Wednesday...at 11pm right before our 48 hour shift at antipolo we got a text saying that the founder, Dennis Gunderson died suddenly after being admitted to the hospital earlier that day. At 5am we were up and ready to start our shift...having no idea what it was going to look like.
The funeral and cremation took place thursday, the day after Dennis died-the midwives took about 6 hours off and then were back for the nite...most of them sleep at the clinic every nite anyway.
Friday morning it was back to work as usual, it is hard to find people to cover a whole clinic for a week even when something this huge happens. The midwives definately handled everything with a grace and willingness that touched my heart. At about 3pm , Darren, Dennis son-in-law came with a guitar and just started playing and singing his father-in-laws favorite songs as one by one staff gathered for a small 'in-house' memorial. Staff from the little children's home and also the midwifery clinic gathered to sing and hear Darren's account of his father-in-laws final moments as well as his legacy. Psalm 40...was the passage which Darren used to describe his father-in-law...as a slave for Christ and that the instructions for his life's passion was found in the scripture..."suffer the little children to come unto me..." hence the little children's home. Also he spoke of patiently waiting for God, but also for a righteous impatience when it comes to doing the work of GOd to the 'poor', or 'little children'. Using verse 11-13 as a model for Dennis' life, Darren explained that his father-in-law was a flawed man who always had too much to do and too little time, but He relied on God to hear his prayers for each situation and all the particulars and to plead for God's quick help in every trouble. By faith Dennis Gundeson trusted God to work for each and every orphan he took under his care. Thats is a pretty cool testimony.
I couldn't help but look around and hear all the sharing of the midwives and baby home staff, They shared about their Tatay (Father) with tears and laughter, so being a missionary wasn't just saving orphans, it was about being a family. Darren and Deb (dennis' daughter) left soon after serving a little snack but the singing didn't stop and then we stood in a circle and prayed for the family and the ministry that God used for 20 years in the hands of his servant Dennis Gunderson.
I can't help but see how many people relied on this man. In the good way he had lived his life seeking the kingdom of God with a righteous impatience on behalf of the little children. And so i guess i have to trust that his death will also work about the same goodness. That it will teach all of us who were touched by his life to serve and love and give and pray with a godly impatience...Thy kingdom come...he has 3 sons and 3 daughters and i know of at least 2 grandkids that I'm sure would appreciate prayers.
3 comments:
what a legacy! i'm glad he is being celebrated and remembered! -K
aw, that's sad but cool to hear about all he was able to accomplish, with God's help & in His strength. :)
oh and i wanted to comment on the cockroach sidebar... so funny. are you actually keeping track of how many you see? the best thing i've found for killing them is a quick slap of a rubber sandal - works quickly & effectively! no writhing around or getting away on you. ;) i've killed many that way.
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