Yesterday my dear and precious Chris left this world and graduated into heaven. I know he was greeted by his Lord Jesus and his father. But already it is as if there is a huge hole left where he was in my heart here and now. I can not wait until heaven, to be joined with John and Chris, and eventually our whole family and friends together. The depth of the loss is almost unbearable, Chris is such a light - no matter how bad he felt he would be so gracious, always thanking everyone who helped him. Each morning as I made him breakfast he always complimented me. Why he had to leave so young, I may never know, but I do know that somehow God will use it for His glory. That was Chris's hearts desire that if nothing else this would be used to glorify the Lord. As the word went out friends gathered to say "goodbye" to Chris. It was so special, with times of prayer and worship. I know Chris was pleased.
The last 3 months Chris was lovingly cared for by such devoted friends, who ensured that he was always comfortable, entertained, and especially loved on. I can not begin to thank enough those who walked this journey with Chris. It is strange this morning the quiet of the house.
Chris leaves behind his precious Emily, whom he loved with a passion and depth of someone far older than himself. I know his greatest sadness was not seeing the life they dreamed of fulfilled. They had made such wonderful plans for the future. But somehow God will restore these lost dreams in eternity.
I pray that God will give us strength as a family to bear this heartbreak. It seems like so much lose in such a short time, but I must trust God to be my families rock, to be able to rest in His arms until we can feel strong again.
18 comments:
I am so sorry. I pray for the strength to get through this, you and the family have been through so much. I pray that peace can soon be restored in your life.
I love you,
Your sister,
Stephanie
Thank you Chris as well for touching so many lives through your life journey on this earth...that's one essence of life, to touch others thru Christ our lord. Good job Chris, good job. We will definitely see you again soon. Rest in peace. Say Hi to John for me, he's terribly missed too. Dawn, no words can express...and whatever is holding you up, keep it up. I am so glad Dan and Mihaela are at your side at this time together with the rest of your family and family in Christ. I love you guys.
We are so sorry and grieve with you, praying that you will be lifted up by God's comfort, as this is far too much loss to bear without His grace and mercy. We cried this morning and prayed for you all. Praying for rest in the weariness of the journey you are on and good friends to surround your dear family. love, Yale and Donna
Chris was such a wonderful guy. He never ceased to make me laugh even when he wasn't feeling well. I never got to tell him how much he and your family influenced my spiritual walk. You are such a strong family and your constant faith gave me hope everyday. I was so heartbroken to hear the news, but I know God is giving him a giant hug right now. My family and I are praying for you, Mihaela, and Dan as well as everyone touched by Chris. We love you guys so much.
In Christ's Love
Hannah Whyte
Hannah Whyte
Dear Dawn and family,
We are so very sorry for your lost. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you strength and peace during this most difficult time.
The Ghannam family, Oakton, Va.
We did not know Chris or Dawn or the rest of the family other than thru the prayer chain yet we talked and e-mailed often with others on the prayer chain about what an inspiration Chris has been to us who had never met him in person. As sad as his difficult times were, he always lifted us up higher. It is only through God's strength that he could have done that. He was the essence of "well done, good and faithful servant." When I see him in Heaven, I will go right up to him and say, "THANK YOU, CHRIS for helping me literally see Christ through you." Even while my husband and I mourn for Dawn and Emily and the rest of the family, I celebrate the putting aside of Chris' "old tent" for the joyous new one that God has given him, the seeing face to face our precious Lord and Savior and of course the wonderful embracing reunion with his father, John.
Dawn, Emily and everyone else who loved Chris, our prayers are with you now. May God grant you the peace that is beyond all understanding knowing that you will physically touch, hold and love Chris again in his new forever body never to be separated again.
Hugs and prayers...
Jeri & Scott
Dawn, Mihaela, Dan - my deepest condolences.
What has amased me so much over the past few years the strong faith you all have in Christ - Unfortunately, I haven't found such and maybe one day I will be lucky enough to have even a small percentage of the faith that you have. But if and when I find it, it will only because I have known 'The Champions'.
Although I was fortunate enough to come in February, I will be unable to come say my goodbyes to Chris as I have to lead a student study tour to Fiji (depart tomorrow). However, that doesn't mean Chris, John and all of you are not in my thought on a daily basis.
Love and prayers from downunder - Matt
Chris will be deeply missed. I can honestly say *I* am a better person because I met him. I will pray for strength for you. I can't even imagine what you are going through, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as well as my gratitude for sharing your amazing son!
Dawn:
I and my family feel so sorry to hear about the sad news. As friend of John, I only met Chris a couple of times in Doha, Qatar and one time in your home in Baker's Field, 2005. His young and Handsome face showing on my mind right after I hear the news. Both John and Chris will be remembered forever by my family.
Eamon Zhang
Mrs. Champion,
Your family has been a guiding beacon for many and Chris introduced me to your wonderful family.
God has used Chris's journey already. He's told his story to many here in San Luis Obispo. Everyone admires his strength in the Lord and we tell his story to others. His love for God has inspired me time and time again to trust in the Lord. I will truly miss him, and I feel for you and your family. I will pray constantly for strength and healing in your lives and for God to bring his peace upon you.
-Veronica
For the last 2 years or so I have started my day reading Chris' blog. I always knew when he wasn't feeling well because he didn't write. His words inspired me and strengthened me. Reading about his friends gives me great hope for the future. I worked for John and he was a good friend, but I never really knew the family. It's interesting how my family grew to love you all thru this blog. We wish you all peace!
Mark Munoz & Family Denver CO
Dawn and Family,
We are sorry for your loss but are happy to know that Chris is with John and the Lord. I also wanted to say we are sorry for not being able to be there for John's passing. I always thought of John as a second father, I remember speaking with him at work about God and life an general. I always felt that I owed John something for giving my an opportunity at Oxy, but he always said I didn't owe him anything; that is they way John and Chris were.
I am glad you reposted Chris' blog about paying attention in church. He touched many lives and the Lord rejoices because of it.
In His Love,
Ray Ambrose & Family in OK
Dawn
My memories of Chris are from a long time ago. He was perhaps a teen pr a pre-teen when we first met in Doha.
Following that first meeting we had may lunches together when he was Daddy's little helper at work.
I remember once cooking a meal for John and the kids when you were away in India or was it Romania, I cant remember. Chris didn't enjoy it much since it was vegeterian but that was just like my kids. Those are some happy memories I will rtain of Chris and John.
I will remember them both in my prayers.
Regards
Ravi menon
Dawn, Dan and Mihaela,
I am so very, very sorry for your loss, but I'm glad Chris is no longer in pain.
You and your family have been an inspiration to so many and I pray for you to soon be enveloped in peace.
Love,
Your cousin, Barbara
I knew Chris as a litle boy who sometimes came to the Oxy office in Doha with John. My family pray for him and join you in this moment of loss and great sadness.
Maqsood Qazi and family
I know that God is carrying you through this time and so, all I can offer is a reminder of some of HIS promises...
1 Thessalonians 4:13
We mourn, but we do not mourn like those who have no hope.
Psalms 126:5
Those who Sow in Tears will reap with songs of Joy
Matthew 5:4
BLESSED are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.
BLESS YOU!
May Gods Grace and Faithfulness be with your family in all things. Amen.
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will
help you."
Isaiah 41:13
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