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An
Outreach Publication of the Church of Christ at
Creekwood |
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What a Difference! Robert
Mason Perry passed from this life on Thursday, April
30, 2009, after battling many health difficulties in
his life, the last of which was throat cancer
accompanied by the fatigue and pain of treatments.
In his 58 years, however, he made an incredible
difference in many, many lives.
Amazingly, many
of his lasting contributions Robert’s
life drastically changed on May 2, 1978.
He was involved in an Army helicopter crash in
which he broke his neck leaving him paralyzed. For 31 years, Despite his physical limitations, however, Robert Perry accomplished many great and wonderful things! He earned a degree in mechanical engineering in view of helping others who were disabled. With sympathy and empathy, Robert was able to help others in his employment with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Even in retirement, Robert continued his work with the disabled with the Children’s Rehabilitation Engineering Team, over which he served as President. Robert served as a deacon in the Creekwood Church of Christ and taught a 1st grade Bible class for over six years. He also planned and implemented many activities for children outside of the Sunday School classroom, which included DRIVING the children in his OWN VEHICLE to visit local nursing homes and hospitals, providing them with many opportunities for fun and service to others. HOW could he accomplish ALL these things? One reason is the SUPPORT of a loving wife. A dear lady wrote the following words in a note to Marcelle, Robert’s wife: “Robert became the man he was primarily because of your support after the helicopter crash. His good attitude and adjustment to his situation were forged by your constant love, care, and devotion.” Another reason is the HOPE of a Christian. Robert’s physical problems were not the only challenges that he and his wife, Marcelle, faced. They also lost a son, Douglas Allen, who developed meningitis and died at the tender age of 5 ˝. Marcelle has stated that one of the things that sustained them through that time of loss as well as other difficult times is a passage of Scripture from 2 Samuel 12. In that passage we read of how King David lost an infant son. When David learned of his son’s death, he “arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house … ate” (v. 20). His servants were surprised by his quick recovery, to which David responded: "Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (v. 23). That statement – “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” – has brought much comfort to Robert and Marcelle through the years. It reminds them of the hope that one has because of Jesus: the hope of living eternally in heaven and being reunited with their loved ones. The hope of eternal life belongs to those who: believe in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before man (Romans 10:9-10), are baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and live faithfully to Him (Revelation 2:10). Robert Perry was a difference-maker, and the difference was due to HOPE. The hope of the Christian (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) made all the difference in Robert’s outlook on life. HOPE can make a difference in YOUR life, too! YOU can have this hope if you will submit
your life to Jesus. Won’t you? David A. Sargent, Minister Church of Christ at Creekwood To Subscribe to "Living Water" send a blank e-mail to:
HTML version: subscribe-livingwater@lyris.dundee.net Follow this link to locate the church of Christ nearest you: www.churchzip.com Archived issues of "Living Water" can be accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org
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