Hurtin' Today

Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Today Debbie and I, along with many in our mission family, are weeping with some very close friends of SMMM.

We got a call late last night that Captain Eric Terhune, USMC, was killed yesterday in Afghanistan. Eric is the grandson of Dan and Joy Terhune, a very special couple who "adopted" Debbie and me as their son and daughter and who love SMMM as much as anyone I know. Joy is one of our earliest campers attending Camp Nathanael in the 1930s.

Eric was an outstanding young man. (As are all who serve America in our military service) He had enlisted as an infantryman and then over time had completed OCS and obtained his wings to fly helicopters. He volunteered to go to Afghanistan as a forward air traffic controller since he'd had previous infantry experience. Yesterday enroute to assist an humanitarian organization Eric entered eternal life.

Eric loved his country. He loved his family. But most of all he love the Lord which is why, through the tears, we can also rejoice, as Romans 12:15 says. We rejoice that Eric is where we desire to be and this separation is only for a time.

Eric, thank you for being who you are and we look forward to seeing you again.

That's what's happening along the more somber, today anyway, banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.