The call to God's Palace - 10 Dec 2002

I am writing with sad news. Many of you will know John Thatcher. He was recently with 24-7 in Spain at our annual Round Table. John was very much hoping to be able to help us out as a movement organisationally having many years experience in management. We were excited about this not just because of our deperate need for help in these areas (!) but also because John was such a lovely, gentle, warm guy who would have been a massive asset to our team.

Sadly John died very suddenly on Wednesday 4th January of a heart attack.  He was in Switzerland at the time ministering to the church and was out enjoying the snow when Jesus took him home. John was only 44, please do pray for his wife Jo and daughters Rachel, Naomi, Susanna and Elizabeth.  Pray that they would know God's comfort and presence as they grieve, particularly as Christmas draws near. 

John had recently left his desk-job to pursue his dreams and as a result had enjoyed an exciting, fulfilling 3 months serving God.  Just days before his death he shared with a number of people about a vivid dream he'd received in which he was in God's palace... 

I just know that John would be saying to us "Go for it guys!".  In fact he probably is right now!  His death is a stark reminder that life is just a breath and that nothing matters more than knowing God and making him known.  Let's give ourselves afresh to prayer.  Let's call people in there 1000's to abandon life's distractions to be alone with God and pursue his eternal purposes for their lives.  Let’s be kind and warm and humble and fun like John.  Let's store up treasures in heaven, 

Seize the day, 

Pete Greig

"I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."  (John 11.25)