As Stuart Starr, the youth minister at St Paul's Wahroonga, stood to speak about the death of James Coulter, one question shaped his words.
His friend and fellow-Bible study leader had lost his life in a waterfall while on a short-term mission to Africa.
The question of God's will in the face of a tragedy like this hung over the congregation at his remembrance service like a pall.
"It amazes me that James, who left wondering what God's will for him was," says Mr Starr, "died under headlines that identified him as an Australian missionary."
This was the consistent theme of the service attended by more than 250 people yesterday " God's ability to draw blessing out of the most awful events.
"God does not call bad, good," the Rev David Reay told the gathering of James' family, friends, SES comrades and Customs Authority work mates.
"But he is capable of weaving good out of the bad."
"Death has certainly won a short-term victory over Jamie, and wounded those who love him," said the Rev James McPherson, rector of St Mark’s, Granville where James’ parents worship.
"But it is only a short-term victory. Christians are ready to wait patiently for the day the dead will rise and every tear will be wiped away."
Speaker after speaker confirmed that this was the hope that shaped James Coulter's life.
"He loved to help others," friend of 20 years Daniel Cooper said. "And he went to Africa to help people. I believe he achieved that goal."
"In Nairobi, there are lives that have changed forever thanks to James and the mission he participated in," reported African Enterprise's Mike Woodall.
And slowly the congregation's attention turned from the tragedy of his death to the contribution of a colourful life.
"When we played touch footy, he'd turn up in gum boots," said Steve Pim, describing a friend characterised by eclectic clothes and unruly hair.
Older sister, Jenny Coulter, shared stories of backyard adventures and sibling shenanigans that brought waves of cathartic laughter.
"Not many sisters can say that their little brothers bought them their first bra," she shared, smiling.
"James lived in a chaotic state of mess. I believe this was because he always had his mind on greater things. He pushed himself beyond his comfort zone because he truly believed Jesus was guiding him."
But there were no simplistic answers as to why this spiritual guidance might lead to the 26-year-old's death.
"The older I get, the less it seems I understand, but the more I know I can trust God," Mr Reay said.
"Not because good things always happen, but because we have the evidence in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that God is for us."
And as friends left the church to pool in the courtyard the conviction arose that the real memorial James Coulter leaves behind are the lives he has changed.
