“I Get to Go See Jesus”

This afternoon Marlene and I talked to Nancy Magnusson on the telephone. She and Kent have been dear friends since we met them soon after moving to Oak Park 20 years ago. Over the years we got to know them in many different ways. Kent served on the board of Oak Park Christian Academy, and he and Nancy spent untold hours helping the school go forward. When we started Keep Believing Ministries, they supported us in every way they could.

After Kent was diagnosed with cancer about seven or eight years ago, he underwent a very difficult surgery and treatment regimen that seemed to keep the cancer at bay. Through all of his trials, I never heard him complain. Nancy gladly took care of him even though she had her own health issues. They were in church every Sunday they could make it, always with a smile and a good word. In the last few years we’ve seen them several times, most recently at the KBM Open House last November. It looked like he had lost a lot of weight–and he didn’t have much to lose.

The cancer had returned. The doctors tried various things but nothing really worked. A few days ago he suffered a heart attack, and tonight he rests in the intensive care unit. There really is nothing left to do.

Last month Kent and Nancy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Over the years they raised a family, took in a long line of foster children, and then adopted two children and made them part of their family. I know that Kent would be slightly embarrassed that I am writing this way. But they are truly beloved by family and friends. As Kent nears the end of his earthly journey, he has the comfort of a loving wife, children and grandchildren who adore him, and friends galore.

His strength is so low that he can’t talk now. And when he tries to write, no one can read it. He tried texting but that didn’t work. So they found a sheet with big letters of the alphabet. Kent points to the letters and makes sentences that way. A day or so ago he made this sentence by pointing to each letter one at a time:

I get to go see Jesus.

Indeed he does. The Puritans called that “dying grace,” the special assistance of the Holy Spirit who comes alongside to help the saints of God as they make their final journey. 

My friend Kent is almost home, and I’m sure he can see the lights on the other side of the Jordan River. The weary soldier’s work is almost done. Even death itself cannot separate him from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rest well, Kent. Soon you will see Jesus. And all will be well, the battle over, the victory won.

Thanks be to God.