BY TOM ALBRECHT
This summer, our CCR congregation lost a dear, dear friend, member, and colleague in ministry. Ken Eheart went to his heavenly reward and we were all in shock at his sudden passing. As Ken's pastor, my heart was broken when I heard the sweet voice of his wife Jolene, telling me that Ken had passed away.
I knew Ken was a man of deep spirituality, and one of the kindest and most tender persons you will ever meet. From the very first time I shook his hand, I knew this man had a special grace upon his life.
While Ken was a generous giver to the ministry of caring for the hungry, homeless and addicted, he was a man of great wisdom and support to me personally, as well as the church council and congregation. Ken’s gentle spirit always prompted eager interest in what his thoughts and opinions were.
One Man's Influence
It's difficult to come to terms with his absence in our lives because of how God used this man to encourage and bless those who came into his path. I think of how the Apostle Paul described the influence of three men who served with him in the ministry. Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 2:13 how he felt when he came to Troas and his friend Titus was not there: "I had no rest in my spirit because I found not Titus my brother..."
Later in 2 Corinthians 7:5-6, Paul states "when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God that comforts those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus."
Ken was our Titus.
Then there was Timothy who served with the same heart and attitude as Paul. In Philippians 2:20-30, Paul says of Timothy, "there is no one as like minded as Timothy who serves selflessly." Paul also speaks of Epaphroditus, who was a companion in labor, a fellow soldier - a true brother in the work of the Lord - who worked for Christ even to the point of death.
Ken's Testimony
This is how I saw my brother Ken, and how he blessed me and this Loveland community. I have been blessed to have wonderful people in my life and service to His church and our community. My friends and colleagues - Jesus Zubia and his wife Christine, Walt Smith, Doug Ashbaugh, George Hill, Johnny Dodero, and Donna Roberson - served side-by-side with Ken.
Ken's family is a testimony of his character as a husband, father and businessman. Jolene cooks some of the best food for our Front Porch guests and always brought the extra goodies that our guests always looked forward to. Ken's daughter Missy and son-in-law, Scott, have shown such grace and strength during this most demanding time. Steve and T.J. along with many other family members are a testimony of the excellent example Ken demonstrated.
Words cannot really express how much we will miss Ken's gentle and loving spirit. He is at rest, and totally healed from all the pain he suffered in his body as he is in the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanking Jesus for amazing friends,
Pastor Tom
