I want to begin by thanking you all for your amazing support over the last week or so. I have received so many messages there is no way I will be able to respond to all of them. Julia and I were always blown away by the support we received from family, friends, and total strangers. She would be, maybe is, smiling to know how much that support has continued for myself and Julia's family.
I won't sugarcoat it (Julia wouldn't stand for it), it has been extremely hard to deal with Julia's passing, especially around the holidays. Julia's cheer and enthusiasm always injected so much joy into the celebrations. There's a massive hole in my life, and in the lives of all who loved her. I will never "get over" this loss, but I, and her family, will get through somehow with the strength we gain from God's presence and His use of you all to support us.
We have some more details about Julia's memorial service. As Julia made clear, ALL are welcome so don't be shy to invite friends, and don't feel like if you didn't know her personally you can't come! As previously mentioned, the service will be January 7th, starting at 2pm, at The Meeting House Church (Oakville Production Site). The address is 2700 Bristol Circle, Oakville, ON, L6H 6E1.
There will be a musical and photo slideshow prelude starting at 1:30, so feel free to get there early. The service should finish up around 3:30 with refreshments to follow at the church. The service will also be live streamed for those that can't make it - I believe it will be on YouTube Live, so you should be able to search it on YouTube. I will find a link and post it on here and Facebook as well.
One last thing I wanted to get to you all before the year's end is a note on donations. Julia always believed it was more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Julia requested in lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, to donate to the following charities:
Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Gynecologic Cancer Research Fund or Surgical Oncology Academic Enrichment Fund
FCE Canada (for scholarships in Zambia, where Julia visited)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzK8dqCwYiOgbFJrRVRzZklSMFZ2Ui1nRDNpaEhJVndOQmhB
Donations will be receipted and eligible for a charitable deduction on one's income tax
FCE Canada (for scholarships in Zambia, where Julia visited)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzK8dqCwYiOgbFJrRVRzZklSMFZ2Ui1nRDNpaEhJVndOQmhB
Donations will be receipted and eligible for a charitable deduction on one's income tax
Cheques made out to FCE Canada.
Mailing address is:
FCE Canada
Box 269
Pierson, MB
R0M 1S0
Hughson Street Baptist Church
General Fund or Capital Campaign
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship – Campus Ministries
Pink Pearl Foundation
http://www.pinkpearlfoundation.org/donate-2/
If you have any questions about these charities, the memorial service, or anything at all, feel free to send me an email at andydbayer@gmail.com and I will try to get back to you. Thank you again for all of your support and prayers.
...and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it. - Ecclesiastes 12:7
and the spirit returns to God who gave it. - Ecclesiastes 12:7
Andy I have been praying for you and Julia's family. When I wake at night God lays you on my heart. I only had the privilege to meet Julia once but I feel like I have known her much longer. That must be the bond people share because of Christ! We will join you via YOUTUBE for the service. We are going to watch little Noah so Luke and Jodi can celebrate Julia's life with you all.
ReplyDeleteBonnie Gallant
Hi Andy, we hope to see you, Bruce and Pam on January 7th. Although our hearts ache for your loss, it is so pleasing to know that Julia is now and peace and free from all pain, in the presence of GOD! That's Peace that passeth all understanding.
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ReplyDeleteStill praying for you. I will be with you all in spirit. I imagine the holidays have been grueling. My family and I here in Colorado send our love. ❤️
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you Andy. I can't imagine the struggles Julia, you and Julia's family have had to deal with this past year and a half and my heart breaks for your loss. We are all thinking and praying for you at MERSC. Sharon Peck-Reid.
ReplyDeleteAbsent from the body and present with the Lord....He knows best even if it challenges us and our faith. God Bless you now and in the future.
ReplyDeleteHave been praying for you Andy, and your families. What an amazing display of grace you have shown in your grieving. Praying the service brings glory to Jesus as Julia did throughout this journey.
ReplyDeleteI never met Julia, but her beautiful spirit and love for God spoke so profoundly in one of her cancer posts on another website that I was drawn here. Her impact will last far beyond her years on earth. May God comfort you and your family and richly bless you in the years to come.
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