Everything is ok. Just as it was promised to me years ago by a random woman after I preached at her church. She had said that God kept saying to her, “It’s going to be ok.” She didn’t understand until she realized that it was a message for me…not her. In fact, it was the first time God had really spoken to her in this way. She told me, “I’m not saying that Trey is going to be…well, you know.” She said that she just felt lead to tell me that no matter what happened, that we would be ok.
Well, here where we are. Just 36 hours away from a moment that we had hoped and prayed would never happen. Where are we? We’re ok. Are we sad? Yes. Are overwhelmed? Yes. Are Joe and Bella dealing with this in their own way? Yes. Are we a puddle of emotions? No. Are we crying 24/7? No. Are we dysfunctional in every way? No. Are we ok? Well, yes.
So, come and see. Our heart breaks, in fact, for you and yours. We’ve received unbelievable notes/messages from folks (including a precious handwritten note to Bella from a friend) that show us how heartbroken people are for us…and themselves. So we will all grieve and comfort one another.
The visitation will be Saturday from 2 – 4, and 6 – 8. Then, Sunday from 3 – 8. The funeral will be Monday morning at 10:00 am. Both the visitations and funeral will be at Hebron United Presbyterian Church in the Barclay building. Feel free to bring your children if they need to see that Joe and Bella are ok. We will have games and activities to keep them busy as they get to say goodbye to someone that they have prayed for…for years.
It is both a time of mourning and comforting but also a celebration of the life of Trey and all that God did…and is doing through him. We look forward to being with you.
Every time I open this page I am blessed in growing a little closer to my Jesus. You are undescribable parents, and to know he is with even better now makes me speechless. Prayers and thanks all the way from GA.
Thank you so much Mikale.
May God continue to wrap his arms of love and comfort around you!
Blessed by each blog. Praying for you and your family! Thank you for this testimony.
You don’t know me but a while ago I heard you share your family’s journey at Hebron church and have been praying for you ever since. My heart aches for your loss and tears come quickly again as I write this. Lately I have been reading through the gospels in random order; more fun to mix it up. I’ve ended up reading the gospel of Matthew last, which I started recently. When I heard the news that Trey went home to be with Jesus I cried out to God saying “How do I pray for them?” The next day I was in Matthew 5 and read in verse 4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” That was my prayer. And I know you will be comforted because Jesus ALWAYS keeps His promises.
Ginger your words, “my heart aches…tears come quickly’ are evidence that you understand how to comfort. Thank you for being a loving example of Matt 5:4.
Thank you so much that throughout this battle, you have always shared everything with all of us. Thank you for the privilege of praying for Trey & your entire family. From this day forward, may you be richly Blessed! I will continue to pray for your family.
Our hearts break for you and your family but we rejoice in the comfort that Trey is in the mighty, healing arms of our Lord and Savior and is now cancer free. Praying for the Lord’s peace and comfort for your family during this difficult time. Much Love.
We love you all – sending huge cyber hugs your way!! We continue to pray for all of you and have asked our church to do so as well….
Our hearts are heavy, yet we have been so very inspired by your words of faith and hope throughtout Trey’s journey. Knowing how Jesus loves the children, I am picturing Trey, with that beautifuul smile, sitting on His lap, telling Him all about his amazing, awesome , loving family. May our God full of goodness, compassiom, and love shower your family with many blessings from both Him and Trey above.
Please accept my deepest sympathy – I am absolutely heart-broken and relieved for you all.
We do shed tears from time to time and lament the fact that we live in a broke world where evil exists in many forms, including dreaded diseases, and, accordingly, we not only comfort one another in times of loss and grief but also celebrate the lives of those who follow Christ and who fight the good fight, as Trey (and his family) have clearly done. I fully expect to mourn Trey’s passing, but I also expect to celebrate the fact that we were graced by his presence during his brief time among us. He was more than a “little warrior” who faced pain and disease on his own terms. He was also a bright spirit who lived life to its fullest and brought great delight to those who knew him. I grieve for Treys survivors but take delight in the knowledge that he has gone on to a much better place.
Jay and Rachel, I haven’t really known what to say, and this won’t be long. I feel like any words I can utter are useless in the sense that they can never convey my feelings, my brokenness, and my sadness. The news of Trey’s death stunned me, despite the knowledge of the disease to which his earthly body eventually succumbed. The first thought I had was the unimaginable pain that you guys, Joe, and Bella had to feel. Yet in the midst of sadness and tears, I was reminded that while Trey fell asleep here on earth, he awoke in the glory and the presence of our Creator, Father, Sustainer, Comforter. He awoke to Abba, and while there is sadness in knowing that he is gone from this side of eternity, there is great joy and peace in knowing that Trey is far better off than any of us who remain here. He is where we all look forward to being one day…home. I wish I was more eloquent, wiser, a better communicator…but I want you to know that Amy and I love you. We are praying for you, with you.
We are continuing to pray for all of you and I know you really are doing OK. God is good and are good and obedient servants. I think of that book, “Heaven is for real” and I can just see Trey really enjoying his time with Jesus. Thank you for keeping all of us posted on the events and how you are. You have brought all of us a little closer to Jesus
Pastor Jay I am praying your continued strength in the Lord. I apologize for my late reply as I am on no social media. If we may be helpful in anyway please do let us know.
Your brother in Christ,
Derrick Johnson
you are one of my “go to” guys believe it or not. Thanks for all of your prayers. I truly believe they helped make a difference. Your hometown will not be the same after all of this.