Northland, A Church Distributed in Longwood, Fla., whose senior pastor is Isaac's father, Joel C. Hunter, a member of President Barack Obama's advisory team.
Like Us on Facebook Subscribe to eNewsletter
Isaac Hunter's daughter, Jada, shared her thoughts before the congregation, saying her father was a "hero," although he "made some pretty awful choices this past year," according to Orlando Sentinel. Jada recalled how her father taught her fishing and would take her out for pizza, which she loved. Attending the service were members of both Northland and Summit churches.
The Northland Church posted a video featuring Isaac Hunter's life from birth through childhood, family life and his ministry years. Some speakers' speech in the memorial service are quoted as well.
He lived his life "full throttle," said Chad Turnbull, Hunter's longtime friend who was visibly speaking with a voice shaking with emotion.
"Hunter believed in God's ability to change people's lives and use them for His ministry. "God can use the imperfect, young, wet-behind-the-ears seminary students," Turnbull recalled Hunter as saying once. "He could see the butterfly in the caterpillar," he said. "He could see the saint in the sinner."
"Isaac never wanted people to be impressed by him," Hunter's uncle, Mark Beeson, added. "He always wanted them to be impressed by God."
Some people paid their tributes and said they are praying for the church and Hunter's family on the Northland church's Facebook page.
"So sad I can't be there. The Hunter family is in my thoughts and prayers. Joel and Isaac have lead so many to Christ, including myself. I have so much love and respect for this family, and am so very heartbroken for them. May God bless you Hunters. Peace be with you, " wrote someone named Mischa Berg.
"Makes me sad to see his smiling happy face. I remember him as a little boy. Many prayers for the Hunter family," another one named Beverly Dayton wrote.
About eight months ago, Saddleback Church leader Pastor Rick Warren and his family experienced a hard time when he lost his 27-year-old son Matthew who suicided.In a recent interview, Warren revealed that he indeed cried every single day of his life since Matthew died. However he said that was actually a good thing and the tear was not a sign of regret but a sign of love and care. He said, "The death of my own son has made me more sensitive. It's made me more compassionate. I can tear up pretty easily when I hear about somebody else, uh, going through and so my heart goes out to these people."
VIDEO: The Northland Church Remembers Life Of Isaac Hunter In Memorial Service
You may also like:
Rev. Mark H. Creech: When Pastors Struggle With Mental Illness And Suicidal Thoughts
No comments:
Post a Comment