Until we meet again Barry!

Tomorrow we will pay our respects to the family, remember his life, and preach the funeral of Barry Clutter. I have known Barry for a long time as we went to church together in Vandalia prior to coming to Camden.To the world  his name may not be recognizable, but to his family, those that knew him, those who took care of him,our church, and most importantly the Lord, we will be burying a soldier.

1. He was a soldier of the cross, a Christian, and because of that, according to the Word of God He is in the presence of the Lord. Amen!
2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV) ¹  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
²  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
³  You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
⁴  No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 
Barry was the one who began a Children's Church service for us many years ago.
2. He was a soldier for his family.  While MS may have crippled him it did not take away his love for Linda, the kids, and grand kids. Their undying support and unconditional love for each other is a testimony to what a family should and can be. Proverbs 20:7 (NKJV) ⁷ 
 The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.
3. He was a soldier in his fight with MS. One thing that will forever be remembered by me is that Barry did not complain.  He tried whatever was suggested, praying, hoping, pleading with God to use it to help or cure him. He never gave up, he fought because of love. Barry taught us that complaining doesn't change things, but that prayer does.  Here is a poem, I heard George Younce of the Cathedrals share many years ago by Red Foley and it reminds me of the lessons Barry has taught us.

FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE

Today upon a bus, I saw A lovely maid with golden hair; I envied her - she seemed so gay - And oh, I wished I were so fair. When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle, She had one foot and wore a crutch, But as she passed, a smile. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two feet - the world is mine. And when I stopped to buy some sweets, The lad who served me had such charm; He seemed to radiate good cheer, His manner was so kind and warm. I said, "It's nice to deal with you, Such courtesy I seldom find." He turned and said, "Oh, thank you, sir!" And I saw that he was blind. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two eyes - the world is mine. Then, when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue. He stood and watched the others play; It seemed he knew not what to do, I stopped a moment, then I said: "Why don't you join the others, dear?" He looked ahead without a word, And then I knew; He could not hear. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two ears - the world is mine. With feet to take me where I'd go, With eyes to see the sunset's glow, With ears to hear what I should know: I'm blessed indeed, The world is mine; Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.