Carol reports that the changes to Dan are constant and strange--to be watching him rest peacefully and see his body let go little by little. At this point, he is showing signs of less kidney function and is mostly unresponsive.
Today he received a shave and has been cleaned up for his steady stream of visitors, as he would like it, no doubt. He is resting comfortably, which generally means he is in a state like sleeping with very little response to those around him. In these moments, the family is surrounding him in prayer, laying with him, hugging him,taking every opportunity to be with him. It is terribly difficult, but also priceless as they shower him with incredible love.
Tonight, they are expecting the arrival of a friend who is traveling to see Dan in his last days. Their prayer is that this friend, as well as Carol and the boys, would have some time alone with Dan and that they would receive a moment of responsiveness from him. Carol has said this is not likely--but the Lord works in amazing ways, and we are praying that they would have this time to know Dan hears their words and feels their presence.
Amazingly, Carol has said that even now, Dan is still ministering--to those around him, to his family, to his friends, to his caregivers. Last night he was taken care of by a sweet nurse who got to meet Dan and hear his story from those surrounding him. This nurse really struck Carol in the care she gave Dan, in the way she addressed him and talked to him, and in the way she left, hoping to see him again. It's amazing to consider the stories, the people who have come into the Lague's lives, all the small pieces of the puzzle that have made such a difference--to think of how this family has been loved and cared for is amazing.
Pray for Carol and the boys. They are struggling. They could use peace, comfort, love...time with Dan...support for each other...kind words and the ability to really lean on each other (and not retreat from all that they are dealing with). If you think of it, pray for them in the minute and ask for strength. Ask the Lord for a prayer, because he certainly knows what they need, as they need it.
Friday, July 10, 2009
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8 comments:
Thank you for the updates. He and Carol's ministry is indeed continuing even beyond his home to all parts of the world. Dan IS one of the heroes of the faith that he has dedicated his life to reminding us about. Praise God for his life, his family and his faith. Now may the Lord comfort his family in this most difficult day.
Gracious and eternal Father, Lord of our life and of our death, hold the Lague’s in your care. I thank you for you wonderful servant Dan. I thank you for the times he spent sharing his wisdom with me over a cup of coffee, for the encouragement he was when I was just entering a time of ministry, and for the example he displayed to me of a true servants heart. Thank you for your blessing that I experienced through my brother.
Father of all mercies and God of all consolation, be the refuge for Carol and the kids during times of trouble and hurt. Be their light when it gets dark, be their hope in the valley of the shadow of death. Comfort them in their sorrow. Lift them in their time of grief. May they experience the peace and light of your wonderful presence. Praise be to your Son and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who in dying conquered death and in rising restored our life, that we may be united with the ones we love in a place where there will be no more tears. Praise to you heavenly father for the final and complete healing that my brother will experience.
Thank you Dan, for taking the time to share with me and demonstrate Christ’s love.
Carol, may the peace of God surround you and the kids.
Amen
I woke up this morning remembering a little something I picked up from my most recent Beth Moore experience.
Paul tells us, "I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in me will continue until the day of Christ Jesus."
God is not limited to working through us while we are here on this planet. God's good work in Dan will endure long after we all join him in heaven.
Dan's good work here has touched so many, and our memories of him will inspire us to continue in his spirit of ministry and teaching. Carol LaGue has shown me how to love and honor marriage through the most difficult circumstances; as well as how to maintain balance when you are NEEDED in so many different places. Zach, Blake and Mitchell are growing into fine young men of God, with such caring, giving, cheerful, servant hearts.
All of those good works begun in Dan -- and countless others -- will continue, not just while Dan is here with us, but until the day of Christ Jesus.
Jim and I are praying for Dan...that he have an easy transition from this life to the next...that his "fly-away" moment will be glorious. I know that he will hear "well-done good and faithful servant" when he meets the Lord. Meanwhile we are also praying for Carol, Zach, Blake and Mitchell that they would feel the Lord's presence in a mighty way as He carries them on this difficult journey. Jim and Judy Smith
The road of suffering is coming to an end--no matter what a person says about their personal suffering, no one knows but the Lord how deep it goes--sometimes there are words that can't express the pain's deepness--but as one who is loved by Christ, we carry on, especially for those whom we love. This is Dan LaGue--always carrying on, always faithful in serving the Master, always loving his family and friends, a Hebrews 11 man. Father, may you let his passing be gentle, surrounded by love. Undergird his family and friends with Your strength, peace, and joy at knowing that he will be waiting for them just inside the gate of Heaven. May the words spoken about him in the near future be a testimony to Who You are--drawing those without Christ to Him that they may be "fruit" of a life well lived--Dan LaGue. We entrust this family into your graceful, loving Hands, Father. Thank You for the confidence we have in You to provide a place for those who trust and love You. May Jesus' Name be glorified and honored. With love, Pat C
praying in Colorado...the Howlett family
Dan and Carol - Many are praying for you here in Orlando and around the world. God is Good!
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