“ENTER ETERNAL HOME”
For the last eight hours of his life, around 4:42 AM last Tuesday, JIM CARRELL quietly repeated those words for the final time. He was preaching in Owensburg, IN, on Sunday, October 12, when, near the end of his lesson, he had to sit down because severe chest pain indicated a serious problem. He finished his sermon, including outlining the plan of salvation, sang the song of encouragement, and was then taken to IU Bloomington Hospital. There, the doctors diagnosed his condition as “dissection of the aorta,” assuring him he could not survive. As we talked at his bedside that evening, I told him, “I’ve never known a soul to be so accepting of your situation; in fact, I’m jealous!” He smiled his famous smile and, looking me right in eye, replied, “You should be!” Jim Carrell died with the same confidence in God’s promise he had lived with throughout his life!
Jim’s complaints were very few and extremely far between! His nickname could well have been “Barnabas,” meaning “the son of encouragement” (Acts 4:26). Jim’s character sought opportunity to do good (Galatians 6:10), including teaching souls the gospel, helping souls overcome serious challenges in their lives, and being at the ready to help in any bible study, whether public or private. Though he constantly carried his bible everywhere he went, he purposely let the word of Christ dwell in him (his mind/his soul) richly in all wisdom! (Colossians 3:16)
He and his faithful companion of sixty-nine years, Shirley, were a team, much like Aguilla and Priscilla (Acts 18:26). How blessed are those whom they took aside and instructed in the way of the Lord more perfectly. Now, as Abel of old, it can be said of Jim Carrell, “he being dead, yet speaks.” (Hebrews 11:4). Already, we miss his voice, his smile, his compassion, his wisdom, his example! Thus, his last known words are most compelling: “Enter eternal home.” Jim knew well that one right way (John 14:6), and he endeavored to follow it faithfully (Revelation 2:20). He would urge all souls to do exactly the same!
A MEEK AND QUIET SPIRIT
BERNICE JANE BARNETT, indeed, was a fine example of the woman Peter insists is of great value (1 Peter 3:4). She was the consummate companion of her husband Clyde, who died less than a year ago. Together, they served the Lord as faithfully as they could at the Prospect church of Christ, Prospect, IN (near French Lick).
Best known simply as “Jane,” she loved to keep her place at Clyde’s side and be his helpmeet as God intended. (Genesis 2:18) Their lives were blessed with two daughters, whom they determined to raise in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-4). Though health issues plagued their daughter, Tammy, and their grandson, Alex, they refused to ignore their needs and cared lovingly for these souls. For Jane, especially, she adhered to the commendations of the virtuous woman king Lemuel describes in Proverbs 31.
Jane was a very strong Christian. She was an avid bible student, often seen taking notes during sermons. She was insistent regarding attending worship services, even when she did not feel well, and most would have condoned her absence. Instead, she extended physical and mental energy so she could attend and worship God as God desires to be worshipped. She was always very gracious with her comments and often reminded the preacher of what he had said – sometimes of what he said weeks earlier! She took her role as a faithful child of God most seriously!
It was only a few weeks ago that she and her sister attended an evening service at Orleans. Her declining health was evident, but her determination to be attentive to the singing of praises to God, the offering of our thanksgiving to Him in prayer, and our serious indulgence in discussing God’s word was even more pronounced in her character. Following services, she was not anxious to leave, but instead, continued to encourage and delight in being with the saints. Her example of this meek and quiet spirit will continue to linger in our minds throughout our lifetimes!