I just wanna be a blessing

[Roland Hearn]

As I was writing the words of my memorial post that phrase came to my mind. It is from CS Lewis final book of the Narnia Chronicles, which was one of Brad's favorite books. That phrase was perhaps Brads favorite way of talking about heaven. He saw it, as Lewis did, as not just our final home but a journey that will take us eternally closer to the heart of God.

[Hans Deventer]

Reminds me of the theme of the 2008 Wesley Center Conference: Furtherness: Holiness Reoriented in a Changing World (http://www.nnu.edu/wesley2008).

I'm more and more aiming to live like that.

[Ian Gentles]

I think that is a description of Heaven that captivates many christians, there is none better!

[Barbara Moulton]

Because Brad and I shared that love of Lewis, I knew what those words meant as soon as I checked NazNet from work today.

I will write more later from home when I have time to express what Brad meant to me. But for now, to his family and friends, my heart goes out in prayer and thought.

I can't tell you how much I am going to miss him.

Love in Christ,
Barbara

[Hans Deventer]

These words have kept on going through my mind. I can see them almost like an epitaph: William Bradford Mercer - 1956-2007 - "I Just wanna be a blessing".

I know, it usually meant for him that he was joking. But in retrospect, it is so much more, so much more profound too. It's not a bad goal for one's life, not at all.

We're writing stuff here to remember Brad and share what he meant to us. And by all means, we should! But I want more, I want his legacy to come alive in me. I want that epitaph to be true for my life as well, when the day comes that I'll be leaving this earth for the arms of my Lord and Saviour, the One, who, (it's slowly getting through to me) truly loves me, rejoices in me, is even proud of me and only wipes away all those times I started with, "Yes Lord, but ....".

I want to live a life where love is enough indeed and I can be a blessing. You showed me, brother. Thanks a million. I'll follow.

[Gord Evans]

"Then he breathed upon me and took away the trembling from my limbs and caused me to stand upon my feet. And after that, he said not much but that we should meet again, and I must go further up and further in. Then he turned him about in a flurry of gold and was gone suddenly.

"And since then, O Kings and Ladies, I have been wandering to find him and my happiness is so great that it even weakens me like a wound. And this is the marvel of marvels, that he called me Beloved, me who am but as a dog--" -- "The Last Battle", C.S. Lewis

... the battle and the wanderings are done ... O, Lord, hug Your beloved and welcome him into Your arms.


As I was writing the words of my memorial post that phrase came to my mind. It is from CS Lewis final book of the Narnia Chronicles, which was one of Brad's favorite books. That phrase was perhaps Brads favorite way of talking about heaven. He saw it, as Lewis did, as not just our final home but a journey that will take us eternally closer to the heart of God.

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

In the midst of remembering His theological urgings, i can't forget his humor and a tradition that he began.

In the early days of NazNet, several of us hadn't met in person. As time and events have allowed - several have met. i think that Brad was one who really birthed the joy of meeting other NazNetters. In fact, if i am remembering correctly there was a time where he and Wanda were neck and neck with how many they had met. For a very long time, Brad ranked as having met the most NazNetters in person.

One of the traditions that was *required* at the early NazNet meetings was vegemit (http://www.vegemite.com.au/vegemite/page?PagecRef=1). Oh, the memories of stories that would come. We could sit by the computers waiting to hear of the stories. my personal experience with the tradition came from being served from an Australian native, Jill. i really enjoyed my experience. Brad's version of the tradition was very different though. Brad's version was one that had the vegemite piled on a cracker for the victim's consumption and the fellowship bonding that followed is forever etched within the memory lane of each individual.

Cheers to continuing the tradition of vegemite at first meetings.

i have extremely mixed emotions this morning. Praying for the families involved and for all of us as we evaluate the legacy that we will leave behind.

To the families, thank you for being intimate and sharing during this journey that we will all walk one day.

Blessings

[Ian Gentles]

Ah Vegemite, the NazNet dish, good memories, actualy love the stuff!

[Linda Bechtold]

The first time Brad exposed me to vegamite was at Dallas Central during District Assembly. Schmelzenbach was speaking and Brad cracked open the jar. It smelled so bad it gave me the giggles. I did try it though.... just once.

[Roland Hearn]

Brad said just the other day how that line had always been a little joking, and he usually used it in that context, but in his heart who always felt it was his life's desire. He then when on to say he felt like he had been a blessing. I assured him that he was not mistaken.

[Roland Hearn]

Thank you Belinda - let me assure you I will do my best to continue the tradition.

[Gina Stevenson]

As his sister, Janet, said, too ... he loved browsing through the market. Think it was Central Market that [about 5.5 yrs ago] we browsed through as I stopped there in Frisco while moving from AZ back to MI. Neat place it was.

[Barb Bouldrey]

I never met Brad, but I observed the story of his journey. I saw a life that was given for others and for God. I saw the joy of the Lord in his life.

I will always remember how he seemed to enjoy being a part of the new start in Texas, the recovery work from Katrina and relocating to help start a church in another country.

This man had such a positive attitude and joy...and his expression that God is God and love is enough.

Barb

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

Thank you Belinda - let me assure you I will do my best to continue the tradition.

*smiles*

i have no doubt that you will continue the tradition.

Question:

Were you the first NazNetter that he met? i do know that you are the one who serve him his first taste of vegemit.

Could you share of that first NazNet bite?

[Barb Bouldrey]

Thank you, Belinda, for thanking the family for sharing their journey. I felt that, too, and have failed to express it.

Barb

[Roland Hearn]

*smiles*

i have no doubt that you will continue the tradition.

Question:

Were you the first NazNetter that he met? i do know that you are the one who serve him his first taste of vegemit.

Could you share of that first NazNet bite?

Early on when Naznet was still in its infancy there was a thread running about how the church should function. I've always been a little out there and wrote about some of the things we had done in our church to refocus, like canceling every meeting apart from morning worship for a year to spend those times in prayer. Something caught his attention in that and we started corresponding by email. That led to exchanging culturally iconic gifts - among other things we got salsa and Brad got Vegemite. To my shame he embraced my gift, while I washed my mouth out. :basic05. I didn't get to see that bite. But obviously Brad got a little twisted smile and a twinkle in his eye and thought to himself, "I know what to do with this."

[Ian Gentles]

Pity Vegamite isnt available in USA anymore. Would be good for every NazNetter to slurp some in memory of Brad ;) Brad would love that idea!

[Amanda Contento]

I did not know Brad like you all did, but to see my mom hurt by all this makes me sad. I wish he could have lived long enough to finish what he has started. He is with God and I think that is the best thing he could have for, for Christmas. He gets to celebrate Jesus' Birthday with him and sit next to him and actually speak with him. My prayers are with his wife and family, I hope she sees that he is in a happy place and not in pain anymore and he will always be with her (he is also bringing a friend and that is Jesus). Everything will be alright and God will continue to be there for her when she needs a shoulder to cry on. So sorry to have someone be gone at this special time of year.

[Ian Gentles]

Maybe we could have a remember Brad time on Flashchat at a time chosen by moderators? We did it for Craig Whitlatch.

[Dave McClung]

Maybe we could have a remember Brad time on Flashchat at a time chosen by moderators? We did it for Craig Whitlatch.

Ian, back when Craig Whitlatch died the NazNet Community was much smaller. We could all get on the chat without overloading the server. I really doubt that it would work now. I am fairly sure that if we tried such a chat, the server would crash.

Besides that, we have observed that the forum format works better than the chat format when there are a lot of people participating. It seems that the forum format is allowing everyone to participate.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

[Ian Gentles]

My pleasure, good points.

[Roland Hearn]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You, the people of Naznet, have ministered to my heart through this long night. You have been a God send, literally. Some of the things you have written have filled my heart in more ways then I could describe. I hope Karen, and Emmy and Janet and any other lurking Mercer's get to sense the comfort that has flown from these genuine words of affection. I love you people.

We will go on and our hearts will heal but I recognize that the solace in these writings has been a genuine gift of grace. I said to Karen yesterday, or the day before, sometime in the last few days, that the hardest thing will be that from now until our own parting every wonderful step the church takes will have the sense of, "oh I wish Brad could see this." Life can never be the same again but you my Naznet family have shown me, it can be good.

Continue to pray for Brad's extended family, this is such a horrible time for each of them. Only God can touch such wounds but time will never erase them completely.

[Ian Gentles]

Hey mate Brad see's everthing now, we the folks that got the problems still! Love ya mate!

[Eugenia Whitten]

As I read all of the wonderful memories, I only think of what a wonderful man Brad was. Although, I have not been a participant of the NazNet board for very long, I wanted to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and many friends of Brad.

[Kim Hersey]

"I just wanna be a blessing" -- that saying was Brad's humor, and Brad's life, as I experienced it.

For the rest of the Mercer's, whom I have never met, and for the Hearn's:

I met Brad in person only once--in San Antonio at the Naznet Breakfast during General Assembly. It seems odd to sit at work and shed tears for someone that I had no regular contact with, but that's exactly what I'm doing. I can count on my fingers the number of times we've exchanged emails of private messages on Naznet, and yet I'm grieving for real.

Brad inspired me a decade ago with his amazing thinking and easygoing way of genuinely caring about people. His life of blessing others has blessed me through the past ten years. I watched as the dreams for NewStart Frisco became public, and prayed for that church and its leadership. I remember when Brad left a great job to help make a church plant happen. I remember when he and Karen started planning (ok, publicly planning!) to move to Australia. I've been blessed by his and Roland's joint writing.

And, in some weird-to-explain ways, Brad Mercer inspired me to have the courage to leave the known for the unknown and be part of a new church plant. And ALWAYS he reminded me that Abba loves me.

Thanks Brad. Thanks Karen, Jacob, Charlotte, and Wes, for sharing him with the rest of the world. My prayers are with you in these days.

Roland & Emmy... you could have kept Brad & Karen to yourselves these past few months. I'm so glad you didn't. I've learned so much and been so blessed, and "I just wanna be a blessing", too.

Kim

[LoraineStanton]

Ah yes Vegemite! I remember having that on my breakfast toast after speding the night at Karen and Brad, while helping a friend move to Texas. Brad was such an amazing man! Thanks for the vegemite reminder Belinda

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Brad's passing broke my heart and I had never met him. I am at a loss as to what to say. Why did God permit me to remain here in 2000, when Brad had to go, and I didn't? If possible, I would have been willing to go instead of him.
In 2000, Dwayne sat by my hospital bed, and we discussed the way a couple will at a time like that. But, I am still here. I can pray for the Hearn and Mercer family, and the Lord's work for Him, there in Australia.

But, God did heal him. He gave him the complete healing. That is the anser He gave me aabout our son that is with our Lord. We just have to realize, that we only see the tangled threads on the underside of the tapestry, but God see the upperside, and knows what He feels is best.
Blessings and love to all of you. Dwayne and I immediately prayed for those left behind, when I first read of Brad's passing, today.

[Dana Grant]

Maybe we could have a remember Brad time on Flashchat at a time chosen by moderators? We did it for Craig Whitlatch.

I was wondering about that, too, Ian, but you know, if all of the people who have written condolences to Brad's family were to enter the chat room, I'm afraid it would be more chaotic than beautiful. Not that it is any of my decision, of course, but I had really considered suggesting that, too.......but can you imagine 50 people in a chat room? Oh dear......

[Dana Grant]

Oops, I should have read ahead before I responded to your post, Ian......sorry.

[Dana Grant]

Personally, I've always compared the taste of Vegemite to road tar.

Now, I have never tasted road tar, but Vegemite tastes like what I THINK road tar would taste like!!


But it sure was fun to try it!! One thing about Vegemite, it always brings about laughter when someone first tries it!!

What a nice memory.

[Londa Paul]

Hal and I want to say thanks to the Mercer family for sharing Brad with us. Although we didn't have the opportunity to meet in person, we were both encouraged by his posts on Naznet and are so thankful for his wisdom and kindness. What a wonderful and Christ-like man to have read after. God bless you all Mercer family and also Hearn friends. We are praying for you tonight.

[Linda Bechtold]

Personally, I've always compared the taste of Vegemite to road tar.

Now, I have never tasted road tar, but Vegemite tastes like what I THINK road tar would taste like!!


But it sure was fun to try it!! One thing about Vegemite, it always brings about laughter when someone first tries it!!

What a nice memory.

My first thought when I smelled it was road tar!!!

[Mike Wooldridge]

Brad first posted about his cancer on March 5, the day my wife, Mary, passed from this life to Heaven. I came to NazNet about 4 months later, in July. In spite of his illness Brad supported me with his encouragement and humor.
My condolences the Brad's family and friends.
This will be a work in progress to Brad

Where (http://www.newstart-frisco.com/) he came from (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id-YJ612lRM).

To the city and country he made his home (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6S4aDARuv8)

His mission (http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php?t=16308&highlight=NewStart)

To his final journey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT88jBAoVIM).

[Roland Hearn]

Good job Mike. I wish you had told me you were coming here to video travel from Hervey Bay to Brisbane, I would have gone with you:basic03.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Dear Friends:

Please be assured of my prayers in your time of grief. May God give grace and peace as you trust God to see you through in these hours. While your hearts are heavy, by God's grace focus on what you have left more than what you have lost. You have a legacy of a life that brought glory to God. Rejoice in the eternal hope of reunion one day.

Nina Gunter
General Superintendent
Church of the Nazarene

[Roland Hearn]

Dr. Porter commissioned Dr. Middendorf as the presiding GS of this region, and a personal friend, to write a letter that will be read at Brad's memorial service on behalf of the board of General Superintendents. I'm pretty confident Brad would be a little chuffed by the knowledge that the board of GSs were taking a personal interest in him.

[Eugenia Whitten]

You did a wonderful job, Mike.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Nina must be over the Philippine area. She and Moody are there right now.
Where will Brad's funeral be? Will there be a Memorial there, and then one in the states? Our GS's care about us. They would not have been elected, if they had not been loving, caring people--in my opinion
I just cried, and Dwayne took off his glasses, and had misty eyes. He came over and knelt by the sofa, where I was seated, knelt down and we prayed.
Soon, I had to leave to get a perm, and kept crying, as I told the beutician about Brad.
And, just think, we had never met him, so how must your's and his family, and a vast number of his friends feel?

[Roland Hearn]

Where will Brad's funeral be? Will there be a Memorial there, and then one in the states?

The memorial service for Brad will be at Meadowlands Church of the Nazarene in Brisbane on Wednesday December 19 at 3:00 pm. I believe that is at 11:00 pm on Tuesday US central time.

Barring logistic contingencies that we have not yet come across there will be another memorial service in the Dallas area in late January. It might make a great Naznet meeting time.

I sure wish we could video the service in Brisbane and post it on Naznet probably not really possible but it might be possible to create a live feed for the one in Dallas. I have no idea of the logistics involved in that, I am way over my head but I think it would be cool.

[Mike Wooldridge]

Would it be possible to videotape either or both services and post on GodTube and/or YouTube?

[Kevin Rector]

I'm pretty confident Brad would be a little chuffed by the knowledge that the board of GSs were taking a personal interest in him.

What does "chuffed" mean?

[Steve Walsh]

chuffed means pleased (mixed with surprised).

[Ian Gentles]

Yes, He was a blessing where as many times i know I am not.

[Gina Stevenson]

What does "chuffed" mean?

Didn't exactly know, either, tho' context hinted. At times like that, Kevin, http://www.dictionary.com is a great resource (there's a thesaurus there, too)! ;)

[Hans Deventer]

Yes, He was a blessing where as many times i know I am not.

The Lord (that's the only one we ever refer to with a capital H, right?) is our example all the same, Ian. Even if we fail. We may always start again.

[Barbara Moulton]

On this Sunday morning, as I prepare my heart for worship, I am finally ready to post a very simple thought.

In The Salvation Army, we used to talk about being "promoted to Glory" when someone died.

As I wrote in another thread...this morning I am grieved for all of Brad's family and closest friends. I am grieved for myself. But I am no longer grieved for Brad. In faith I believe that he is experiening what the words of the hymn "Promoted to Glory" say.

Once the sword, but now the scepter,
Once the fight, now the rest and fame,
Broken every earthly fetter,
Now the glory for the cross and shame;
Once the loss of all for Jesus,
But now the eternal gain.

"Well done, though good and faithful servant."

My heartfelt prayers for Brad's family and all of family in Christ in Australia. Fall back into the arms of a loving God who has promised to walk with us through the darkest of times.

Love,
Barbara

[Kevin Rector]

Didn't exactly know, either, tho' context hinted. At times like that, Kevin, http://www.dictionary.com is a great resource (there's a thesaurus there, too)! ;)

I figured it meant something like what it means, and usually I would have just looked it up too, but when it comes to regional slang I usually like to ask the person who uses the word to find out what it means.

[Gina Stevenson]

I figured it meant something like what it means, and usually I would have just looked it up too, but when it comes to regional slang I usually like to ask the person who uses the word to find out what it means.

Yeah, tho't so! ;)

[Dave McClung]

I sure wish we could video the service in Brisbane and post it on Naznet probably not really possible ...

If you can arrange for someone to capture the service on video tape, I am confident that we can find a way to make it avialable on NazNet.

[Roland Hearn]

I've been working in that direction just in case.

[Laynette Johnson]

To Brad's entire family:

We have the highest regard for Brad's life and how he showed us Christlikeness: humility, burden for the lost, unselfishness, total trust in God for the future, love of family, holy living at any cost! I count it a privilege to have been one of his prayer partners during the Frisco New Start time.

Our world is a better place because of his example!

Our prayers continue with the whole family.
Milton and Laynette Johnson

[Dennis M. Scott]

Earlier threads regardless, I doubt whether the internet goes to heaven. Consequently, what we address to Brad probably doesn't get through, or even matter to him. I found a couple of Brad's earlier posts, however, for which I hadn't thanked him. They were vintage Brad posts - insightful and encouraging. So today I went back and hit the "Thanks" button. He's likely got more lofty things going on, so I know it's pretty much meaningless.

But it certainly made me feel better.

[Dave McClung]

Earlier threads regardless, I doubt whether the internet goes to heaven. Consequently, what we address to Brad probably doesn't get through, or even matter to him. I found a couple of Brad's earlier posts, however, for which I hadn't thanked him. They were vintage Brad posts - insightful and encouraging. So today I went back and hit the "Thanks" button. He's likely got more lofty things going on, so I know it's pretty much meaningless.

But it certainly made me feel better.

Maybe we should move this one to the theology thread. If people who have died don't know about what is going on on Earth, how do you explain the story of Lazaras, the begger?

[Dennis M. Scott]

Maybe we should move this one to the theology thread. If people who have died don't know about what is going on on Earth, how do you explain the story of Lazaras, the begger?


Nowhere in that parable does it say that Lazarus could see what was going on anywhere other than where he was. It was the dead rich man who was in hell, that was involved in the conversation with Father Abraham, who presumeable had an unusual role, and was able to communicate that no one could cross over from somewhere.

However, since it's all about hell, maybe it should be sent to the theology board. :eek:

[Kevin Rector]

Thanks for this post Dennis. One of my silly hobbies is randomly clicking deep in to the thread history on a forum to see the conversations that happened a long time ago. It's been interesting the emotions that have come up from reading posts from Brad. Two days ago I randomly went to page 101 of the posts and right at the top was Brad's announcement that they were moving to Australia.

In a way if felt like he was still with us as I read his words, and it made me feel better too.

[Karen Mercer]

... the battle and the wanderings are done ... O, Lord, hug Your beloved and welcome him into Your arms.

It's funny that you should say it that way, Gord. When I think of Brad these days I have side-by-side mental images. In one image I see Brad so sick in his hospital bed, in a coma, unable to lift his head or turn himself over. It was so sad and broke my heart to see him that way. In the other image of Brad, I see him being personally welcomed into Heaven by Jesus himself. I can see Jesus telling Brad that he's going to be ok and we're all going to be alright and He's really glad to see him and to come on in and make himself at home. And of course Brad would go with Jesus right out of the hospital bed and into Heaven ~ Brad's always followed Jesus. It's a very comforting image for me.

[Bruce Carriker]

In a way if felt like he was still with us as I read his words, and it made me feel better too.

Kevin,

At one funeral I attended, the pastor said that our friend who had died would always be with us as long as we kept telling their story. To a greater (Karen, Janet, Charlotte, Roland) or lesser extent (me and others here who only knew Brad from NazNet), the story of Brad's life has become part of our stories as well, so in that sense, Brad will always be with us. And that makes me feel better, too.

[Steve Walsh]

Bruce, your signature mystified me for a few minutes but now I get it. Americans say era and error as homonymns, whereas us Aussies say them as follows; era (EAR-uh] and error [AIR-uh].

It refers to inauguaration day in 2009 when the current US president steps down from office. Has anyone asked about it or commented on it previously? Did they see it as provocative (given the likelihood that most Naznetters are probably Republicans)?

I just found this online: http://www.backwardsbush.com/
It counts down to "the end of an error".

[Chuck Millhuff]

Dear Karen:
I don't know you nor even ever met Brad but we were dreaming together and he was dreaming till the very moment he headed for the main office where he can really help Jim and me see our dreams come true in Australia with Roland. I hope to be in Dallas for the service celebrating his life and memory. You married a great guy that's why it hurts so much. We are in prayer for you here in our home in Olathe, Kansas.
Chuck Millhuff

[Paula Karr]

Personally, I've always compared the taste of Vegemite to road tar.

Now, I have never tasted road tar, but Vegemite tastes like what I THINK road tar would taste like!!


But it sure was fun to try it!! One thing about Vegemite, it always brings about laughter when someone first tries it!!

What a nice memory.

Dana -

Dennis and I went out to breakfast this morning (Christmas Eve day). We went to Cracker Barrel and were seated in the center dining room, right in front of the roaring fire. I ordered my breakfast, was sipping my coffee, and tears suddenly came to my eyes. Dennis said, "I know what you're thinking about." It was the same Cracker Barrel where Brad, Karen and their kids met with a bunch of us Arizona NazNetters when the Mercers were coming through town. Remember? We were even sitting in the same spot this morning.

My most favorite memory of that night was when someone brought up the topic of Vegemite. With great pleasure, I reached into my purse and pulled out what had been a hard-to-find jar of the stuff! What fun as we all put a little bit of Vegemite on what was normally a delicious Cracker Barrel biscuit. Everyone was laughing so hard as each person took their first bite. Brad called us all pagans because we all disliked it so much.

Yep. Road tar. Nothing else can come close to describing the smell of Vegemite. If one concludes that something is likely to taste like what it smells like, I can only assume that road tar tastes just like Vegemite.

Even with the Vegemite, it was a wonderful evening!

Paula

[Karen Mercer]

Dear Karen:
I don't know you nor even ever met Brad but we were dreaming together and he was dreaming till the very moment he headed for the main office where he can really help Jim and me see our dreams come true in Australia with Roland. I hope to be in Dallas for the service celebrating his life and memory. You married a great guy that's why it hurts so much. We are in prayer for you here in our home in Olathe, Kansas.
Chuck Millhuff

Thanks Chuck. Brad was so excited to be working with you towards getting the church we dream of growing in Brisbane. He fought hard to stay here and keep working on "the dream". He and Roland have made that vision come alive in me and in our kids' and it is spreading. So although Brad would have loved to watch the dream come true he trusted God to be the one building this church, not Brad himself.
Thanks for the prayers for our family. The kids and I have talked about it and we all feel comforted and cushioned by the love and prayers of people all around us. I'd love to meet you at the memorial service in Dallas. As soon as we know when we can get there and get the service planned, we'll let everybody know. It ought to be sometime in late January.
karen

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

The quote from C.S. Lewis is beautiful. Over the years, our adult SS quarterlies used his quotes a lot. As I read the posted quote, I just had to read it to Dwayne. The part saying "farther up and farther in", reminds me of a poem Dwayne loves to read. It just makes him cry. It is "I Stand By the Door." It seems that the arthor is named Shoemaker. Some of you may be familiar with this poem. Some of the dear old saints have gone deeper into the place, that the door is the entrance to, but Dwayne breaks up, when he quotes the part that says, I stand by the door. That is his heart's cry, to stand by the door, and help guide those straying lost souls, to find the way to enter in. So, you see why I, also, would feel that was the kind of person Brad was, even though, we never met? He has had the precious priviledge of "going farther in", and we, who are left behind, must "Stand by the door."

[Roland Hearn]

The quote from C.S. Lewis is beautiful. Over the years, our adult SS quarterlies used his quotes a lot. As I read the posted quote, I just had to read it to Dwayne. The part saying "farther up and farther in", reminds me of a poem Dwayne loves to read. It just makes him cry. It is "I Stand By the Door." It seems that the arthor is named Shoemaker. Some of you may be familiar with this poem. Some of the dear old saints have gone deeper into the place, that the door is the entrance to, but Dwayne breaks up, when he quotes the part that says, I stand by the door. That is his heart's cry, to stand by the door, and help guide those straying lost souls, to find the way to enter in. So, you see why I, also, would feel that was the kind of person Brad was, even though, we never met? He has had the precious priviledge of "going farther in", and we, who are left behind, must "Stand by the door."


That's well said Anne, great imagery. That really was Brad. He was desperate to know that he stood by the door and now he has the reward he longed for - he goes deeper daily.

[Joel Merrill]

I was just looking through a folder of pictures I have saved from Naznet over the years and I found a couple interesting ones of Brad.

Joel

[Bruce Carriker]

It seems odd to sit at work and shed tears for someone that I had no regular contact with, but that's exactly what I'm doing. I can count on my fingers the number of times we've exchanged emails of private messages on Naznet, and yet I'm grieving for real.....

Thanks Brad. Thanks Karen, Jacob, Charlotte, and Wes, for sharing him with the rest of the world. My prayers are with you in these days.

Roland & Emmy... you could have kept Brad & Karen to yourselves these past few months. I'm so glad you didn't. I've learned so much and been so blessed, and "I just wanna be a blessing", too.

Kim

Kim,
I know exactly how you feel. When I first read of Brad's homegoing, I sat at the computer and wept. I'm sure the other folks in the library must have wondered what was wrong with me! :laughing:laughing

I sometimes tell my daughters that you can't develop real friendships over the Internet, and then I try to reconcile that with how much it hurts to sit here and type this and know that there are no more Brad Mercer private messages, no more Brad Mercer posts, no more Brad Mercer blogs, coming.

Now I'll just have to watch for the signposts in my life where someone has scratched the words, "Brad was here" and then I'll know that I'm still/back on the right track.

[Terri Knoll]

I sometimes tell my daughters that you can't develop real friendships over the Internet, and then I try to reconcile that with how much it hurts to sit here and type this and know that there are no more Brad Mercer

that's a good lesson for all of us to learn. it's simply not true that you can't love someone enuff to cry when they die, if you didn't physically know that person. My older children that are not as addicted to Naznet/internet as I and my youngest child (Amanda Contento) are, cannot understand why I cried, am still grieving, will grieve for a long time. Mandy understands because she has developed not only a love for her internet friends, but also a deeper understanding of her moms love for her internet friends. It also helps us identify, cry for, pray for alot of the injustice in the world. Especially when you get it from the person living it, via internet. With internet security I understand people being careful, but if you open up your connections in all your messenger services, you will be innundated with people searching for answers (especially if you list christian in your profile) and just maybe we might just "get to be a blessing"

[Janet Mercer]

Dana -


My most favorite memory of that night was when someone brought up the topic of Vegemite. With great pleasure, I reached into my purse and pulled out what had been a hard-to-find jar of the stuff! What fun as we all put a little bit of Vegemite on what was normally a delicious Cracker Barrel biscuit. Everyone was laughing so hard as each person took their first bite. Brad called us all pagans because we all disliked it so much.


Paula

That's so funny. Brad called anyone a pagan that didn't like something food related that he loved. I can hear him saying it. :laughing

[Gina Stevenson]

Was at that meeting Paula described; it was the first time I'd met any NazNetters in person [SE side of Phoenix...Mesa, perhaps? not sure]. Anyway, there were quite a few there that time, too. It was indeed an "interesting" time ... vegemite, & all! ;) Later, while at their house during an AZ to MI layover, I got to pick at Brad [paybacks! :basic05] about drinking veggie juice!

We did have a good time discussing this 'n that, tho', too, while browsing that interesting Market we went to.

[Hans Deventer]

Our church's magazine, called the "Reflector" (the idea is, we are to reflect the love of God in the magazine and in our lives), placed an article by yours truly on Brad. Roland and he visited our church in May 2005.

You can find the magazine here (http://www.nazarene.nl/~hd/refl200810.pdf) (it's quite a download, lots of pictures). Of course it is all in Dutch, but on page 12 I've written the following on Brad, and on the next pages is his post you'll find on NazNet (http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php?t=2050) as the first one in the Sin and Holiness thread. I've translated it into Dutch.

On 13-12-2007 Brad Mercer died of cancer. For those that don't know him, Brad was an American Nazarene who got to know an Australian pastor through the internet and together they started a new church in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, from 1996 on. After some 7 years the Australian went back to Brisbane and in September 2006 Brad and his family moved there to help him start a church there as well. Unfortunately, in March this year, it appeared he had cancer and eventually died because of it on the 13th of December.

Brad was a friend of mine. I met him only a few times, I stayed with him in Texas and he stayed with me (and visited our church), but nowadays you can develop friendship over the internet that can be more personal than the ones in the "real" life. Above all, his faith, his vision of who God is, what sin is, what holiness is, what spiritual growth is, has been a huge inspiration for me. He wrote a lot about that, but the article below is probably one of the best.

Hans Deventer

[Ian Gentles]

Today at first day of our prayer days, prayed silently for Mercers, Roland, and all involved. All those folks are on my heart!

[Thomas Oord]

Hans,

Thanks for sending the article on Brad. Although I can't read Dutch, the photos were great. And I'm so happy that he has exerted this positive influence on you and so many others.

Tom

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

And, to Roland and Brad's family, i want to write again. I shy away from this thread, because it makes me cry. Brad knew long before he went to Heaven, how I felt. it is so hard for me to witness someone with cancer, suffering, and then passing away. I don't know why, i am still here, but Brad could not stay. But, when we get to heaven, we won't even want to know why. But, now, I just want to cry. Don't feel that I have forgotten him. It is so hard for me to take. And, God did not see fit, to let a one of us take his place. So, press on, loved ones of his, god had a reason, and also had a reason, for leaving the rest of us here. We will have to Press On, and do what ever we can, to see Brad's dream of seeing souls saved, for the kingdom's sake, and for our Savior, who gave His life for us. He may some day, rise from his knees, at the feet of Jesus, and run around those streets of gold, and praise Him for an eon or so. We can't even begin to imagine, that great reunion day, that we are going to have some day. Now, my tears have changed to joy, as I think of it, and we don't even begin to know the half.

[Gord Evans]

Weeping alongside you, dear sister.

It is such a confusing time, losing a friend but rejoicing in his destination.

One day it will all be clear. And in all things, now, we praise God and give Him thanks. (I am especially grateful that He is in control, and that I don't need to be ... Hallelujah!)

May God bless you today, Anne.



And, to Roland and Brad's family, i want to write again. I shy away from this thread, because it makes me cry. Brad knew long before he went to Heaven, how I felt. it is so hard for me to witness someone with cancer, suffering, and then passing away. I don't know why, i am still here, but Brad could not stay. But, when we get to heaven, we won't even want to know why. But, now, I just want to cry. Don't feel that I have forgotten him. It is so hard for me to take. And, God did not see fit, to let a one of us take his place. So, press on, loved ones of his, god had a reason, and also had a reason, for leaving the rest of us here. We will have to Press On, and do what ever we can, to see Brad's dream of seeing souls saved, for the kingdom's sake, and for our Savior, who gave His life for us. He may some day, rise from his knees, at the feet of Jesus, and run around those streets of gold, and praise Him for an eon or so. We can't even begin to imagine, that great reunion day, that we are going to have some day. Now, my tears have changed to joy, as I think of it, and we don't even begin to know the half.

[Bruce Carriker]

I'm sure my feelings pale to near nothing next to Karen and the kids, Janet, Roland, but I was just thinking today how much I miss Brad and his presence here.

[Hans Deventer]

I'm sure my feelings pale to near nothing next to Karen and the kids, Janet, Roland, but I was just thinking today how much I miss Brad and his presence here.

And today it is exactly one month ago that he passed away.

[Dennis M. Scott]

And today it is exactly one month ago that he passed away.

That's been on my mind all weekend.

And for him, heaven has only begun!

[Bruce Carriker]

That's been on my mind all weekend.

And for him, heaven has only begun!

What is it the old Lanny Wolfe song says, "Ten thousand years, we'll just be started..."

[Billy Rolfe]

What is it the old Lanny Wolfe song says, "Ten thousand years, we'll just be started..."

Not sure if this is exactly what you are thinking of, as there are many version of Amazing Grace(different verses added, different names, different singers, etc), but here you go.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.

Just wanted to add that I miss him. I didn't get to meet him in person as some on here did. However, I know that he was a great person and served God well. I hope one day that I can become as strong in my faith as he was. He is missed, but I look forward to one day meeting him in heaven.

[Hans Deventer]

Brad posted he had cancer on the 5th of march 2007. I'm still listening to his sermons, and in a way, he got even closer to me than he was. You'll hear his jokes, his family stories, his emotions, his doubts. And most of all, his faith. I'm much richer for having known him.

[Marsha Lynn]

Thanks for this, Hans. I was just thinking earlier this morning about starting a thread called, "I Miss Brad!" There are so many times that I'm out on a limb around here and wondering how Brad would respond. The only part of his response that I can pinpoint for sure in my mind is that it would be encouraging. I miss him a lot, for his theology, his positive attitude, and his wonderful sense of humor. (I couldn't quite get as far into politics and history as he did.)

This (http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php?t=4977) is still one of my favorite threads around here. How I miss Brad's contributions to our stockpile of brilliant and witty posts.

:gen06

Marsha

PS: At least we still have Scott C. :fav18

Brad posted he had cancer on the 5th of march 2007. I'm still listening to his sermons, and in a way, he got even closer to me than he was. You'll hear his jokes, his family stories, his emotions, his doubts. And most of all, his faith. I'm much richer for having known him.

[Karen Mercer]

Me, too, Marsha. I emailed Roland the other day to see what he thought about the changes to the structure of the CON. I miss hearing him and Brad discussing things like that. Even though I really hate politics, I miss Brad being all excited about the American political election happenings and hearing his guesses about who will be elected and why.
I made a lot of new friends through him (y'all) but I miss HIM. He was the hub of so much of my life.

I was talking to Brad's mama yesterday. We both miss Brad but we aren't devastated by his death and we agreed that it was because he helped us process through it before he left. There's a sense of hope and expectancy that we didn't experience in the middle of the deaths of other loved ones.

[BobHunt]

It seems as if there is one huge lesson I have learned, as I get older, and that is that one year can change things soooo much! What a legacy Brad left us...some people pass away and are forgotten in a few months, but our friend will never be forgotten even to several generations!

[Linda Bechtold]

Me, too, Marsha. I emailed Roland the other day to see what he thought about the changes to the structure of the CON. I miss hearing him and Brad discussing things like that. Even though I really hate politics, I miss Brad being all excited about the American political election happenings and hearing his guesses about who will be elected and why.
I made a lot of new friends through him (y'all) but I miss HIM. He was the hub of so much of my life.

I was talking to Brad's mama yesterday. We both miss Brad but we aren't devastated by his death and we agreed that it was because he helped us process through it before he left. There's a sense of hope and expectancy that we didn't experience in the middle of the deaths of other loved ones.

I have thought about Brad so many times this week as the big thing on Tuesday was for the Democrats to come back after the polls closed and attend their precinct meetings. Everyone keep talking about how they had never heard of this and I just kept thinking to myself "Well Brad Mercer and I knew about these a long time ago and used them to our advantage!":basic05

[Roland Hearn]

The last year has been a great challenge. I still remember the unbelieving silence and desperate hope that something could be done when Brad first told us he had cancer. It was all so surreal, it still is. He was so alive and aware for him to be gone does not seem right. The time is getting closer for his memorial service and the enormity of the day is looming.

[Charlotte Mercer]

I'm sure it's looming, Uncle Roland, and I know it won't be easy, but we're praying for you, and God is with you. I know it's weird not having my dad here anymore, but if his death is going to mean anything, then we have to remember what the two of you taught so many people: God loves you. And I do too.

[Karen Mercer]

Tomorrow it'll be 3 months since Brad died. Next week is our anniversary. I sometimes feel like I torture myself by remembering those special dates. And sometimes I think it's to honor Brad and our relationship. Right now it feels like the latter. There sure are a lot of fond memories with him as the star player.

[Marilyn Lawson]

Karen

You won't forget those annivesaries, but they will comfort you one day.

[Hans Deventer]

Tomorrow it'll be 3 months since Brad died. Next week is our anniversary. I sometimes feel like I torture myself by remembering those special dates. And sometimes I think it's to honor Brad and our relationship. Right now it feels like the latter. There sure are a lot of fond memories with him as the star player.

Yes, I saw the anniversary is on Good Friday this year. What a day.....

I don't think choosing not to remember those days would be good, Karen. Dates have meaning, because the relationship had, and in a way, still has, meaning.

I've never really understood what Jesus meant about us being like the angels in heaven, but I cannot believe it would mean that our relation with our spouse would be less. It probably means the relationship with others will get to that level too.

[Karen Mercer]

I've never really understood what Jesus meant about us being like the angels in heaven, but I cannot believe it would mean that our relation with our spouse would be less. It probably means the relationship with others will get to that level too.

That would be cool. I would love having best mate/ partner relationships with other people. Especially if it were safe being vulnerable like it will be in Heaven.

[Wanda Van Winkle]

Marsha, thanks so much for posting a link to that thread. I had not read it. Hilarious.

[Hans Deventer]

Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you today.

You are loved.

[Gord Evans]

This will be one of those dates that will, for awhile, bring both sadness and joy, Karen. Then the joy will remain.

You are loved.

[Karen Mercer]

Thanks, guys! It was a good day. I spent it looking around at the beauty around me, talking with friends over tea and going for a long walk. Y'all are good friends!

love,
karen

[Kara Blankenship]

I never really knew Brad but ive heard he was a very kind person. we will all miss him but we will get to see him again soon

[Grandma Carolyn]

I never really knew Brad but ive heard he was a very kind person. we will all miss him but we will get to see him again soon

Hi Kara, thanks for your post. I just want to respond and join with you in the hope of seeing Brad again.

It is a wonderful hope that we have that we will all know each other for eternity. That makes these Christian friendships so precious because the journey we are on is forever.

gc

[Bruce Carriker]

Hi Kara, thanks for your post. I just want to respond and join with you in the hope of seeing Brad again.

gc

One of my very favorite songs, and it becomes moreso all the time, as more and more of those who are special to me go on ahead of me. What a day that will be!



Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,
When with our Savior heav'n is begun;
Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning,
Beyond the sunset when day is done.

Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;
O day of gladness, O day unending,
Beyond the sunset eternal joy!

Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me
To God the Father whom I adore;
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
Will be my portion on that fair shore.

Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,
With our dear loved ones who've gone before;
In that fair homeland we'll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset forever more!

[Gina Stevenson]

One of my very favorite songs, and it becomes moreso all the time, as more and more of those who are special to me go on ahead of me. What a day that will be!



Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,
When with our Savior heav'n is begun;
Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning,
Beyond the sunset when day is done.

Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;
O day of gladness, O day unending,
Beyond the sunset eternal joy!

Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me
To God the Father whom I adore;
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
Will be my portion on that fair shore.

Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,
With our dear loved ones who've gone before;
In that fair homeland we'll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset forever more!

Yes! By Virgil Brock ... one old dude [who's now gone] that I was glad to have met/talked to long ago at Rives Junction [Gary Swartzy will know where this is, since it's rather near Jackson, Michigan].