I was at my friend Orie Wenger's house a few weeks ago with our staff. Orie is the Pastor of Mt. Zion Fellowship in our city. He had recently been diagnosed with pancreas cancer and we were at his house praying for a his complete healing. While we were there, Orie showed us a teaching video of a sermon that had impacted him greatly. The preacher was talking about the stoning of Stephen in the Bible. It is one of the only times in scripture where Jesus stands up at the right hand of God. The pastor painted the scene so beautifully! He envisioned Jesus pointing his finger at satan and saying, "That one is going to cost you!" The death of Stephen cost the enemy his greatest general. Saul was standing in the crowd guarding the coats of those throwing the stones.
I am so sorry about the death of this friend. I know that his death brought back memories of daddy's death.
The angels in Heaven are rejoicing today for the homecoming of this saint.
Mom
Posted by: Harriet Kemp | June 07, 2009 at 07:53 PM
My name is Steven Wade, Orie was my friend. Let me first thank you for your amazingly kind words in this post. I am a member at Mt Zion, and the whole church is feeling the pain of this loss, but I feel it a little deeper. I saw Orie everyday, and spent time with him talking. I was always at his home, where he always welcomed me. He was not only my pastor, and friend, but the father of my wonderful girlfriend, whom I hope to marry one day. Therefore, Orie meant so much to me, and he will be missed. But I thank you for the things you've spoken about him, and the things you did for him. I also thank you for the work you do for the Kingdom, and for your neighbors. It's awesome to see the impact and the legacy Orie leaves behind. Even though we've never met, I hope we can one day, and if there's anything I can ever do to help you, you can contact me.
Thanks again,
Steven Wade
Posted by: Steven | June 16, 2009 at 06:18 AM