Church leaders and friends, it is with a sad heart and much grief that I inform you that Elder Kevin Thornton passed away this morning into the arms of the One he worshiped so passionately.
Elder Kevin had the week of his life with his kids, grandkids, his wife, and family members just enjoying their presence, completely unexpecting that today would be his last morning on earth.
Kevin worshiped with the elders yesterday morning in my office, prayed over the chairs in the tent for Sunday services this weekend, toured the renovations of the Columbia campus, and even took some materials to the dump from his daughter, Bridget’s, house this morning. Then, he sat in his recliner at 9am in the presence of his wife, coughed, and went home to be with the Lord without pain.
Kevin could not have been happier and more full of joy. I truly believe he died of a FULL heart bursting with joy. With no sickness or pain, the Lord just took him home. Even his son from Colorado, Brady, who is a pastor, was in town all week. In fact. Kevin took Brady to the airport last night so Brady could return to Colorado.
Kevin was looking forward to his day at the park with Cal and Bridget’s children, his grandchildren, which they affectionally call “Family Fun Day”! As I sat with the family this morning at the hospital, Joanne, his lovely wife, and his daughters, Bridget and Kylie and son in law, Jesse, said that this is truly the best “family fun day” for Kevin and the way he would want to go this way. Everyone he loves on earth is taken care of, saved, and has had a great example of love and life.
Now Kevin is in glory with many others from the family, especially children who have been miscarried in the family. They have their papa up there singing in the very “Dwelling Place” that Elder Kevin taught us about in May at Bridgeway with Minister Ronald Greene.
It was a privilege to serve with Kevin on our Elder board and worship with him. He played the guitar yesterday in my office during the elder’s meeting, along with Elder Luis Reyes on the congas, where Kevin bellowed out:
“When I think about the Lord, how he saved me, how he raised me, how he lift me up and turned me around how he placed my feet on solid ground…It makes me want to shout, hallelujah, thank you Jesus, Lord you’re worthy of all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise. Makes me want to shout”. As elders we all ended up in the tent praying for the chairs and for the service this Sunday. We prayed for salvation and deliverance. Then we sang Amazing Grace over the property.
“Dear God, we thank you for the life and legacy of Elder Kevin Thornton. We pray for his wife Joanne, his children Kylie, Brady, Bridget, and all his beautiful family members and grandkids. Give them peace, comfort, and joy in the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’s name, amen and amen!”
Dr. David Anderson, PhD, DLitt
Founding Pastor, CEO, Author, Radio Talk Show Host, Chancellor