Mom wanted me to share a short story. He has always called her Mrs.B as a term of affection for her. Today before he took his last breath on this earth, Mom said, "I just heard him say I Love You Mrs. B." Not 10 minutes later he had left us. He was saying goodbye to her, telling her he was leaving for a bit.
But we know and declare that nothing is lost in the Kingdom of God. We will see him again so very soon. We are rejoicing with him today, not only with him but for him. He was gentle, kind, a companion to many, funny, wise, slow to anger and abounding in love, brilliant, and playful.
The most glorious part is that it is ALL true. Everything Jesus said, spoke and lived, it's all true. During this unexpected and difficult season He has walked with us, held our hearts, and blessed us with sweet gifts too numerous to list. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We glory in His rescue today.
We will be holding a celebration dinner in honor of Poppy sometime after the first of the year. He gave us the menu and everything. He said all good celebrations and conversations happen around a meal and he wanted a party. It shall be done. Details will follow later. I will list them here in coming weeks. Also, Lana wanted me to tell you in lieu of flowers or gifts Poppy wanted all money to go towards Oasis of Hope in Kenya. It was a small school he had the honor of working with in his times over there and it would pay for the kids to have their meals there yearly. We promised him we would take care of those kiddos. We will be setting up a fund for them on Monday and I will also post details of that in a few days.
As Christmas sets in we wanted to remind you of what we heard Poppy talk about at his celebration dinner. Common and Majestic. The beauty of the humility of Christ coupled with the majesty of God. We rejoice and celebrate the most amazing happening of all time in a few days, the birth of Jesus. Rejoice, enjoy, celebrate. We will be doing the same.
Love you all so very much! I know Al and my dad will be running with new bodies that never grow weary and we will see them again... But not yet!
ReplyDeleteMy heart feels full and empty all at the same time. I love you guys.
ReplyDeleteGlory to God! Love you all so much! Thank you for allowing us to be part of this journey and the one that continues on...
ReplyDeleteAl my pal has crossed over to dimensions I can only imagine; you no longer see through a glass dimly...it"s now face to face! I"m so glad for you my friend. You left a testimony and a heritage of priceless value....including my own life. Thankyou my friend. I hope you meet George Washington soon. And I will see you soon but not yet. I know you are enjoying the wonder of it all. And I/we will carry the vision forward. Thanks for bringing life wherever you went.
ReplyDeleteYour brother for Eternity,
Karsten
My Poppy ~ you were a true Father to me and many.... i rejoice that you are alive and you are healed... just over that threshold.... Glory to God in the highest...i will miss you greatly ~ and when my flowers spring up, in the springtime, i will smile with warm affection... until we meet again... thanks, God, Thanks, Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHe finished well. Heaven is dearer. Al, missing you already! Lana, Stephanie, Kirby, we love you guys. May the God of all comfort be just that. Terry & Ginny
ReplyDeleteWe are sorry to hear of his passing but praising the Lord for His acceptance of our souls. We will keep your family in our prayers. Love n hugs, K & G
ReplyDeleteWhat a witness to loving Jesus and being loved by Jesus well until the crossing over. Celebrating that Al is living in the fullness of all that he is meant to be, aching with you as you step into the new rhythm of being with Al present in a different way. Love you guys so much. Praying and praying.
ReplyDeleteI am deeply saddened to hear of Al's passing. I will miss Al. My continued prayers to your family this season. Love you guys very much.
ReplyDeleteWhen Kirby informed me yesterday the first reaction was tears rolling down cheeks. The I quickly remembered Al's words that we need to celebrate him. I thank God for bring Al to my life and allowing me to be the bridge to some of the wonderful things he did in Kenya. The reaction when I informed friends in Kenya was sadness and tears. We will miss you Mr. Allen, that is how I used to call you. Thank you for showing my family love, thank you for driving my son to prom. I can go on and on. You have been more than a brother but I know I will see you again and share Kenyan tea together. Rest in peace Mr. Allen, we loved you when you were here and will keep loving you when you are up there!
ReplyDeleteOur prays and thoughts are with you all tonight and with you all in the days to come. Peace be with you. We know Al is at peace and happy to be in kingdom of God our havenly father. The joy he must feel to come face to face.
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to hear of Al's passing. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. The love, faith, honesty and support that you have shared is deeply moving. We are all richer in many ways knowing Al. My thoughts and prayers continue for each of you.
ReplyDeleteWe're so very sorry you had to say good-bye. I know your hearts are faithfully saying, "We will see you again, but not yet. Not yet." And we're all in hushed awe as you ushered him so graciously to be with Our Father. Yes, thank you for including us. What an honor. We are here, and holding you in our hearts this Christmas and New Year. With much love, ache, sorrow and joy, PJ & Julie
ReplyDeleteI am so sad--and only because he is so wonderful. And that wonderful Vern (and Nana) planted such encouragement into my life that I will live forever with him in my heart--my life is a testimony of the love and faithfulness of Al Britton.
ReplyDeleteAl will be missed. I remember meeting Al, and Clark too, in 1965. The Britton's are a remarkable family. Over the years, knowing Al and Lana as we have grown to know, losing Al is an event that is more than penciled in the margins of our Bible. Al is indelible in our minds. Al wasn't complicated. He loved God and preached His saving message throughout his life. Al integrated his love God, of family, the land, the growing of plants and people in all that he did. Al's life was integrated in the people and mission around him. I was looking forward to seeking him in Kenya. Regrettably, in the last months of the season both our plans changed. It didn't happen. Still, in the end, his recognition of his work in Africa prevails with the designation of giving for people in greater need. He is admired by all who met him. Onward my friend, until we met again in the journey of our Lord.
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