I want to honor the memory of a fellow, and not make it seem like he an object of evangelism in this post. Ric Collis was the son of long-time church members, but had not lived in Morehead for decades. He gave the church the biggest gift I have ever known someone to give.
A few weeks ago I found out he had terminal cancer. He himself had only found out a few weeks before. There was nothing to be done, except maybe some palliative care. I called him and he was remarkably calm about it. there were some tests to be done, to see what could be done to slow the disease, but he would die from it.
A few days after that call, his best friend and my church member Jim called and said it was progressing very rapidly. I decided that I could not wait until some business took me to Louisville, it was now.
A lot conspired to keep me back, especially the threat of weather. People were well-meaning, but I needed to go, and what else is 4 wheel drive for if not nasty weather? As I drove up, the Lord placed Acts 10 on my heart, Peter at Cornelius' house. I knew it was because Ric had grown up in a believers' house but had not professed faith in Christ, and was a generous person... much like Cornelius.
In the hospital, we spent some time reminiscing... and then we had to get down to business, sharing Christ. Jim and I emphasized that salvation is about faith in Jesus. Because of grace God does not hold our sins against us if we repent and believe in Jesus. But that is hard to believe! The lawyer in Ric wondered how God could leave all our sins on the table like that. I told Ric that I felt God wanted me to share from Acts 10. By verse 4, the tears were flowing. And yes I read almost the whole chapter! At verse 43, salvation came. Ric clasped our hands and we prayed for him to receive Christ, to have peace in his final days.
He died 5 days later. He is home.
Praise God.
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