Saturday, December 20, 2008

Rest

We have just received word from the family that Coleman passed away around 7am Saturday morning (Homburg time, midnight in Tulsa). The family has requested that we share this news on the blog because they know so many people have been praying for them and for Coleman.

From 1 Thessalonians 4 we have these words of encouragement in our grief:

Brothers and Sisters, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have died in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have died.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.


More information will be posted as it becomes available. The family is grateful for your prayers.

13 comments:

  1. So long, C-man. Very proud to have been along for the ride.

    Mark

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  2. I don't know your family but I have been praying for Coleman and your family. I'm am very saddened by the news of your soldier's passing. I will continue to think about and pray for your family.

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  3. So saddened by the news. While I grieve for his family and friends I celebrate for Coleman - safe in his Savior's arms and beginning his eternal life. As a mom who buried an 18 year old son I am familiar with the pain you are now experiencing. I know the outpouring of love that has appeared over the last few days on these pages will continue to give you comfort today and in the years to come. May God's comfort surround you till the day you see Coleman again. - a Mom

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  4. Lord Jesus I know you are welcoming a new precious angel, and we thank you for Colemans life here on earth. We know that he doesnt want to come back here because he is seeing more then he could ever imagine in heaven and is healthier then he would ever be here on earth. And Lord Jesus we do not feel sorry for him, but only for ourselves as this is going to be very hard for all of us to understand, Jesus we know that he is in a much better place and that he met You tonight and is running on streets of gold! Cant wait to see you by the gates Coleman!! You will NEVER be forgotten =]
    Love Heather Hinkefent and Katie

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  5. Eric, Belinda, Jordan, and entire Hinkefent family, I also am so saddened by the news. Words are just not adequate. I love you all and will continue to lift each one of you up in prayer. I am so proud of Coleman and I know that his testimony will live on. Cathy N.

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  6. So sorry to hear of the passing of Coleman. As a mother of a very good friend of Colemans, I want to thank his family for the time spent on this blog to update the whole world on every detail of this battle. Because of Coleman the whole world has stopped to give thanks for their lives and their families that we often take for granted in our fast,everyday lives. We will continue to pray for your family and for Coleman, "you fought the good fight and we are all so very proud of you and we will all see you in heaven someday".

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  7. Real life now begins for Coleman and heaven is a much sweeter place because of his presence. We do not grieve as those who have no hope. Grieving with you and rejoicing in your son's life and home going. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones. Psalm 116. Jan - Precept

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  8. I am greatly saddened by this news. Yet I am encouraged in my faith by the love and commitment demonstrated by the family and friends of Colemman. We will miss him.

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  9. From Lori & Bob Smith... Belinda our hearts our breaking for you and Eric and those that love Coleman. There are no words... We love you guys and are grateful that our Lord and Savior has provided a way for your son and all of us to spend eternity with him. Our prayers for Coleman's healing have been answered but not in the way we were asking. We trust God even now... SENDING YOU A LONG HUG... WE LOVE YOU.

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  10. Dear Precious Friends,
    We love you. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Coleman has slipped out into eternal. Please remember, "Absence from the body, presence with the Lord."

    Coleman and his family have touched our lives. Your witness for Jesus Christ through this blog has been amazing.


    May God provide you with the comfort and srenght that only He can provide.

    May God bless your family richly in the updating days, weeks, months, and years.

    Again, we claim and affirm Psalm 91 for you and your family.

    WE LOVE YOU!!!!

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  11. I am a friend of Mike and Sheli Woodward, and we have been following Coleman's story the past few days. I just want to say, I, a complete stranger, am sitting her with tears in my eyes as I see the testimony of Coleman's life, his story, his faith. I'm sorry the outcome was not what our family has been praying for. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers as you will surely be missing him this holiday season.
    Love, the Urban family

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  12. Belinda, I am so sorry for your loss. It was Coleman's battle that made me reach deep and enrich my own walk with Christ. What an impact he had on so many people and those he never really knew me included. As believers we know he is rejoicing now, and is perfect. What a fighter. May God comfort you and your entire family and Coleman's friends. May you have peace in your heart.

    Teala

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  13. Dear family and friends of Coleman.
    My heart aches for you. I know you only through friends of friends,,and you..do not know me but I can assure you that Coleman was welcomed into heaven by a fellow serviceman named Joe who fought a similar battle. I can assure you that Joe saluted Coleman upon his arrival to eternity and then took his hand to walk in paradise. I pray the Lord's presence with you at this heartbreaking time not only during these numbing first days and weeks...but for the months to follow as you walk this journey of grief. One thing for sure....God is with you and the body of Christ will surround you.
    Stacy Pleasant, Tulsa, OK

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