It was with a heavy heart that I received the news from my daughter a few moments ago that Marcus Kauffman passed away shortly after he was disconnected from life support. My heart is burdened for his young wife MaryAnn who is expecting their first child in about 2 months, as well as the parents, siblings, and many friends of this young man.
Marcus and MaryAnn were married only about a year ago, and she remained by his side in the hospital throughout this ordeal. Following is a picture posted on the FaceBook page Prayer for Marco, that shows MaryAnn holding his hand in the ICU.
My daughter Kristin has also remained at the hospital for all but a few days when she needed to return to work. She was present with the family when he was taken off life-support. Kristin has asked that people might continue to pray for the family during the loss of this much loved young man. I would ask that prayers be uplifted for the many friends of Marcus and MaryAnn as well. My own daughter’s heart is greatly burdened, and the emotional trial has been difficult for all those involved.
I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayer and other forms of support for this young couple. Please pray that not only would all know the comfort and consolation of Christ at this time, but that they would hear clearly the voice of the Holy Spirit that they might understand this experience of suffering that has come upon them. Truly, we are called to bear one another’s burdens. When one part of the body of Christ suffers, the whole body suffers. When one member rejoices, the whole body rejoices.
Philippians 2:1-4
If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
I have been blessed by observing the many readers of this blog who have never met Marcus and MaryAnn personally, who have written to share they are praying, and have asked for updates on his condition. Although this is not the outcome for which many had hoped, we can be assured that Yahweh abides forever, an all-wise, all-powerful Creator and Heavenly Father whose compassion does not fail.
James 4:14
Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
II Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, age-abiding in the heavens.
I Peter 4:7
The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
I John 2:17
And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever
The following news site has a very good video on this event that mentions much about the family’s faith in God.
May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days,
Joseph Herrin
Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws
Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com
Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063
Though this is a most tragic situation for all we must remember that the young man is now with Jesus! If there is any consolation to be found, it must be that. Pray that an understanding of these events becomes evident to the family. As we are all extended members of that family in Christ, please keep us posted. Prayers from Canada! God Bless you all!
His passing makes me miss Adonai …….I long for His courts ………
This family has made a public declaration, "We are choosing to bless God.. Words fail, but through our pain and tears we bless God. We worship Him.
Amen and amen. This is the purest worship that we can bring before our Father. He will be with all who are His in the day of distress.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength; And he maketh
my feet like hinds' [feet], And will make me to walk upon my high
places.
Very, sad and sobering news, Joseph.
Deirdre
Yes, very sad indeed. I pray that this young mum-to-be will find comfort in Christ and support from her church community and loved ones.