Janet and David came to me with an idea. They’d lost an adult daughter in tragic circumstances. She’d developed an aggressive form of cancer and died in her very early twenties. The family were, not surprisingly, gutted. Janet and David spoke of the outstanding support they received from the Compassionate Friends organisation [in Australia www.thecompassionatefriends.org.au] but they wondered if some kind of Christian celebration of life might be in order.

The plan was fairly simple. They asked their friends to network with colleagues and neighbours. A beautiful invitation was designed and passed out to all who expressed an interest.

I was astounded by the response. Some 120 people attended the Bereavement Service. Most of those who packed that little building were people I’d never seen before. My task was to offer a very simple and short ( five minute) message (about the Creator God, fully acquainted with the death of a son). For their part, Janet and David gave a short testimony that spoke of God’s grace in the midst of very deep pain. Another couple, new believers, spoke haltingly of how they had come to faith in Christ as a result of a still birth. Very moving.

For those who were so inclined, candles were provided and the name of the loved one was attached. The candles were then placed in a little sand tray. All very tastefully done.

The hymns were old standards and people sang along quietly. Three people prayed. Genuine, heart wrenching prayers. They acknowledged the agony of loss and death and spoke of the hope which is in Jesus.

A small prayer team was on hand to comfort and uphold those who had specific requests. They were kept very busy. People prayed and wept. No superficial platitudes here.

I was interested to learn that a number of people who’d undergone terminations were present. They were working through a variety of issues and the Bereavement Service for some, allowed a measure of closure.

Information on small groups and services was available and people were happy to take the literature. Some attended our morning service the following week. And stayed.

In that little community, in a far away land, the Bereavement Service is now an annual event.