Last Friday, March 29, was the anniversary of our son Dustin's death in 1998. Last Friday was also Good Friday. 1998 we buried our son on a Good Friday. On Good Friday it seemed like "death has claimed to have the last word." But now on Easter Monday -- whether 15 years ago or today -- we can claim that Christ has won the victory. "Death is not lord; JESUS IS LORD." And that's no April Fool's Joke!
This SOUND BITES Ministry™ was begun on the first anniversary of Dustin's death as a way to keep his memory alive and to proclaim that "when we die with Christ, we are raised in Him and live with Him." So on this 14th anniversary, as we have done each year, we invite you to share how SOUND BITES has ministered to you and how you have used SOUND BITES to minister to others. Since SOUND BITES is now available via e-mail, blog or Facebook, you are welcome to respond through any of those means.
Easter blessings…
#3090
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteDeath is really the doorway to eternal life.
Thanks be to GOD, who has provided this great gift for us.
Living on earth is just a prequel to our real life in heaven.
Thanks for your ministry. It is buoyed me up many mornings.
Love and prayers.
Lillian F.
Dave, your messages are always important to me, but some are more special than others. At times of doubt, wonder, or praise, it seems like when I click on Sound Bites the waiting message is "right on" for me.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
...
Barb Boothroyd Terry
Thank you for Sound Bites! Many of the messages are sent from HIM almost directly it seems. Many times at the time I needed that message most. It is amazing how HE works. I am looking forward to visiting the Green Bay area to visit the church formost. I might even get over to see the Packers.
ReplyDeleteThank you again.
Phil Webster
from central Illinois
I was led to SOUND BITES by our pastor, Rev. Dennis Wilkinson who as you know. also lost a son. He shared SB with those of us in a Bible class and I latched on to them. I have since shared via email and Facebook to others, who also share. I appreciate your strong faith and the way you seem to know just what I need..... guess that's a "mystical power" given to those of the cloth. Thank you again for your inspiring devotions.... I appreciate you....
ReplyDeleteBlessings to You and Yours,
Billy Faught
Member, FUMC Coppell, TX
Rev. Wilkinson,
ReplyDeleteMy son's 15th anniversary in heaven comes May 21st. My husband and I lead a grief ministry at our church and I have often used the reading of a Sound Bites message as a way to spark the conversation among those attending--to help them see they are normal and ok and to shed light on a path to healing. Additionally, I am a newsletter editor for another church-based group of bereaved parents. Sound Bites (acknowledged as such) is a lifesaver for that, too. I often forward them to people whose situations are in line with the message & I often forward to others generally with my testimony of what that day's message means to me as a bereaved mom.This is truly Dustin's ministry. I thank God for Dustin & look forward to meeting him in heaven. Wonder if he's met Colin there? In any event, thank you for your faithfulness to minister to so many in Jesus' precious name.
Gala Simpson
York, PA
SOUND BITES was sent to me as a gift from my aunt and uncle in the Methodist church in Arlington Heights, Illinois. I am an ELCA pastor in Glendive Montana and have used SOUND BITES as an e.mail daily devotion for many years. It has always been timely and uplifting and with this ministry reaches many people not only in the congregation but beyond. Blessings in your ministry.
ReplyDeletePastor Avis Anderson, Zion Lutheran Church, Glendive MT
It is wonderful that you have been able to honor your son, Dustin's memory through Sound Bites. My husband died on Palm Sunday, April 8, 2001. I've always said that was a wonderful day to join Jesus on his ride through Jerusalem!! But, no matter what calendar date Palm Sunday falls on, it is a special memory of Charles' death, and then knowing that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on Easter Sunday! Hallelujah!!
ReplyDeleteI read Sound Bites every day and often forward it to friends and family.
God bless you,
Betty
I cannot tell you all the ways that I have used Sound Bites to minister! I am the wife of a minister and a retired school counselor. I repost on Facebook (giving credit, of course) and use in programs (I am also an certified advanced lay speaker.)
ReplyDeleteHelen Short
Does not seem like14 years, maybe just a minute. But your ministry in his memory keeps me focused each day on what is real and what is important.Thanks. Hope you had a wonderful Easter.
ReplyDeleteGail Stuehr
Good Morning, Dave and Donna. Yes, I did remember that this was Dustin's weekend and all of the memories that go with it for you as a family. We will never forgot Dustin's smile. We should all learn from his...
ReplyDeleteThink of you often and I remember that you said "Christians always move forward."
Kevin
For me it has been an inspiring word, a word of hope in a busy schedule. It has ministered to me.
ReplyDeleteRev. Nancy
Sound Bites has helped me through many dark days and I have shared it with friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
Diane
Continue to appreciate this ministry.
ReplyDeleteDoug Dickinson
Thank you so very much for Sound Bites Ministry! What a beautiful blessing you have given us in starting this ministry in memory of your son, Dustin, while honoring our Lord. Dustin's 14th year anniversary entrance into heaven on Good Friday is simply amazing & beautiful! (What a remarkable gift the Lord gave you in this timing. Sends the chills down my spine).
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of the good that you are doing. The Lord surely must be smiling brightly down on you....as is Dustin. There is no doubt in my mind!!!
God Bless You Always!
Becky & Peter Delain
I can just imagine Karen Ebert "singing to the gate of heaven." Thank you for this wonderful and meaningful ministry in memory of your precious son, Dustin. It brings me warmth every morning all the way to S. Florida during the winter.
ReplyDeleteJeanne Wright-Brusky
There has never been a SB that has not ministered to me in some way.
ReplyDeleteI facilitate a Bible Study out at a Prison - and many times - the SB has helped me focus / stay grounded / be affirmed - AND/OR - helped me to minister to the gals in all of these ways. While the purpose is on the study of the Word - very often the SB will amplify or example or clarify either the actual study - or their difficult walk - and/or their look to the future. I often offer bookmarks with the current SB so that they themselves can read / resonate / respond to the words of God loving - God living men and women.
There can NEVER be enough gratitude offered to / for y'all.
This is truly a gift to so many.
Blessings / Prayers / and a giant God sized hug to y'all!
Chris California
I have truly enjoyed the daily SoundBites. They have very frequently been just what I needed for the day or moment. Thanks for your good work, and God’s blessings upon you as you continue to serve Him.
ReplyDeleteJanet Stein
My husband and I too lost our son three years ago July 10th, 2010. Your messages have been uplifting for me as well. I was fortunate to have been taught by my parents that Jesus is our hope through all turmoil. How do people get through such tragedy without knowing that they will see their loved ones again? I have learned that there are many blessings through tragedies. SoundBites is truly a blessing to me and I'm sure to so many others.
ReplyDeleteAs a Mother of an adult son with disabilities, I have gained wisdom and perseverance through God's word. Your sound bites are a refreshing blessing to read each day and know God keeps his promise and has made a way for our life eternal and a special plan for my son. I know your son Dustin's life here and death has truly glorified God. Wow!
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Sharon