Farewell, Shepherd of the Garden Sanctuary

Though those than knew you would prefer that you stay,
the One with the authority to take you made His decision.
Alas, His decision is final, and in this case, it came swiftly, without warning.
Knowing you were right with Him, the ones you leave behind
can be comforted in the fact that you are now with Him,
and your purpose in life was fulfilled.
We might not know what that purpose was,
but we know that you now do.

You were a wonderful leader.
You were a true friend.
You were quick to comfort,
you never passed judgment.
You loved all you met,
you had no mortal enemies.

To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven.
A time to be brought into this world, and a time to be taken from this world.

Farewell, friend. You will be missed.

Mark Jacobs
1950-2006
Passed to Heaven this 23rd Day of December, Two-Thousand Six.