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Jack in Jacksonville Era
21 comments:
Jack and Anita, you continue to be in our prayers. We know that God will help you through these painful days. We pray that you will feel his peace and love as he has his arms around you through friends and family and His Spirit in you.
I have memories of you that go back nearly 40 years, but especially the last 20plus. Many weeks you were the only hug I received each week and that helped me through the lonely and scary days of being alone and new in a big city finding my way.
Thank you for your love and friendship and many kindnesses to me and my family through so many "life events".
I know that no matter what, you are wtih God and He is in you.
With love
Lori
(and Ron and Cheryl, too)
Uncle Jack-
I can hardly believe this is happening to you. You amaze me with your strength and good outlook. You remind me so much of Paw Paw-you both have/had such a sweet and gentle spirit. Our family continues to pray for you.
I Love You,
Candy
Dear Jack,
When we remember you and your family as you helped welcome us to Newnan (GA) in 1976, we recall that celebration was something that none of you ever shied away from. Now, you have deliberately allowed those of us who have known you to help celebrate this special time in your life's journey. We may be saddened by what we know you all are going through, but we are not necessarily feeling sad at this moment, because we have such joyful memories of each of you.
You, especially, helped these Yankees learn about a part of the South and its customs to which we had recently moved. We looked to you as our spiritual leader when our family joined a Baptist church for the first time in our lives. We learned not to care so much about a church's denomination, but to value the people and the relationships that would develop there. We remember you describing looking out at your congregation on Sunday mornings, seeing some dozing, some listening with a vacant stare, and many being really intent on taking in your message. You said you didn't mind people looking at their watches occasionally during a sermon, but it really bothered you when someone shook their wrist with the watch on it!
As a board member of Heritage School in Newnan, my new employer, you helped guide me through the field of potential land-mines that existed by coaching me on the various community members and families who had roles to play in the life and development of the school and the community.
Anita, Charley, and Stephanie helped in their own ways to welcome each of us to Newnan. We had barely moved in when Mark was invited to spend the night with Charley at your home. We were surprised to find him coming back home again early the next morning because he had gotten up before anyone else in your household and didn't know what else to do. Anita was like Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, leading all of the students of Heritage on a musical journey that even took us to perform one time at an Atlanta Flames hockey game intermission. Lois and I marveled at the energy she had for her work at school, her family, and the church. Do you rembmer Stephanie and Anne entertaining us with occasional living room performances that included songs, costumes, and made-up dialog?
We remember our families sharing an early dinner one year on Christmas Eve at our house. Anne and I came in late because in that rush of last minute shopping, we were involved in a car accident. Neither of us was hurt and you helped calm everyone.
Finally, I recall our getting together in Nantucket one summer after we had both moved away from Newnan. You and Anita had been at a Convention somewhere and we were occupying a friend's summer home for a couple of weeks and you agreed to visit. As we strolled together through the market area in the center of town, an unmistakable voice called out, "Rev. Snell and Mr. Wilson." It was the voice of Vere Fisher from Newnan, a familiar student and congregant from Newnan, working in Nantucket for the summer, who was as surprised as we at encountering us there. Once again, no anonymity for either of us.
It is these friendships made over the course of one's life, as you pointed out in today's blog, that gives our lives its meaning.
We simply wanted you and your family to know that you enriched the lives of the Wilson family and that we are thankful for the part that each of you played in our lives.
With our love and fond remembrance,
Peter and Lois
Dear Jack,
When we remember you and your family as you helped welcome us to Newnan (GA) in 1976, we recall that celebration was something that none of you ever shied away from. Now, you have deliberately allowed those of us who have known you to help celebrate this special time in your life's journey. We may be saddened by what we know you all are going through, but we are not necessarily feeling sad at this moment, because we have such joyful memories of each of you.
You, especially, helped these Yankees learn about a part of the South and its customs to which we had recently moved. We looked to you as our spiritual leader when our family joined a Baptist church for the first time in our lives. We learned not to care so much about a church's denomination, but to value the people and the relationships that would develop there. We remember you describing looking out at your congregation on Sunday mornings, seeing some dozing, some listening with a vacant stare, and many being really intent on taking in your message. You said you didn't mind people looking at their watches occasionally during a sermon, but it really bothered you when someone shook their wrist with the watch on it!
As a board member of Heritage School in Newnan, my new employer, you helped guide me through the field of potential land-mines that existed by coaching me on the various community members and families who had roles to play in the life and development of the school and the community.
Anita, Charley, and Stephanie helped in their own ways to welcome each of us to Newnan. We had barely moved in when Mark was invited to spend the night with Charley at your home. We were surprised to find him coming back home again early the next morning because he had gotten up before anyone else in your household and didn't know what else to do. Anita was like Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, leading all of the students of Heritage on a musical journey that even took us to perform one time at an Atlanta Flames hockey game intermission. Lois and I marveled at the energy she had for her work at school, her family, and the church. Do you rembmer Stephanie and Anne entertaining us with occasional living room performances that included songs, costumes, and made-up dialog?
We remember our families sharing an early dinner one year on Christmas Eve at our house. Anne and I came in late because in that rush of last minute shopping, we were involved in a car accident. Neither of us was hurt and you helped calm everyone.
Finally, I recall our getting together in Nantucket one summer after we had both moved away from Newnan. You and Anita had been at a Convention somewhere and we were occupying a friend's summer home for a couple of weeks and you agreed to visit. As we strolled together through the market area in the center of town, an unmistakable voice called out, "Rev. Snell and Mr. Wilson." It was the voice of Vere Fisher from Newnan, a familiar student and congregant from Newnan, working in Nantucket for the summer, who was as surprised as we at encountering us there. Once again, no anonymity for either of us.
It is these friendships made over the course of one's life, as you pointed out in today's blog, that gives our lives its meaning.
We simply wanted you and your family to know that you enriched the lives of the Wilson family and that we are thankful for the part that each of you played in our lives.
With our love and fond remembrance,
Peter and Lois
Dear Jack,
Thank you for your sincere and thought-provoking words today. We are thinking and praying for you often.
Love,
Stephanie and Aaron Glenn
Jack,
I have just found out about your illness and am so sorry. Your words are so encouraging. I have always appreciated your heart and wisdom. It has been a privilege to work with you in ministry. When I think of ideal missionaries - I think of you and Anita. I know we have not known each other long but you have had a real impact on my life. You are in my prayers and thoughts during this time.
Mike Douris
Buckner
Dear Jack and Anita,
You both have served faithfully as conduits of his love and grace to countless of us in times of joy and dark days of need. Now praise God, through this medium we have the opportunity to remember and share with others what you have meant to us.
Jack, maverick doesn’t quite fit, but the leadership you provided Hendricks Avenue Baptist was shall we say, less than “conventional”. Never in doubt though was your determination to remain faithful to God’s leadership in your life. Time has past, but as I read through these pages it is evident that today you are no less determined to live each day in God’s embrace. Then and now you remind us there is a sweet, sweet, spirit in the place.
Thank you both for the love and friendship you have given my family and know you will remain in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Skip Smith
Jack and Anita,
I can't help but thinking "some of the damnedest things happen to some of the nicest people." Of course it happens to some of the worst also, but that's another matter. I hate the hard parts of life and hate to see you all going through such hard times. I know of God's graces and trust God, but I grieve the hardness of your journey. I love you for the life you live and the testimony you bear. However you do this last part you are a blessing - whether kicking, screaming, crying or cursing; whether grateful, joyful, peaceful or otherwise. You have already been and will be a wise one. Your final path, whatever it is will be so as well. I identify with your thoughts about not knowing whether you are up to sharing the journey with writings and so forth. If so, fine. If not, fine. Blessings.
Jack--
Thanks for your words today - you continue to inspire me as you have for these 11 years I've known you (time flies!)
Relationships really are one of those few treasures that we actually can store up in heaven...maybe that is why "love" is the greatest of those that remain...
Clinging with you to the "big three" - faith, hope and of course - love-
Amy
Jack, thank you for your insight and wisdom in this morning's blog. Was reminded of that truth recently from "The Purpose-Driven Live", that God created us for relationships with Him and with others.
Your testimony should bring us all to a realization that the relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, has to be first, in order for any of the rest of it to make sense. We're praying for you, of course, but also for your immediate family as they go through this trial with you.
Ted & Judy
Dear Jack,
Thank you for your letter. I join with many others in keeping you and Anita and your family in my prayers.
Thank you for coming and sharing
with us a FBC of Macon. God bless and keep you in His love.
Harry Eskew
Emeritus Professor
New Orleans Seminary
Thanks so much for letting me know about your condition: it was news to me.
Pancreatic cancer is an awful disease, and I am much saddened to learn that it has come to you. It's good to know that your family and friends are rallying around.
I admire your willingness to share your thoughts about the disease, rather than living in denial. I'll certainly be checking in on your blog from time to time, and learning from you.
God bless you -- and your family, too!
Tony Cartledge
My best to Jack right now.
Dan Bagby
Thank you for putting this together.
I am a member of HAB and served on the search committee that brought him to Jacksonville in 1980. My wife was his pastoral assistant the entire time he was our pastor.
As you can imagine, the Snells are very special to us and as you know lots of others also. He is truly a man of God and he shows it in this time. You are blessed to have the opportunity to work with him.
Herman Fauss
Dear Jack:
I had known you were battling cancer, but I did not know until now that it was this critical in nature.
Thank you for caring enough for all your many friends to let us know what is happening in your life and to be willing to try to walk us through the journey with you.
I am grateful for the joy of knowing you, of sharing the passion for church and missions, and a faithful Baptist vision.
Our time in Viet Nam will always be a highlight for me. I know that you have had many experiences similar to that, but for me it was an amazing time. Remember how they “allowed” CBF and the BGCT to pick up the tab for the big dinners! Well, I was glad we could both be there and I am grateful for the ways CBF and BGCT can encourage and bless one another. Together we have been able to say to the world wide Baptist family that we believe in them and are proud and grateful to be part of their lives. I think it has been important for us to do that!
God bless and keep you, dear friend. Please don’t feel you have to respond to this. I’ll check out your blog. What a great thing to do.
Charles Wade
Dear Jack,
I'm heading out to Beirut tomorrow. I'll continue to think of you and pray for you during this trip. I count your friendship, and of course Anita's as one of my most precious possessions.
Jim
Thanks so much for etting us know of Jack´s illness.
He and Anita were very kind to us in Singapore 5 years
ago.
Right now we are in Spain, and I can´t cope with the unfamiliar computer system. But I would be
grateful if you could convey our love and best wishes to the Snells. I am not a praying person, but I will make an exception for Jack. He has been an inspiration to me.
Betty (and Lynn) Holmes
If the measure of a man's worth is the love others have for him, then your worth is immeasurable. God gave you a gift of caring and you have shared that gift with many. I know first hand how comforting and uplifting that gift can be. My prayer for you is that others will be able return to you some of what you have given so freely. You are loved. Miss Dixie
Dear Dr. Snell,
You are and always will be "my pastor." How special you have been to me, and maybe without ever knowing it because I was so shy when I was little!
There are those people that have a profound influence on us, and this is sometimes only realized as time goes by or in their absence, but we often think of them and wonder if they know what they have meant to us. You, Dr. Snell, are one of those people for me. I've realized that so much of the sweetness of life is in remembering it, and remembering people like you makes me want to be a better person. Your integrity, your sweet spirit, your passion, your devotion to people and relationships - it still inspires me.
My heart is so full of stories and memories that all seem to well up to the surface at times like these. Your classic example of relationship evangelism has stuck with me: Start simply by expressing care and involvement, such as, "How are Madge and the kids?" I remember your warm welcome to our much-jet-lagged mission team traveling to Thailand. What a relief to see such a welcome face in a very strange place! I remember having some of my first talks about missions with you. I remember working up the courage to give you a hug every Sunday after church. You were always so gracious.
What more can I say but "Thank you, thank you, thank you"? Know that you are loved and missed and prayed for - by me and by so many others whose lives you've touched.
Love,
Shawn Warner
Jack, your words of 3/1 were truly inspirational, as they always are. Our prayer for you and Anita is for strength for the journey. You have been a very special part of our lives for such a long time, and we miss seeing you. Thank you for your friendship and your influence on so many folks from so many places. You are so very special. All our love.
Julie and Bill Babcock
Hi Guys, I love you and miss you. I think of you always.
Love lots, Sherri Howard Stratton
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