Our community suffered the devastating loss of a father, friend, and fellow cancer-fighter, Joshua Thomas.

God’s decision to bring him home to Himself is something too completely hard for me to comprehend and my brain is once again trying to understand the WHY of this heartbreaking news.

I met Joshua for the first time over the phone. He and his wife Rebecca wanted to consult with Jamie and I about what protocols we did, and just get a general “hold” on the ropes of the cancer world they, like so many others, suddenly found themselves thrown into. We didn’t know much of their story at that time, but soon after read up on their journal (here) that they had 10 children and a strong faith community!

Joshua ended up going to my naturopathic doctor, where we met in person for the first time. He wore his faith in his smile and was a picture of sweet trust and surrender. I loved chatting with him. It was an instant connection, we talked about suffering, gospel, the relevance and relief of God’s word that gets you through the moment to moment when life is falling down around you. Joshua was a man of faith, and it was evident every time I saw him.

Faithful was a good friend

Our oldest, Reegan, joined us at prayer night last week and jumped right in, praying about how thankful she was that we’ve been going through the book, Pilgrim’s Progress, together as a family. Her simple little prayer and bringing up this book Immediately brought a powerful image to my mind.

In the chapter we had just read, Christian is on his journey on the narrow path to the celestial city, he’s run into many different people at this point in his journey, by the names of obstinance, pliable, evangelist, piety and many others. Christian finally comes across a friend on the narrow path named faithful and he’s enjoying true companionship on the way to his heavenly home with someone who will finally encourage him to do the right thing. Along the way comes a person named talkative who is (pretty self-explanatory) obnoxious.

Talkative decides to part ways after a short while because he’s not enjoying Christian and faithful’s company, so they finally get some relief from his self-centered jabber boxing. Trouble comes when They must pass through the city called Vanity Fair, there they are captured and taken to a worldly judge, Hate-Good.

On trial the next day, faithful defends their actions in court pleading, “We’ve followed only what is good, and right and true. I defy the laws of your town and your wicked prince. My loyalty is to the true King and his ways!”

The judge slammed his gavel “Death! Death!”

Reading this with the kids, I thought “....surely they will escape!”

But, the next morning the executioner comes and takes Faithful away. Even still, Faithful is exhorting and encouraging Christian to take heart and not give up hope. As soon as Faithful is taken away, another man named Hopeful comes and releases Christian from the prison and they escape together! As Christian and Hopeful are leaving, Christian glances back over at the city to see Faithful ascending up towards heaven on a beautiful white chariot. Faithful had been martyred for Christ.

Tears stung my eyes as I immediately thought of Joshua. I thought of what a good friend he was to me in those few moments I spent near him. How he exhorted me and challenged me. Seeing faithful on that carriage going up to heaven and the joy and relief that was on his face was a powerful reminder that Joshua had not lost either. He was bound for glory, to be with the king and that Joshua would be found faithful before him!

Why us Christians are left behind, and some of the faithful one’s are gone on ahead of us is still a painful mystery only the true King understands.

“I’ll miss you, faithful friend!” Christian cried out.

Hopeful comforted Christian: “Faithful’s bravery inspired me to leave Vanity Fair. I hope I can be a friend like he was.”

Please pray with us for Rebecca, for their kids, for the extended family, and their church community as they both mourn and celebrate the life and eternal legacy of Joshua Thomas.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" service for Joshua on Sunday, September 25th at 4pm. It will be held at Woodland Christian Church.