To My Classmate Family,

In a truly remarkable way, I belong to a special high school class. We graduated in 1964, 60 years ago, from Fairhaven High School and a group of us still connect through coordinated luncheons spearheaded by one of our dedicated classmates and his wife.  Many of my classmates have chosen to continue close relationships, and we’ve formed a type of loyal family. 

Sad news that two of our popular classmates died recently inspires me to share this short, yet vital note.  May this be an encouragement to those of us remaining, and who hope to get together again and again. 

What happens when one of us takes his or her last breath?  Is there an afterlife, and if so, where do we go?   Rather than debating or posturing with some wild theory, please allow me to offer something to seriously consider. The truth of one’s destiny should matter most to us at the time of death, especially if it’s a real or form of a family member.  If one thinks Nothing created everything, so be it, then Nothing happening after death would be your logical end.

Most of us have been brought up with at least a Christian influence.  I was one of those, until I had an encounter with the Living God on the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean back in 1998.  Jesus Christ became a reality and my life has never been the same.  Those who know me, even those who may not consider me a favorite, would agree a drastic change took place in my life.  Let me share what I know to be true from a personal and Biblical Christian perspective.

There is a Loving Creator who created everything.  Man was created in God’s image but was separated from His Holy Presence by being disobedient and therefore sinful.  To become a real and saved Christian, and to have assured everlasting life with Him, one must confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Father God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sin, and to once again unite us in His Holiness.

So my classmate family, I’m not looking for applause or being the target of rotten eggs — just the Truth, because I care about us and our eventual graduation from life that awaits us all.   

“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. John 11:25-26