Jon, my mom and dad, Gail's mom and my sister-in-law, Susan have been discussing how you can honor Gail. It's been so comforting to the whole family, especially Jon and Dev to read your comments on this blog. If at all possible, if you can ALL start posting your memories, stories of Gail that would be great.
The wonderful thing about the internet is...no matter where you are, whether you can come to the services or not, you can participate in the celebration of Gail's life.
Jon and Dev are looking forward to hearing from you all over the next few weeks.
Thanks,
Jordy
P.S. Jon wanted me to let you know that Devon will be blogging....
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
16 comments:
Dear Jon,
We've been praying for Gail, you, and Devon. Even though we haven't seen you guys for so long, our bond in Christ will be there forever, just as Gail is with Christ forever.
However, we are so shocked and sad to hear of her passing too soon in life. When my dad died, and I was barely 21, I was so angry at God. Yet God was always with me. So please grieve and express yourself through this process.
I remember Gail being such a warm, fun, determined person. Her hearty laugh matches yours perfectly.
I'm so glad I got to know her when I was at Anaheim, and I'm so glad you and Devon are part of a loving community of believers.
Warmly,
Jeanne Nagayama Hall
Remembering my dear sister Gail:
Today Pearl and I were thinking back on all the very memorable times we've shared with Gail. We were both bridesmaids in her wedding. We took many trips together. We laughed hard when we thought of our "girls trip" to San Diego with Juli Inagi, Pearl, Gail, and myself. Those were special times we bonded our sisterhood.
I will always remember Gail sitting by my bedside after I had given birth to Michael and I needed encouragement. She read from Psalm 139 and I can still hear her soft, calm, confident voice. The Lord used Gail to let me know that Michael was going to be okay.
Gail will always be in my heart and I will miss her dearly until I see her again in heaven.
Missing my sister,
Sandy
Dear Jon and Devon,
Stunned and amazed, I share in your grief. Inexplicable...I keep shaking my head. My tears and prayers are with you. I remember Gail as a joyful, caring person; one who loved God and loved people. I remember that she loved to worship, and when I think of that a smile comes to my face. When a loved one goes to heaven, songs like "I Can Only Imagine" take on a whole new meaning, and I imagine Gail is worshipping the Lord right now, unhindered and free. Ken and I will continue to pray for you.
Love, Ceci Johnson
Gail has a special place in my heart. I was lucky to hear her story, and she listened to mine. With tear filled eyes and joyful laughs we shared our lives, hardships, and what brought us to Christ. I will miss that generous smile and hug, but I know she will be there to great me in eternity! Gail has touched so many. I thank God for bringing her into my life!!
Love and prayers Tracy
Dear Jon,
It's been a long time, and I was saddened to hear about Gail. But knowing that she's with the Lord brings comfort. I became a believer while being at Anaheim, and seeing the love of the saints for one another greatly influenced my decision to believe in Jesus. You and Gail were a big part of that. I thank the Lord that I got to know you two. May our God surround you and Devon with His loving arms.
In His Name,
Richard Takechi
Dear Jon and Devon, we were saddened to hear of Gail's passing. What a glorious thought that she is with our Lord with her quiet, gentle and caring soul. What a blessing it was to know her. Our heart of peace, comfort are with you and your family. Caring thoughts from AFMC, marilyn fukuda
Big 'sis Gail - truly someone who helped me grow in faith when I was in high school and college. I remember being in the "Strong Women's Support Group" with her many, many years ago . . . I remember her wise words of advice as I worked through relationships with guys . . . I remember how she used to warn Jon with "church!" when she didn't want any PDAs going on between them! . . . I remember talking about the trials of having a teenaged boy in the house.
Jon and Devon, I pray for God's comfort and peace on your lives. I myself am comforted by the thought that Gail is whole and healthy and celebrating being in the Lord's presence right now with Craig and Gary.
Steve and I wish we could attend the service down here, but we will be in Japan. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
Fondly,
pam ikeda
Jon, Devon, Merry, Mike and Katie,
I have been reading the blog and praying for Gail and all you. Until now I have been without the words to convey my thoughts and prayers. I have been struggling to how best communicate to all of you. At work, a program manager asked me after a meeting, is everything OK. She said that I was not my usual self in the meeting. I responded that nothing in particular. She was concerned and asked if I wanted to talk later. Later that day I was talking to my supervisor about the interaction and said to him that I am not sure why I feel a little down and said to him that a friend was diagnosed with no brain activity. In retrospect, I am sure that was a contributor to my down mood. As I write this, I am weeping. Weeping for the loss of Gail, with you and with the comfort knowing that she is with the Lord.
As I am getting older my memory is not as good as it used to be, so forgive me if this might not be as detailed and accurate as I would like it to be. I remember going fishing at big bear lake and having a discussion about/with Craig about the verse "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21. I think this verse was mentioned in Craig's celebration. This reminds me of Gail, for how she truly lived for Christ and now is with the Lord.
Earlier in the week I sent an e-mail and the link to the blog to the small group that I attend to pray for Gail, Jon, Devon and families. My small group leader responded "Be assured that we will keep Gail and her family in our prayers. It was very uplifting to read about their faith, especially in these trying times. Please keep us updated regarding her condition." I called him to tell him the sad news. I shared briefly with him how strong of a faith Gail had, and that Jon is a strong Christian as well. I also told him that Devon was struggling with the situation and to keep praying form him. I mentioned to him how Craig died and as a result, Gail became a Christian and graduated from Fuller. He shared again how impressed he was of what he read in the blog of all those who posted. I think he was especially impressed with Jon's posts showing his faith in such a difficult time.
As for a most recent fond memory of Gail, by coincidence it was at her fathers' celebration. I had just spoken to her uncle. For some reason the conversation was about a personal relationship with Jesus. After the conversation I saw Gail and Mike and told them to forgive me if their uncle complains to them about me. I told them that I was a little "in your face" to him. In her calming, voice she said she was excited to hear what happened. That she and her family were praying for God to use this celebration for His purpose. She said that her uncle likes that type of interaction. This alleviated my concerns and showed me even in a difficult time, her faith and how much she wanted to further Gods purpose.
Gail truly lived for Christ and now is with the Lord
Bob Kato
Jon and Devon,
Joey and I have been having a very weepy day. We've been talking about the things we will remember most about Gail. She was so special to us. We'll try to put into words some of what we talked about. She was a very special friend, caring and compassionate, humble and unassuming. She did so much service behind the scenes that most people didn't know about. She was an awesome prayer warrior. She was a great advocate for those with special needs.
Joey will remember her as a friend who accepted him as he is. She acted as a chauffeur, cheerleader, coach, Bible Teacher/Small Group Coach, and encourager to him, and she always had a good listening ear.
We will remember with fondness that your family invited Joey to spend Father's Day with you last year because you knew it would be a hard day for him, having just lost his dad. That's the kind of selfless love Gail had.
Heaven is rejoicing to have her there, but we are all so sad because we will miss her here.
We love you guys.
Pam Sayles and Joey
Dear Jon, Devon, Mary, Mike and all Gails extended family that love her so much,
My heart is breaking as I write this to you.
Thinking God would surely hear our prayers and heal Gail, give her another chance, why Gail, so many thoughts.
I had to turn to Him and let my selfish desires go. Trust Him and obey Him. I am struggling with this so much as I know some of you must also.
I just had to write and let all of you know when and how Gail touched my life.
I was a new Christian and Gail was the associate pastor of Anaheim. I had known Gail and Jon but never thought I really needed either of them to lead me.
But God knew I needed someone.
I was somehow handed a ministry that required me to be a member of the MCT, ministry core team, the board at Anaheim. I didn't know what was going on. How the whole thing worked. Gail was the lamp onto my feet. She patiently showed me the way, gently rebuked me, wisely answered all my worldly questions.
Never did she raise her voice, sound annoyed, turn against me no matter what I said or did. She was my mentor, she discipled me without even knowing she was.
I will forever be greatful to God for allowing one of his precious saints to come into my life and give me the foundation that has formed me.
Gail lives in me, I must never let her down. That must have been one of God's purposes for her. Praise God.
Mourn this precious saint in anyway you each must but you must know her life touched so many of us and maybe she reached her goal and now is being blessed with everlasting life in Heaven.
Love, JoAnn Asari
Jon and Devon,
I love you.
Love,
Penny Okino
Dear Jon and Devon,
I was very, very blessed and just plain lucky to have Gail in my life at a time when I needed her most. I was a Jr. High Schooler in AJFMC's FMY when Gail was the Jr. High leader. During my teen years, which is difficult for anyone, I had her as my leader, confidant, and someone I admired. On Friday nights, not only would she lead us in songs and teach us, but after FMY was over, she and Jon often played chauffeur and drove us to Swenson's for ice cream. I'm sure that there were more exciting things that they could have done on a Friday night than playing chaperon to a dozen teenagers while the teens put more sugar into their systems, but she always drove us and watched over us. Who knows what mischief we would have gotten ourselves into without her guidance and influence?
I remember that her favorite story to read to the group was "The Velveteen Rabbit". She was great at reading the book and gave the voice of the rabbit particular warmth. I currently own the book in hard cover, audio book, and cartoon movie version. Even after all of these years, I still hear her voice when I read it. When I reread the story after she left us, a few lines stuck out. The scene where the nursery magic fairy comes to make the Velveteen Rabbit real and save him from a fiery death really hit home.
"Little Rabbit," she said, "don't you know who I am?"
The Rabbit looked up at her, and it seemed to him that he had seen her face before, but he couldn't think where.
"I am the nursery magic Fairy," she said. "I take care of all the playthings that the children have loved. When they are old and worn out and the children don't need them any more, then I come and take them away with me and turn them into Real."
"Wasn't I Real before?" asked the little Rabbit.
"You were Real to the Boy," the Fairy said, "because he loved you. Now you shall be Real to every one."
I don't know why God called Gail home now, but I believe that God wanted her in Heaven to accomplish greater things for his glory than she could accomplish while she lived here. On Earth, she was a force for the Lord to those who were fortunate enough to know her; but maybe now that she is in Heaven, she can be a powerful force for Him to everyone.
I remember Gail telling us that when we get to Heaven, wouldn't it be nice if someone walked up to you and thanked you because you were the reason that they were there. When I get to Heaven, I'm going to seek her out to thank her. Her testimony is the reason that I'll be there. She showed me through words, actions, and deeds, that Jesus is real and alive.
Cindy Kodama Lowman
The Velveteen Rabbit
When I first came to Anaheim Church 11 years ago, it was because I had just been told my son Michael was diagnosed with autism. It was so hard for me to accept. Gail came and ministered life to me. She encouraged me to be the best mom I could. I remember we went to her house and she grabbed my hands and prayed for me with tears. I will never forget her care for me. Thank you, my dear sister for helping me get through one of the hardest experiences of my life. I am eternally grateful! Kristine Iwai
I was honored to have served with Gail on the prayer team at Mariner's. She was so humble and unassuming. But when she prayed there was no mistaking that she knew God on a personal basis and had spoken to him many times before. She was filled with wisdom and filled with the Spirit. She inspired me to greater spiritual depth. Gail lived a "life worthy of the Lord" and I am thankful to have known her. Kathy
Dear Jon, Devon, and everyone,
This is serprising, she died youg. On saterday, near 11:00, I was at work (at safeway) geting all the shoping carts when I herad sirens, I though it was nothing so I cuntinue to work. Man, im so stupid! Then at 2:00, when I was at lunch, I got a voice messege from Thea Homes saying someone was in the hospital and to pry for them, I did not hear who it was so I called Thea's house asking who was at the hospital. So, after work, I went to Round Table to meet my family for one of my cusans birthday party. When I got there, my mom's best friend said to go outside to meet my mom and step dad. When I got there they told me what happen, when I got into the car I started to cry and we went to church to see Devon. I keep begging my mom to take me to take me to the hospital but everyone said no. Then on wendsday, Betty, Katie's mom, talked my mom into taking me into the hospital, Im so glad. When we got there my mom and I saw Scout Homes in the parking lot, he told us that Gails brain dead. I was sad but luckly, I did not cry. When we got into the hospital, Devon, Jon and Gail's mom was outside of the hall way, I told everyone I was sorry. Later, when we have to leave, Jon ask my mom and I if we want to see Gail, we said ok and Jon showed us were she is. I was nervus because a lot of people said all the tubs in her mouth and going inside her skin and saying she swalled up. When I got into her room, she was peacful, its not what I expect it. I was so glad of that. I thanked her for all of her kindness and the things she taught me and my mom left.
I remeber the good times I had with Gail. One time when I was at the Power Winner Rangers (Now its called Got Firends?) camping trip, it was our last day of seeing Nancy because she moved away and a lot of people are spending time with Nancy and never had a chance to. So I sat along, very sad, then Gail came up to me and ask me whats wroug I told her and she said that she will nevery forget me, I am a very nice person and Devon tresured our friendship. Then Gail asked Nancy if I can spend time with her, of corese she said yes and we talked and have fun. I remeber Gail said something to me that I will never forget. I was at Devon's house and I think we were asking what our biggest fear was. I told Gail and Devon that I was afraid of dying because I did not know what will happen when I died. Gail told me that when some one dies and gose to heaven, there a new form and everyone in heaven looks different but you know witch person is witch. I will never forget what Gail said to me and now, im not afrid to die anymore.
Thoses are the tuching memeries I have with Gail and have a lot more fun memeries with Gail, Jon and Devon.
Brother Jon,
I was sad to hear of Gail's passing. I am truly sorry for your loss.
I remember gail as a very optimistic, happy person who always had something positive to say. I will always remember how happy she was and all of the good times and good conversations that we all shared together at Church and Celebrate Recovery.
If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. You can call me at 650-455-8358 or e-mail me at melemon789@yahoo.com
May God's deepest blessings, love, comfort, and peace be with you and Devon and your family both now and always.
I Love You Brother,
Pastor Matthew Lemon
Arlington, TX
Post a Comment