Sunday, September 14, 2008
Pastor Paul Long
This Blog is for all friends, family and others who would like to express their thoughts and prayers about our dear friend Pastor Paul Long. He was killed in the Chatsworth Train Wreck this past Friday Sept 12, 2008. We know Paul is with our Lord Jesus, and we all will dearly miss him.
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46 comments:
Pastor Paul Long, you will be dearly missed by your church, your students, your friends, and your family. Every victim of the train crash leaves a wake of saddened and affected people, and we are in yours. Until we meet again in our Father's house, good night, friend. We will miss you.
Pastor Paul, my heart truly is filled with pain! You have always held a great spot in my heart as you were my teacher at Indian Hill in 1980. You were such a great friend and teacher, who's laughter was so lifting. I'll never forget you! To Karen & Devin an old hymnal "What a fellowship what a joy devine Leaning on his everlasting arms" We love you and are praying for you! In His love! Rev. Tim Edwards
Pastor Paul, You leave a hole in my life and ministry at Life Spring that will never be fully filled. Your depth of spiritual knowledge and wisdom was a great resource for me and for our entire Church. Your passion for God's people and His Kingdom inspired us to become more than we thought we could be. I will miss our times together as we poured over God's Word to discover what God wanted us to share with His people. I will miss your life lessons and the various objects your would use to convey God's truth. You are a godly man and your presence will be sorely missed. Truly, the Spirit and the bride say, "Come quickly Lord Jesus!" Pastor Tony.
Karen & Devin, There are no words to say that can convey the depth of sorrow in my heart for you two. Words seem so inadequate. Even hugs and kisses fall short. Then I look at you and truly, the grace of God is evident in your faces. I am soo proud of both of you. I am so thankful to God for the faith He has built in you over many years that is now being tested. You make it look so easy but I know that it isn't. Thank you for living out your faith and inspiring the rest of His Church to trust Him more. I love you both so much. Pastor Tony.
Karen & Devin,
Our thoughts and prays go out to you through these diffucult days. Paul had a wonderful ministry in the lives of students. We often think of those days at Grace Brethren with great joy. He had eternal impact in lives and now bows at the feet of Jesus. May God hold you close we love you and pray for you.
John & Lyn Boal
I don't know you, Karen and Devin, but I wanted the two of you to know that I was praying for you that day, even though you didn't know me. I suppose there were lots of us who were doing the same...just asking God to give peace and healing in the way He knew was the best way. We're very sorry for your loss. Words fall short of being effective. Please know there are people who care for you and that are praying that you don't even know.
Dear Karen and Devin,
We just love you so much and know that God is in charge of every detail in our lives. Our hearts are broken for the loss of our brother, friend, mentor, and our fun friend...Paul.
Thank you for coming to church on Sunday, so we could hear your beautiful voice Karen and see your strength in our Mighty Lord and Savior.
Devin, there are NO words to describe how proud of you that we are. We love you and are praying for you. You are a big part of our family in Christ. We praise God for your faithfulness to him... and for your grace and strength to carry out God's will.
We love you more than words can say.
In his holy name,
Jayne & Phillip and Brandon Smith
XOXOXOOXOXO
Dear Pastor Paul,
Thank you for all of your love, great messages, and for being so faithful to God, Life Spring, your family, and your church family. Everyone just loved and adored you. Your lessons will always bring me JOY and grace. We will miss you sooooo much. We will meet again in God's presence, in Heaven, and will rejoice forever there.
Thank you for everything and we love you,
Jayne & Phillip and Brandon
XOXOOX
Karen:
Although I haven't seen you in many years, I still think of you often and wonder how you and your family have been doing. I was so sorry to hear about Paul and our family has been praying for you for comfort. I am no longer living in So. Calif, but my prayers are with you.
In His Love and prayers for your family,
Love,
Karen and Corby Schmautz
Pastor Paul will be missed by all. Paul was very outgoing with a sense of humor and a quick whit. His visual aids during his sermons were great as he really got his message across to all of us. Paul will continue his teachings and sermons in Heaven. Words can't express our sadness as our prayers go out to you, Karen and Devin.
John Spohn
Karen and Devin,
I was saddened to hear your news. You are in our thoughts and our prayers.
with love,
Tom, Suzie, Matthew, Megan, and Melissa Leo
Dear Karen,
I was at my church women's retreat leading worship when I heard the news, and I am still in disbelief. My heart was flooded with memories of Mr. Long's 11th grade Bible class where I first learned the heart of true worship. I shared the words of the song you wrote with the women Sunday morning. I am so deeply, deeply grateful to God for putting Mr. Long in my life both as a teacher and spiritual mentor during those crucial years of my life. I cannot begin to measure how my life has been blessed by the godly wisdom and faithful instruction he imparted to me in every class I was ever privileged to have him for. And now I know he is receiving his reward and worshipping Jesus face to face. I can't wait to be singing with him again someday. God bless and comfort you, Mrs. Long.
Much Love,
Michelle (Mak) Eddy
Dear Karen, Devin, and Church Family,
When we heard about the passing of Brother Long, we were deeply saddened. But at the same time we rejoice that he is with His and our Lord. This reminds us all that life is short, and what we need to do, we need to do soon for the Lord. I actually knew Paul's mother better (she was my German teacher in college), but I knew Paul to say hello, and he always seemed to have a smile on his face. None of us are promised tomorrow, but as believers we are promised God's comfort, His presence and His love. He never makes a mistake. May He use this lose as a means of glorifying Himself and causing Christians to rededicate themselves to the Lord and to the advancement of His Kingdom. May God bless you as you seek to service our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev Dave Jelliff
First Baptist Church
Massapequa, NY
dvdjelliff@hotmail.com
Mr. Long (as I will always know him) was a confidant and a conselour for four years to me at Grace Brethren. He was the only other adult to talk to me about all the things and passions I loved when I was just in High School. He taught me my heritage for three years and God bless him, he passed me. I had no idea he had touched so many lives close to me. It makes me proud, and strong, to know I had him looking out for me, my friends, and the closest to me that I cared about. I wanted to make art and paintings, my parents wanted a degree. He found the perfect school for me where I met my best friend and I'd get enough of a degree to please my parents while still maintaing my creativity. He has inspired another new chapter in my life. I dearly, dearly hope you are in your Shire, Mr Long.
Mr. Long (as I will always know him) was a confidant and a conselour for four years to me at Grace Brethren. He was the only other adult to talk to me about all the things and passions I loved when I was just in High School. He taught me my heritage for three years and God bless him, he passed me. I had no idea he had touched so many lives close to me. It makes me proud, and strong, to know I had him looking out for me, my friends, and the closest to me that I cared about. I wanted to make art and paintings, my parents wanted a degree. He found the perfect school for me where I met my best friend and I'd get enough of a degree to please my parents while still maintaing my creativity. He has inspired another new chapter in my life. I dearly, dearly hope you are in your Shire, Mr Long. Thanks for the years you gave me. And for Mrs. Long, even though my voice was useless.
Mr. Long (as I will always know him) was a confidant and a conselour for four years to me at Grace Brethren. He was the only other adult to talk to me about all the things and passions I loved when I was just in High School. He taught me my heritage for three years and God bless him, he passed me. I had no idea he had touched so many lives close to me. It makes me proud, and strong, to know I had him looking out for me, my friends, and the closest to me that I cared about. I wanted to make art and paintings, my parents wanted a degree. He found the perfect school for me where I met my best friend and I'd get enough of a degree to please my parents while still maintaing my creativity. He has inspired another new chapter in my life. I dearly, dearly hope you are in your Shire, Mr Long. Thanks for the years you gave me. And for Mrs. Long, even though my voice was useless to human ears.
Dear Karen and Devon,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful husband and father with our family. Paul taught three of our four children throughout their years at Grace Brethren Schools. He inspired, he loved, he taught, he counseled, he made time to talk to each student and met them where they were while pushing them to be who he saw they could be.
Paul Long was a treasure and our entire family loved him dearly. We can imagine him in heaven now with our Lord who he loved so deeply.
Karen and Devon, our hearts break with you and we will continue to lift you up in prayer and surround you with love.
Always,
The Brandt's
Paul, Martha, Bea, Christopher and Michelle
Pastor Paul, you have impacted our lives greatly with your wisdom, humor, your grace and your unselfish service to God. Your human presence will be sorely missed. I know that you are with God and that some day we will all be together again. Pete B
Karen and Devin, you are forever in our Prayers. Please know that we are here for you and don't let distance be a factor if you need us for anything. We Love You! Pete, Lisa, D.J. and Carleena
Dear Karen and Devin,
Just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with the two of you. I had the priviledge of working with Paul during the early days of Grace Brethren Jr/Sr High and he always put a smile on my face. I loved how after school he would crank up the music in his room as he graded papers or prepared for that weeks lessons. It always filtered into my room and I loved it. I remember the day he told me that you were expecting and even more the day he boasted of his new born son! He loved the two of you dearly and everyone knew it! I know that he has left a huge wake of impact and a legacy for Christ that is even bigger. Amongst the pain great things will continue to emerge as I trust that God will continue to use Paul and his death to impact the Kingdom of Heaven. May God bless the two of you as you continue to journey through these tough times. May you be priviledge to see God's answer to the "whys."
In continued prayer for you both,
Margaret Gibson
Karen and Devin,
It's hard to imagine the pain you felt in living through this terrible tragedy on Friday afternoon. I know the Lord was walking with you through the valley of the shadow, and our prayers are that you both will continue to feel the Lord's warm arms of love wrapped around you every day.
In Christ's love,
Pastor Dale Johnsen, Agoura Bible Fellowship
Dear Karen and Devin,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers since we first heard the news on Saturday morning. Paul leaves behind a great legacy in the lives of people, ours included. He instilled in us a passion for worship and literature. Thank you for sharing this amazing man with us. We were blessed to know him, and we look forward to seeing him again, united in perfect worship with our Savior.
With Love,
Stephen & Candace(Gonzalez)
Barshaw
Karen and Devin,
My heart and prayers are with you during this tragic time. Karen, I was so fortunate to see you and Paul last summer when I attended your church with Joe Miranda. I couldnt believe that Paul remembered my name and facts about my life after not seeing him for better than 20 years since I graduated from Indian Hills. He was a good teacher who took the time and interest in his students. He never judged nor was he critical of our ways. He was a loving man with goodness in his heart. I hope that with Gods love you are able to heal from your physical as well emmotional injuries. The loss of Paul is tragic. I will always have my memories of him. Gods speed. My prayers will be with you. Kim Wilson
Pastor Paul, we will miss you here on Earth, but praise God, we'll see you in Heaven. I'm sure you're "navigating" all the trails up there so you'll be able to show some of us around after we've met with our Lord Jesus ourselves. You've made a lasting impact here at Lifespring, that is evident by our interaction with others and our brief time here with you at the church. You have made a mark everywhere you've been, it seems, for the Kingdom of God, and I know you're overwhelmed not just to be in presence of our Savior, but also hearing Him say to you, "well done, thou good and faithful servant." Your legacy and your rewards are great!
We'll keep the "light on" down here until we get to be with Jesus, too!
Keith & Charlene Hopkins
Karen & Devin, you both are great examples of being steady in our Lord, and just know that your whole Lifespring family is there to help you through these next few weeks, months and years. Thankfully, we don't grieve as "those who have no hope" and it is very evident that both of you live in "the hope of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." As well as being there physically for you, we will continue to pray for God's peace and love to surround you.
Keith & Charlene Hopkins
Pastor Paul, Karen and Devin, your godly family has truly been an inspiration to me and my family. When I heard we lost Pastor Paul it felt like I was struck by a cannon ball in my very soul. Immediately, I thought of you Devin and how much more it must of hurt you and your mom Karen. I have watched you grow up at church into a fine young Christian man. You are a model student. Your father loved you beyond your imagination and demonstrated that love by how he brought you up in the Lord. I realized that if anyone could get though something as terrible as this it was you. Your father is so very proud of you.
Paul was a mentor to me, we worked together on the Junior High Ministry at Life Spring for many years but more than that he was a great example of how to be a Christian husband and father and friend. I truly loved the man and will miss him terribly and will never forget him. We all lost a great spiritual leader and friend.
Dear Mr. Long,
You were my teacher, my coach, my counselor, and my pastor. You touched my life in so many ways. I so enjoyed our times on the Cross Country team...all of the trips to meets, the tiring practices, the wonderful fellowship. Your coaching taught me a huge amount not only about myself but about Godly leadership. I still remember, years ago now, leading worship with you for the kids' ministry at Life Spring, singing "Every Move I Make." It was my first real venture into worship ministry, which has now, thanks to you, grown into a passion and calling. I could never forget all of the fun in your English classes all through high school. Freshman year, you took us on a field trip to see the Lord of the Rings in theaters...that was the best field trip ever!
All in all, you have had a much greater impact on my life than you could have ever imagined. You are missed, but we will meet again, and I cannot wait for that day!
Aaron Letinsky
Karen and Devon-My heart is so heavy for you both! I pray that God will bring a peace that passes all understanding to you both! Paul was a wonderful man and teacher to all! He will always be remembered in our hearts! I am always here for you both if you need anything at all!
Dear Karen & Devin,
I just came from bible study where our small group lifted your family in prayer and reflected on our personal interactions with Paul over the years.
The impact Paul had in the 6 of our lives ranged from the blessing he was in our children's lives to reflecting on his 'always friendly,'always available,' and 'always contented' nature.
We rejoice in the life he lived for Jesus and the many who were impacted by it, as we rejoice for his presence with the Lord. We also share your burden of loss and will continue to cover you with prayer as we pray for the strength and the peace that only God can give.
In prayer, Judie Heathcote
Karen & Devin,
We all miss your wonderful husband and father. I needed to let you know what Paul meant to me. Paul was not only my teacher at Grace Brethren, he was also my friend. He was a man of integrity and virtue which is an extremely difficult quality to find in these difficult times. Paul helped sculpt me into the man I have now become.
Thank You Mr. Long for all of your personal support for so many years. You truly are a gift from GOD.
Shawn Lawrence
Karen and Devin,
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. It was great keeping in touch with you all throughout the years... from Indian Hills Christian Acadamy to Grace Brethren Schools. Your family is one of the few that we have kept in touch with throughout the years, and it meant so much to see him at my father's funeral service. Now he is united with Jesus to live eternally in heaven. He will be truly missed and forever loved.
Our deepest sympathy,
Nathan & Maggie (Schyvynck) McDonald
Dear Karen and Devin,
I had Mr. Long as my English teacher for two years at Grace Brethren and as much as he taught me in English he taught me just as much in faith. We only lose his company for a little while but it gladdens me that we will see him again. I heard someone remark on a lost passenger of the wreck saying that they were "gone but not forgotten." I don't think that works here... Mr. Long is not gone, but more alive than ever; and he will definately not be forgotten. My prayers are with you both.
"Mr. Consistent," that's who he was. He knew what was true (The Word of God), absorbed it, shared it, and lived it CONSISTENLY! No doubt, Paul would humbly refuse such a tribute, but it is no less true. For now, he leaves behind a precious wife and son, but soon, the one who Paul Long consistently preached will bring about a great reunion. We who believe in Jesus look forward to seeing Paul again. There will be worship and praise - then “Mr. Consistent” will correct my punctuation. We loved Paul Long and our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Karen and Devon. In His grace, Steve and Lynne Brewer.
Im sitting here at a loss for words. My heart feels heavy and broken. Mr. Long was such an awesome person. His devotion and passions will forever leave an imprint on my heart.
It has been a while since I have seen him. He taught my sister and I at Grace Bretheren Jr/Sr High. I never forgot his smile and the impact he had on my life.
Your in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you close in this difficult time.
Jeanne(Schaefer)Doman
I will always be grateful as a parent for the investment that Paul Long made in the educational and spirtual development of my three students at Grace Brethren High School. He was a Teacher, Mentor, Coach and friend to his students. Paul is now absent from the body but present with the Lord.
Karen and Devin, May the God of all comfort come along side you as only He can do. We will all see Paul again in just a lttle while.
Ray Blackwell
Executive Director, GB Schools
Karen and Devin
Josiah was just with you on your Birthday, a week ago. We really care about you both, and we are here for you as friends. You have a very large Family of God that will be there for your every need. Feel free to call us day or night. From all your teenage friends at Grace Brethren High.
Josiah Rand and mom Julie
Karen & Devin,
We were deeply saddened for you as we learned about Paul's transition into glory. Although the answers of why are not always answered, God has told us who He is and what we should do. He is sovereign and immutable so his purposes and promises never fail. He has also asked us to be faithful. It was this faithfulness for which our family will always remember Paul. Right now, I can only imagine Paul taking part in a Revelation 19 service:
Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (vv. 6-8)
Paul will be a portion of our memories, but he is now worshiping our Savior!
With love, prayers, and hope in Him,
The Nandors
I attended Church (Calvary Baptist) with the Long's in Simi way back in the early 80's. I enjoyed Paul's sermon's and Karen's piano playing. It was a great blessing a few yrs later when Mr. Long became my Gov't teacher at West Simi Christain, a yr before GBS took over the Cherry Ave campus. I liked how Mr. Long opened each class with prayer, and the reading of God's Word.
I last saw Mr. Long about 2 yrs ago at GBS. I was thrilled to hear Karen and Paul were able to have Devin.
When I heard Mr. Long had gone to be with the Lord shock set in. Paul is with God right now, and I'm sure he is loving it. I will miss him, and look forward to seeing him again.
Karen and Devin, my prayers go out to you, now and in the months to come. Lean on the Lord, and he will comfort you through this.
"Rejoyce in the Lord Always..." Phil 4:4
Mrs. Long & Devin -
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss - I praise the Lord for Mr. Long and his faithfulness to the Lord and his calling. He has obviously touched so many lives, I'm thankful to have been able to call him my teacher. We are praying for you, and praising Jesus that he is in heaven with our beloved Savior!
Love,
Suzy (Mako) Hoekendorf
Mr Long! I think you have been a teacher for everyone of my siblings, cousins, and nephews! You are truly a part of our family! Beginning back from the Indian Hills days, you made class fun because you were so humorous! You also had such a deep affection for the Lord, and I'll never forget the time that you told me that you pray on the 'commode', (as you called it!) I even remember your cat, Tobi.
Karen: Please know that we are allllllllll praying for you and your son! When I heard the sad news, I wept all day for you. Even now I am in tears for you. But know that we will all meet again just around the corner...it's not far away!
Devin, I don't know you, but I want you to know how much your dad was loved by all of us. I also want you to know how happy he was to finally have a son (I knew your parents when they were still trying to have you!) You were blessed with a great dad that has made a difference in so many people's lives. Be proud!
LOVE FROM MAHA SWEISS AND ALL THE SWEISS KIDS
Paul once told me "Be as smart as you can, but remember that it's better to be wise than it is to be smart." My heart is saddened by the loss of one of my heroes, my mentor, the man who was supposed to officiate my wedding.
Devin...I have the greatest memory of you. I used to babysit you when you were young. One night (you were about 5 or 6)we sat down to a dinner of pasta and crescent rolls. You looked up at me with a roll in your hand and said (no joke)"Jesus broke bread with his diciples". You are blessed to be a carbon copy of your father!
Karen...Can I have a fanny pack?
With LOVE,
Katie Brewer
Karen && Devin...
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven...A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
So hand in hand I grieve with you over the loss of an amazing member of Our family, but I too dance knowing where our friend, father, and husband is right now.
All that everyone has been telling me has been how incredibly strong that you both have been. I am so proud of you and thankful to you both for being the light in such a dark time. I admire how you have chosen to use this time...as a time to glorify our Father.
I am blessed by you both in my life!...Know that you are in the prayers of many…In mine and in those of my friends around me here...words are being lifted up on your behalf in many nations...what a rippled effect one life can make...Be encouraged!
I wish to be there with you guys!!!
...LOVE you!
Stasi Amatangelo
Paul...
What can I say that hasn’t already been said…You are a man of wisdom, love, courage, and gentleness. Your impact on this world will Not go unnoticed...
You have left us with a reminder of our responsibility to shine the light of our Savior...you were the ultimate example of “not being ashamed to speak His name.”...I want to be more like that…Your life motivated me...and now, through your death...I am motivated once again.
You were always there rooting me on...through APU, SkidRow, Utah, China, India...I always felt that I made you proud...and that is a treasure that I will hold on to for my life...I know that I am exactly where I am suppose to be right now...thank you for helping me get to this place...
And though your mission on earth is now over, your mark will continue to been seen...for eternity...
Well done! Go get your medals!!!! =]]
LOVE you always!
Stasi Amatangelo
I've put Pastor Paul Long's LA Times story in my blog in an effort to spread His Good News.
If you'd like to help this particular internet evangelism effort, you can go to the social networking site, DIGG, and DIGG the story. In no way do I want to be disrespectful or self serving...I just think His Word can be spread on the internet.
God Bless!
Go here if you'd like to!
http://digg.com/people/Paul_Long_Be_alert_Be_watchful_Be_ready
link in regards to my comment above
Pastor Long on Digg
Dear Karen & Devin,
Our sons Stephen & David had Mr. Long at GBHS during the 1998-2002 school years. There have been many times I have heard former students comment on the skill of writing essays they learned from Mr. Long. :) One of many things that come to mind when we think of Mr. Long was his availability, he ALWAYS took time to talk with people, answer their questions or just visit. His love for our Lord often came through those times. Our daughter was a senior at OCS last year, Mr. Long's first year. Though she did not have him as a teacher he would always talk with her just because there was a connection with her brothers.
It was such a blessing to attend Mr. Long's memorial service yesterday. God's name was truly lifted up. Someone commented afterwards that we surely should be different people after a service like that. Thank you for how you have used this opportunity to share Christ with others. You will continue to be in our prayers.
Karan Wreesman
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