[the last time I saw Jim was earlier this year, Feb 2014, photo from Chris Warrens instagram]

I got a text from RK on Sunday while I was running sound at church.  “Just found out Jim died”

My heart sank.  I knew exactly which Jim the text was referencing.

RK told me that he died of a heart attack sitting on the bench that I would always go and visit him on.

I found out later, that he had been in the hospital all week, and wanted to die looking at the ocean.  So I guess he checked himself out and passed while he was sitting on his bench still sitting in his hospital clothes.  We think it happened Friday night.

I’m kicking myself because I was in Waikiki on Friday with some friends.  And I remember distinctly thinking, I should go visit Jim.  But we got doing other things, and I didn’t listen to that still small voice.

The other thing I’m kicking myself about is, I’m not 100% sure if Jim had ever accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.  I’m developing a real  hate for death, and I believe God hates it more.  But the assurance of eternal life with God makes it easier.  I remember talking with Jim often, praying for him often, and I’m pretty sure, that I remember asking him if he had accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, and I think I remember him saying he had before, but I’m not 100% sure.

That gives me a real wake up call for my own personal evangelism.  Honestly, I’m like most people, and I like to be non confrontational when I’m doing street evangelism or “prayer evangelism” or “friendship evangelism.”  I think it’s Danny Lehmann that says you can friendship evangelism people right to hell if you’re not careful.

I’m challenged to be more bold when peoples souls hang in the balance.  Because people’s good deeds don’t atone for sin.  God’s gift to us, faith in Christ alone can reconcile us to God.

I’m challenged to listen and OBEY God’s still small voice that told me I should have gone and seen Jim Friday night.

Jim probably isn’t having a funeral, or a memorial service.  I’m not sure anyone will pick his body up from the morgue.  I don’t know if he has anyone to contact as next of kin.

Jim, I’m glad you got to pass looking at the ocean, I remember you saying that’s what you wanted to do.  I’ll always remember you smiling and saying Aloha to people, your one desire to brighten up peoples days.  I will remember our conversations.  I’m glad I got to tell you two years ago that I valued you.  I’m glad I got to see you again at the beginning of this year.  As I write this blog post out, its triggering memories of our conversation of you saying that Jesus was your Lord and Savior.  I’m now remembering giving you my large print NASB Bible, because it’s the only thing you said you wanted when I asked you if I could bring you anything.  I’m glad that you’re in a place that’s even more beautiful than Waikiki where there is no pain.  I’ll see you one day soon brother.

Value someone today.  Tell them that you value them because they were created in God’s image.  Share the good news of Jesus Christ with them and ask them if they want to have faith in Him as the atonement for their sins.

If you have never put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and want to follow Him and want to know how leave a comment or contact me and I’d be glad to walk with you through that process.