In Memory of Missionary Pilot Dave Clapper
Those who read my site on a regular basis will remember when our missionary friend was killed in a plane crash in early August. You can read the story here.
A memorial service was held at our church on Sunday afternoon.
A tent was set up in our church yard to encourage guests to stay and visit following the service. They were expecting more than our fellowship hall could hold.
When we saw gladiolus under the carport entrance, we knew they came from Beth’s mother who raises them by the hundreds. Guests were encouraged to take one home following the service.
My next stop was the fellowship hall where bagged meals were being prepared. It was Beth’s (Dave’s widow) desire that every person who attended the service would receive a meal in this form.
I promised Beth that I would take photos of some of the details of the day.
C on a bag meant it contained a chicken salad sandwich.
H meant ham and cheese.
The contents of one bag.
Juice, chips, apple (or banana), sandwich, and cookies.
Some of the ladies posed for a “cleaning up” photo.
Martha Martin was the meal coordinator. She told me they served about 625 people.
Early guests arriving in the Narthex of the church.
Programs and memorial cards.
Beth, Dave’s widow, carrying a vase of her mother’s glads.
As you read this blog, you will see that this young widow and her family are surely allowing God ‘s strength to fill their lives.
Dave and Beth’s oldest son, Judah, and Ron (Beth’s minister cousin) discuss last minute details before the service.
Their oldest daughter Tirzah (left) and second daughter Natalie.
Victoria (third daughter)
Natalie
Their youngest daughter, Jasmine (in blue).
Beth and her cousin Joan.
Dave’s three brothers
Tirzah with her aunt and uncle. Dave Hernley (left) is Beth’s only brother.
Dave’s sister and Beth.
Dave’s family. I understand three of his sisters were there, and I think all three are in this photo.
Three of Beth’s sisters (Mary in burgundy, Deb in green, and Marcy – sitting on the right).
The family preparing to enter the sanctuary. Beth’s oldest sister Becky is on the left, followed by her mother, Mary Kathryn. Pete, Beth’s dad is second from the right in the foreground. I wish I had time to get a good photo of each of the family members.
Dave’s mother could not be there due to surgery. I understand his dad came later, but we did not see him.
Beth and her children entering the sanctuary, followed by her parents and siblings.
Our moderating minister, Marv Shenk, opened the service. Other ministers who participated: Wilmer Horst, Ron Copenhaver, Mark Bucher, Aaron Beiler, and Sam Cassel. There was a prerecorded song by Jeryl Metzler – Others.
Beth and her children listen from the front bench.
There was an interesting PowerPoint presentation which was helpful for those of us on this side of the world. We saw the crash site and the people who helped place his body in a plane.
A photo of his casket in its burial place.
Judah, Tirzah, and several of their friends sang, I Will Praise You in the Storm. Beth signified with upraised arms that she WILL praise the Lord in this storm.
Beth’s testimony will remain in my memory for a long time.
She gave amazing challenges concerning four items that were found at the crash site – and returned to her:
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Money – He could not take it with him.
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His Watch – Time for him stopped on the day of the crash, but his watch is still ticking, indicating that we still have time to share the gospel, surrender our life to the Lord, or make peace with people concerning offences that hinder a victorious walk with Him.
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A Small, Imperfect Bowl – Despite the fact that Dave and the rest of us are cracked, imperfect vessels, God is able to use us for spreading the good news of the gospel.
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Pieces of His Shoe Laces – Who will fill his shoes?
Judah shared some of his dad’s favorite scriptures.
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We had conflicting appointments, and could not stay to get photos of the visitation and meal.
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Beth and the girls are planning to leave the states on October 22, and return to Wamena, Indonesia. Judah will remain in the states as he seeks God’s will for the next step in his life.
