The funeral was beautiful. Brother Jeff did an excellent job and so many wonderful things were said about Dad. Tom Davis and Tim Arant beautifully sang the songs that my Dad loved and the testimonies given by Jim Crook, Steve Smith, Deb Johns and Dave Cress were heartfelt and true.
The visitation before the funeral service was precious. Everyone that greeted and spoke to us had genuine, sincere, heartfelt condolences to pass on. There were many tears, but we were all grieving together and we truly felt like one big family. We were surprised to see how many people came to the service and appreciated everyone rearranging their schedules and taking time off of work.
The graveside service was brief but again precious. The pallbearers performed their duty with honor transporting the casket to its resting place. Brother Jeff spoke a few words, read a scripture and then lead us in song. Our chorus of Beulah Land rang out with victory in our voices as we all identified with the words of the song, "...And, some day, on thee I'll stand. There my home shall be eternal. Beulah land. Sweet Beulah land..."
There were smiles, there were tears, there were memories, and there were good things said, but at the end of it all we are left with an assurance that we will be together again some day. Thank you all so much for your love and support.
I will post the archive to the funeral service shortly. God bless.
Sis. Maria, Sis. Vittoria, Bro. Franco & Sis. Amy, Truly, the memorial service for Bro. Vincent was "precious" from start to finish. Tears and hugs replaced unspoken words. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers. The Scripture says, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." As you have stated, "Beulah land, sweet Beulah land!" I must tell you of my granddaughter's (Moriah)prayer for Sis. Maria last night. In her soft, sweet prayer voice, she said, "Lord Jesus, be with Bro. Franco and Sis. Amy and Sis. Vittoria. And help Sis. Maria - Bro. Vincent's 'beloved.'" It warmed my heart and made me smile. I'm sure she heard that word repeated many times during the memorial service, and it must have left an impression on her little heart and mind. There's no doubt that the Lord heard and will honor her sincere prayer. God bless each of you!
ReplyDeleteDearest Sis. Maria, Sis. Vittoria, Bro. Franco & Sis. Amy, What an honorable and precious memorial service for our Brother Vincent. There was such a sweet, sweet anointing that bathed you from the moment you walked in the door. Even at the graveside as we were singing "Beulah Land" it just seemed as though there were more singing than were there. It was just a real outpouring of love, a testimony of a life well lived. Thank you for letting us be a part. We are so blessed. We love you.
ReplyDeleteBro. Chuck and Sis. Kimberly Hunnell
Dear Bro. Franco Grillo,God bless you. I am Bro. Mike Lee in New Jersey,the brother who has been to Ohio Camp in 1998,2001,2002,and in 2006. I also visited your church in July 1999 when I stayed at Bro. Vince Barnhart's house. My mom and I send our condolences to you on the passing of your dad. I understand the pain of losing a dad because my dad died suddenly of a stroke in his brainstem in Nov.1998 at age 60. I remember his funeral and I was only age 25. I am 36 now. Your dad passing at 74 was still young. I know from my experience with my dad's death that at first the pain and grief were overwhelming and sharp but time has helped alot. Thanks to the Lord we have the promise of seeing our loved ones again in heaven. My email address is skyline52korea@yahoo.com My mom Sis. Maria Lee,age 68,and I have enjoyed the BCF videos that you edit including what we see online. God bless you. your friend,Bro. Michael Lee
ReplyDeleteBro. Franco, Sis. Amy, Sis Maria & Sis. Vitti,
ReplyDeleteThe service was such an emotional, yet wonderful time. I know you all were surrounded with love...I pray this helped ease your pain. John and I both were touched by your fathers life. We talked about him and the service on the way home, as we ate dinner and as we got ready for bed. John expressed his thoughts on it in his blog - whycryspeak.blogspot.com - He has a great way with words. I am sure you'd be blessed to read it.
We will continue to pray for you all as you transition into life without our dear Bro. Vincent here. You are contunually in our prayers. May our Lord grant you peace, joy, and rest in Him.
Love in Christ,
-Laura Garrett and Family-