Greetings in Jesus' Name. Romans 12:15 states, "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." (NLT) We are writing today to inform those that may have not yet heard the news, that our dear sister in Christ, Christyn Kalkstine is finally at home with Jesus after a gallant and graceful fight against cancer. Christine's homecoming was Monday morning, September 25. Below is Pamela's Facebook Post from that day.
"Our hearts are full of sadness with the news that a beloved friend
and previous congregant of our church passed away this morning from cancer.
Christyn Kalkstine (1967-2017) was beautiful, sweet, loving, and full of compassion!
Here she is with her husband, Warren, at church last year before moving to Michigan (pictires.)
In the midst of grieving, we rejoice that she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our love, prayers, and hugs go out to Warren" ❤
Warren is grieving, as expected. On one hand, we grieve with him. On the other hand, we rejoice with him because we know that Christyn is now with Jesus. Still, the pain associated with losing a loved one, a "soul mate," is deep and appropriate. Our prayers are with him, and other family members at this time as they walk though the aftermath, and as funeral preparations are being made.
In addition to services in Michigan, we are hoping to host a Memorial Service for Christyn here at NLC later in October. Warren and I are discussing that now. We will keep the church notified of the date and time.
Warren would love to hear from us. Cards of condolences and notes of encouragement can be sent to his home in Michigan:
Warren Kalkstine,
211 Country Club Drive
Whitehall, Mi 49461
We are planning to receive a special offering to help with funeral expenses and medical bills in the near future. If you would like to contribute at any time, please mark your check, or if cash mark your offering envelop, "Kalkstine." We will set it aside, and include it with the overall offering soon.
Psalm 116:15 tells us, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints"(KJV), a verse easily misunderstood at a casual reading. But upon meditating upon it, we see and we understand that death is the doorway to eternal life with Lord. Death is indeed precious when the deceased is a Christian. Thus, 1 Corinthians 15:54 becomes a reality, "Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' "(NIV) See Isaiah 25:8 for that Old Testament reference.
Please be praying for God's peace to flood Warren's heart, soul, and spirit at this time. He is a very special brother, someone we all grew to love and appreciate during his four years at Northpoint Bible College. Christyn was his closest and deepest ally, his love, and his sister-in-Christ. His struggle right now is our struggle. Yes, we know God is able, but as we often say at NLC, God loves to use His people to be a blessing to others. Now, our brother needs our love, prayers, and tangible expressions of support.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. More information will be forthcoming.
