Remembering Rachel...

As a "newbie" to blogging I realized how easy it is to leave it alone for lengthy periods of time without an update... so here I am back! Someone actually asked me when I was updating something? Can't believe this is actually being read... I think it has taken me a few weeks to post this blog for the following reason.

Earlier this month a wonderful friend of mine passed away. Rachel Barkey (nee Sawer) went home to her Lord on July 2, 2009 at 37 years of age. Rachel is survived by her husband Neil and her children Quinn and Kate, parents Ben and Cathy Sawer, brother David (Johanna) Sawer and sister Andrea Sawer.

I met Rachel 15 years ago in Vancouver at a ministry training event. She was young, passionate for God and a true leader. She later married a great friend of mine, Neil Barkey. We didn't stay in touch all that much but kept up on each other as both of our families grew (and are growing). Then a few years back I received an email with the news that Rachel had been diagnosed with cancer... Rachel wrote many emails (read by her many friends and family) since then outlining her first hand experiences in graphic yet intimate detail of her entire journey. Each email was sad, funny, honest and always hopeful as she displayed her love for God and her family. I have shared those emails with others who did not know Rachel... her story is penetrating!

Enough of me... her story and the emails are posted on an incredible website called Death is Not Dying. Read her emails and Watch the video and let Rachel's story touch your heart. Please join with me and Pray for her husband Neil and her kids, Quinn and Kate.