When young leaders die

There is something especially difficult in the death of young leaders. Mark Palmer is the latest.

I met Palmer at a Church Planting Weekend at Jason Evans' home in Vista, CA. in September 2003. He was freshly grieving the death of his wife, Jennifer. I remember Palmer from that weekend because of the clear anointing of the Holy Spirit on every word he spoke. Mark is survived by his wife Amy and his 4-yr. old son, Micah.

Here is a quote from Mark's blog last May:
"So, in the midst of all the questions and the doubting and anger and grief and all the other emotions that I know at least I am feeling, please find belief on some level, and offer that. It's all we can do, offer what we have. There will be plenty of time for theologizing and philosophizing about good and evil and healing and non-healing and the apparent interest or disinterest of God in this situation, but for now maybe we just need to believe apart from all of that. Or maybe not apart from it, but in the midst of it."

I am praying for Amy, Micah, and all of those who loved Palmer. I am also praying for the Ohio cohort of warriors in the Spirit who have lost one of their beloved.