A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. (Ecclesiastes 7:1-3)
Somber greetings from a grieving son,
Probably the two saddest words in the English language put together are: “Daddy died.” I remember being in Honduras the first time on a survey trip in 1998, when my father called to tell me of the death of my grandfather. He simply stated, “Daddy died.” Oh, how those words thrust like a dagger in my heart! I remember thinking, “I hope I’ll never have to hear those words ever again!”
But the first of January, those same words came back to haunt me as I had to say them to family, friends, and loved ones, when my father Robert R. Breaker, Jr., died on January 7th, 2010. How hard it is to lose someone you love, especially when it’s your own Dad.
Even though it was somber and disheartening to say those words, I’m glad they were not without hope. For my Dad was a born again Christian! I have no idea how anyone could get through such a solemn and grave occasion without Jesus Christ. For even though there is much sadness in such a great loss, there is also great joy in knowing he’s in a much better place. Even better still, I know I’m going to meet him up in glory someday, as he lead me to the Lord on July 29th, 1992. How great it is to know your saved, and know you are going to see your father again someday up in glory.
I preached the funeral on January 10th, 2010 at Lewis Funeral Home in Milton, Florida. The service lasted from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M., and I did my best to preach on the importance of being “born again.”
The theme of the service was the last five words of Hebrews 11:4, “...he being dead yet speaketh.”
Dad had a devastating stroke on the 4th of January which left him without the ability to speak. Because of this, I felt we should let him have the last word. I preached the Gospel, which I know he would have wanted, and then passed out a copy of his testimony and one of his Gospel tracts to everyone who came to the funeral (I’ve enclosed these with this prayer letter, as well as the funeral program and obituary we printed up).
In times like this, it’s easy hang on to Romans 8:28, and many other precious promises as we look for the reason why things like this happen. Even though mixed emotions flood my soul, and many questions form in my mind, I still look to God and find myself thanking Him for His many blessings.
We did see some joy through all this, as I was able to lead my brother-in-law to the Lord the day before the funeral! Praise the Lord! There are also other family members which desire to learn more about salvation, and our prayer is that they too would be saved.
Through all this, my desire to witness has been greatly renewed, and I find myself emboldened to evangelize for Jesus. I’ve had many opportunities lately, and am enjoying taking time with lost sinners to tell them the Gospel, knowing that not only my Heavenly Father in heaven is watching me, but also my earthly father as well.
We thank you for all your continued prayers and support. Oftentimes, I find myself jealous that he went before me. But then I’m reminded that I’m here for a reason, and I must continue on. Dad believed the rapture was close. We do to, and look forward to the soon appearing of our Saviour.
Because Jesus Christ means all the world to me,
Robert Breaker III
Sorry it took so long to get this prayer letter out to you. We had printing problems, so we couldn’t get it out before Christmas as we desired. Then my father’s passing greatly hindered us.
IN MEMORIUM:
On January 4th, 2010, my Dad, Robert R. Breaker, Jr., suffered a sudden catastrophic stroke which left him unable to speak, but alert enough to fellowship with friends and family for three days before he went home to be with Jesus on January 7th, 2010. I preached the funeral, and officiated.
Dad will be greatly missed! In our next prayer letter, or possibly even before, we will send you a copy of the funeral program, his testimony, and the obituary. We’ll even send a gospel tract he wrote. My Dad led me to the Lord and has been a great influence in my life. I can’t wait to leave this old veil of sorrows and go home to heaven and see him!
