January 12, 2013 - Funeral arrangements

For those of you who may not have heard, Bro. Dale was ushered into the presence of his Lord on Thursday around 8:30.  I'm sure that he heard our Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."  Mrs. Doug and the girls made it safely back to Vardaman on Friday.  Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation will be Saturday from 5-7 at First Baptist Church Vardaman and the funeral will be Sunday in the Vardaman High School Gym at 2 p.m.  He will be buried at Old Bethany Cemetery in Webster County, also known as New Hope Cemetery.

Bro. Dale Easley was greatly loved by many.  He spent the past 50 years preaching and serving the Lord faithfully.  The past 26 years of his ministry were at First Baptist Church in Vardaman, MS.  His impact was not limited to only members of his congregation, but he was a pillar of the Vardaman community, and offered pastoral care and leadership to many all over Calhoun County.  He was active with the Calhoun Baptist Association's Executive Committee and encouraged his church to participate in ministry and missions both locally and abroad.  He loved football and supported the Vardaman Rams in the good times and bad times.  He was always at the games and led the community in prayer every week before the game began. 

Bro. Dale's passion was for people to remain true to the Lord and His Word, and experience love for and from Christ.  A theme in his sermons was, "Christ in you, the hope of glory."  (from Col. 1:27)

Like the apostle Paul who penned these words, this whole passage describes his ministry, and in particular, the past year and a half:

^"24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. ²⁵ I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:24-29

Bro. Dale was a compassionate person and understood the trials and griefs of life.  His favorite song was, Jesus Loves Me.  With childlike faith, but depth of wisdom, he lived and testified to the love of Christ.  His desire was for others to reach their potential thru Christ.  A testimony to the impact he has made on those he served would be for us to remain true to the admonition Paul went on to make in Colossians 2:1-7:

"I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. ⁵ For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Jason and I were personally blessed to have served alongside Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug at FBC Vardaman.  They both served us as partners in ministry, faith, prayer and friendship.  We love them dearly and will miss Bro. Dale immensely. 

In the days ahead, please continue to pray for Mrs. Doug and his daughters and grandchildren as they will miss Bro. Dale so much.  We thank God for this family and for their support of his ministry to the rest of us.  May God keep them and strengthen them for the days ahead.  We look forward to our Homecoming where we can be together with the Lord and all His saints.