Yesterday I received news of the death of a member of our church, Charlie Simmons. Charlie had come to our church several years ago. He was a fixture in Ulster County, having worked in several jobs, coming to know just about everyone in the county. You would know Charlie was in church because of his loud, definite "Amen" coming from the back of the East Room section.
He was a large man who always said, "I keep a low profile." His profile was anything but! I remember one day when I went into the bank and Charlie saw me. He shouted out, "Here comes my pastor! Pastor, I'll get you the prettiest teller!!"
Charlie lost his wife a number of years ago, and he often mentioned how much he missed her. The first thing several people said when hearing of his death yesterday was "He's with Marge now!"
We had some church friends come up to our Greene County home for dinner last night. I learned of Charlie's while our friends were on the road, and called them to let them know Charlie had died, but come on up - there was nothing we could do at the moment. And then I let them know that we would be eating vegetables that Charlie gave me the day before at church. They replied that they had vegetables at their house that came from Charlie.
Charlie Simmons was an incredible man. He always let you know what he felt. He loved Jesus with all his heart, and he let you know that. Now Charlie knows firsthand the love of Jesus. In my mind I can hear the voice of God coming down from heaven, speaking of Charlie's faith, "Amen!"
We'll gather later this week to remember Charlie. I just couldn't wait to pay tribute to this incredibly big-hearted Christian who has gone on to be with the Lord.
Amen!!
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