Together Again!
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
It looks as though the time of my departure is nigh at hand. Both my primary care provider and Sharon, my sweet daughter-in-law, believe it to be so. Sharon is a retired Hospice nurse; she is very familiar with such things.
As some know, I will be/would have been (?) ninety years old in October. I have a few ailments, all of which are working against my body: incurable blood disease, anemia, abdominal aortic aneurysm (inoperable), non-alcoholic fatty liver, clogged carotid arteries, and of course, my heart attack ten years ago, requiring five by-passes.
From all indications my heart is shutting down- the retaining of a great amount of water on legs, extreme tiredness, lungs filling up with fluid (therefore can't sleep), etc. I am not complaining (Psa. 77:3). Just informing.
I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the great honor and privilege of ministering the Word to you. I trust that I have helped some poor soul on to God!
To you twelve financial supporters, what can I say? Most have helped me for many, many years. A few as long as thirty-five years. As my late wife Salle used to say concerning you, “Lord, bless them; then show them why!”
All of you have been one of the great joys of my life, especially in these latter years.
I have three months of articles already prepared to send out. I also have another fifteen hundred articles from previous writings which my son, Andrew, will send you from time to time.
My wife and I both agreed to have closed caskets and no funeral, just a commemoration service later on, after our home-going. I have asked my son not to have any for me. Both he and my daughter, Leah, have something else planned that I believe you will approve of.
As to my supporters, I have made all the necessary plans for my burial. I have paid for the gravesite next to my dear wife, and my headstone with “JESUS ONLY,” engraved on it. The only thing left is a medium-priced casket, cement container around the casket, and the price of the grave diggers.
My son has enough to cover these costs, but I would like for you to take care of it. You took care of me in life; now I ask one more favor- to take care of your friend in his death. I want the blessings of God upon your lives and I know this will bring greater ones than ever before.
I leave you with a simple sentiment that my mentor, Dr. Joe Henry Hankins, used to say with sincerity at the beginning of each of his sermons, “ISN’T IT GREAT BEING A CHRISTIAN?”
An Old Disciple,
Richard D. Sandlin
Matt. 17:8
My Dear Brother: Thank you for your encourging comment.
The secret to my longevity is His grace and mercy.
And falling hopelessly and helplessly in love with Jeses Christ 65 years ago!
An Old Disciple
Dearest Brother Richard,
I've only recently come upon your posts. May the peace of God be upon you and may God's grace usher you into His glorious Kingdom in His perfect timing. It's not difficult to see that you are dearly loved by so many! Thank you so much for your wonderful and faithful testimony of the love of Christ! Please receive my love, prayers and blessings in our Lord.