| Last Saturday as I took a walk through Burnside Park, I stopped briefly at a stand of gum trees and touched the rough bark of the tree trunks. I found myself reflecting on the life of a good friend, John Bethell, who passed away suddenly last week. Throughout the week I found myself sharing snippets about John with people that I came into contact with- my workmates, my friends and family. John was an introvert who loved nothing better than to shut the door of his study and be immersed in his books. He was an adventurer who loved the Australian outback. John also took on adventures in faith, moving to Port Augusta to help plant a new church in an isolated and needy community. He was generous and gentle in his marriage to my friend Amanda, and toward their children- Jeremiah and Annabelle. Our family were blessed by John and Amanda’s generosity when we first moved to Adelaide, Australia. On the first Sunday that we visited Glen Osmond Baptist church we were invited to come back to their house for ‘chicken & chips’ and not to mind the mess…hospitality at its best! Later this hospitality extended to inviting us to rent their house for cheaper-than-market rates so that we could be near to the church and school where we were finding a sense of belonging and community. I’m so grateful that John’s journey in faith intersected with ours. This quiet and gentle generosity has left an indelible mark. He will be missed. |
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