passing of a good friend

We were on the island of Iona the past several days, but while we were there, I received a phone call that really saddened both kate and I. Joe Zickafoos, the director of Radiate ministries in the UK and long-time Chi-Alpha director at several Universities in the States passed away on Thursday.

We met Joe in Edinburgh a few years ago and instantly connected as fellow missionaries on the field. He made countless trips to visit, challenge and mentor us. He was diagnosed with cancer several months ago and had to move back to the US to receive medical attention. In recent weeks, he acquired pneumonia and finally went to be with the Lord yesterday.

When I received the message, I was heading for a service at the Cathedral on the Island of Iona which is the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland (563 ad).

I thought the final words of the call and response at the end were just right as I reflected on Joe's life and prayed for his family:

Leader: "At our end and new beginning,

ALL: "The arms of God to welcome us and bring us home. Amen."

Joe, you're home.