Today we honor
Rich DeVos Sr. 1926-2018

Students have written the following concerning
Rich DeVos’ passing.

Dear beloved Brothers and Sisters

 
There are no words to tell you how sorry I am. I wish I could take away your pain. Just know that I am praying that the Holy Spirit will bring comfort to the family, friends andcolleagues of Rich DeVos Sr. I am sure you all miss him already.
 
Rich DeVos brought so much joy to everyone around him. He was instrumental to many peoples training at Christian Leaders Institute.  We salute you, Rich DeVos and wish you a save journey to Heaven. We celebrate the life that you lived here on Earth and look forward to one day meet again. Rich DeVos will be missed by many. He was truly a wonderful Godly man.  
 
Please convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Rich DeVos. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will all miss him, but his legacy will live on through all the great work he did at Christian Leaders Institute and all his businesses that he leaves behind.
 
My Prayer for the Family:
May the Lord of Peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort all the bereaved amongst us. God of us all, your love never ends. We pray to you for one another in our need, and for all, anywhere, who mourns with us this day. To those who doubt, give light; those who are weak; strength; those who sorrow; peace. Keep true in us the love with which we hold each other. O God, all you have given us is yours. At first you gave Rich DeVos to us, now we give Rich DeVos back to you. Lord of mercy, hear our prayer. May our brother, Rich DeVos, whom you called your son on earth, enter the kingdom of peace and light? We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, as one God, forever and ever, Amen
 

C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, but shouts in our pains: The pain of our dear Rich DeVos departure is tempered by his conviction, echoing the Apostle Paul urgency, in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

PLEASE CONVEY THIS POEM TO THE FAMILY OF RICH DEVOS.

I’M FREE by Janice M. Fair-Salters

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work and play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full; I savored much, good friends, good times, a love one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

Many Blessings

 

Pastor Franco Alberts

Hi Henry and CLI family,
I was sorry to hear about your friend and mentor, Rich. I know he was a part of curriculum I had during my studies at CLI. Attached is a bereavement poem I wrote and share with friends in times such as these. I hope it does him honor.
You’re welcome to share it for his celebration, programs and or print a copy for framing. Thank you in advance for not posting or sharing it on social media.
Lord bless you and Rich’s family as they get through this difficult time.
Laurie Rowland

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