Last Wednesday night I was contacted by a good friend from Dixie, Washington.  She let me know about a friend who (Dan Townsend) had just passed away at the age of 47 after retiring two months earlier.  Had a massive heart attack while sitting in his lazy boy.  Doctors said he never knew what happened.  I knew Dan form my many deer hinting adventures out West.  What I wasn't expecting was the invitation to come and perform the funeral service.  I made several phone calls and all of them added up to a yes!  They were willing to pay the $1,400 air fare so I headed West on Thursday evening after attending the coaching network with the staff at New Spring.  Landed in Pasco, Washington at 11:30 pm our time and still had a 30 - 40  minute drive into town.  I was whooped.

Spent the day Friday with the Townsend family.  My heart ached for them.  Death is never fun, much less for someone so young.  Gathered some information that I could use for the funeral and was informed that everyone would be wearing camouflage at the funeral.  Off to Wal-Mart.  Bought cameo and an orange vest and hat.  That is what I wore to do the funeral.  No kidding.  It was actually very fitting because Dan was such an avid outdoors man.  Friday evening I got to take my Grandma out on a hot date with all the family.  Was she ever shocked to see me come walking up.  Great to hang out with her.

The funeral was held Saturday at noon.  The temperature hovered around 20 with snow blizzard type conditions.  Here is the main reason I went.  I knew a LARGE crowd of unchurched people would be there.  The majority of them have never been in church except for their wedding.  I shared some cool Dan stories along with a good friend of Dan's.  A video was shown of Dan's life.  As I stood to share I begged God to use me in an awesome way.  You see, as far as I know Dan had never accepted Christ.  I told everyone there about the numerous times I had shared with Dan.  In fact, this is how I shared the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I just told them what I had told Dan.  I finished by sharing that Dan had heard the information but I didn't know if he had made the transformation.  That was between Dan and Jesus Christ.

I then had the opportunity to do something I've never done before, rode in the 4 wheel drive Yukon with Dan (the body) to the grave side.  Upon arriving to the grave yard there was at least 8 inches of snow with the temperature around 15 and the wind blowing 20 - 30 miles an hour.  It was miserable.  We lowered the coffin in with some straps.

Let me share some things that happened at the grave side that I've never seen before:
* A cannon was shot off in respect for Dan.  Pretty cool actually.
* Everyone had on camouflage.
* The pall bearers were sipping on whiskey and asked me if I wanted some.
* A young man pulled a Coors light out of his coat and saluted Dan.  After drinking the beer he threw the can into the grave.
* A pot luck dinner was held at the local Grainge Hall in honor of Dan.
* Rode back to town in the hearest.

Sunday I went to church with my cousin and had lunch with Grandma.  Went to see Betty (Dads wife before he died) and then headed back to the house to pack.  Monday morning it was 8 degrees with A LOT of snow.  Over a foot in Dixie.  No way I thought the plane would take off.  But, sure enough, ice, snow and wind we were up and away.  Little side note for all out South Carolina students, with A LOT of fresh snow and very cold temperatures they only had a two hour delay for school. 

Spoke with some of the family this morning and the temperature was below zero last night and it snowed all night long.  Thank you Lord Jesus I'm back in South Carolina where it is 68 today.  Long, quick trip but was worth it.

5 Point never missed a beat without me.  Heard nothing but great reports about the service.  Can't wait to be with all of you this Sunday.  I want to share a few things I learned from this experience in the next couple of days.