Thursday, June 12, 2008

Yet Another Call to Prayer and Mourning

Friends, may I ask you to please be in prayer for my friends the Thomsen family, members of the church I grew up at in Omaha, as they mourn the loss of their 13 year old son Sam who was one of the 4 Boy Scouts killed by a tornado in Iowa last night.

Also pray for my friends Jim and Franklin, the ministers at the Southwest Church of Christ, as they support this grieving family and church family. This church is no stranger to tragedy, as one of their teens was murdered a couple of years ago as well.

Sam's mom Sharon is the first Bible Class teacher I can remember having. I must have been in first or second grade. What a sweet lady.

My heart bleeds for them.

12 comments:

Amy Paden said...

Praying...

Terry Rush said...

Friend,

My heart broke at the news not knowing yet of your connection. My sadness now extended in your direction as well.

Love to you, my friend.

Cornelius Crew said...

I am so sorry about your loss.This tragedy seems so wrong. I know it's not my place to question, but as I put myself in those parent's shoes last night as I was watching this story unfold, I couldn't help but feel angry and confused about why? out of all the places in the river valley, why? So just know that I am praying for understanding and peace for you and the families who have lost their children... knowing that prayer is the only answer, and God WILL answer.

Karen said...

We were on the road to Omaha from Ogallala this morning when I read of Sam's death on Jim's blog. We were able to spend some time tonight with a few folks from Southwest and talk about Sam. He was a sweet kid... I am hurting for Sharon, Larry, Lindsay, and Sara. But they are so lucky to have Jim, Franklin, and the rest of the Southwest family there for them.

Linda L said...

Rick told me about this last night. I'm so sorry for those families, and I'll be praying for them.
I know I'm not supposed to live in fear about anything, but I have that fear of losing a child. I just don't know if I could bear it.
I've been reading some books by C.S. Lewis and I was starting on "A Grief Observed". While I was reading the intro, I got this niggling thought in the back of my mind of "what if this book is preparing me for the death one of my kids?". I confess I put the book away. I know this is a fear I have to conquer because Satan takes away my joy everytime I think about those things. I just need to give it to Jesus, the Comforter and Healer of all pain.

Brenda said...

This is just truly so sad. I pray for you as you greive the loss of someone close to you and your family and my heart goes out to this community and families as they never expected this to happen while sending their children off to learn to be great leaders. It just breaks my heart.

Shane Coffman said...

Thanks to each of you for your prayers for the Thomsen family.

I hear they did an interview on CNN or Fox, but Imissed it.

Lindsay said...

This world is not our home. Praise God for that! I pray that right now God's unfailing love will be the comfort of the Thomsen family, (Psalm 119:76) and that He will fulfill the promise He made to them in Isaiah 40:11,

"He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart."

I pray that God will carry the Thomsen family close to His heart right now, even as He gathers Sam into His arms in heaven. May His peace reign in their hearts during this trying time.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Anonymous said...

Shane, can you please send me their name and address privately? I join them in their misery.

preacherman said...

Praying brother.

Franklin Wood said...

Thank you for this post Shane, and your continued prayers.
The Thomsens were laughing tonight as we talked. They are so encouraged by all the positive impact they see from this. Close to 700 were in attendance for the Celebration of Sam's Life the other night!!
But continue to pray for them as the hustle and bustle dies down and they are left to deal with their grief on an everyday basis.

Shane Coffman said...

John - I'll get that to you today.

Thank you for encouraging them.