I know all of you will be praying for Jon's family as they cope with this sudden and overwhelming loss. Please be in prayer especially for Alex, his greatly beloved wife, and for his children -- Carmi, Caleb, and Velvet, who have holes in their hearts today. Details on services will be forthcoming, nothing has been set yet, but we will let you know as soon as those arrangements are made.

Jon was a dear friend to many of us, a valued elder in this church, and he will be greatly missed, but the Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus promises to reunite us someday, joining with him at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.

On behalf of all the officers of Potomac Hills, let me say that we are stunned by this tragic news, but if you were among those who got to hear Jon preach and teach, then you know he loved Jesus, he loved the Scriptures and loved talking about the gospel. We rejoice at his steadfast faith, and the legacy he leaves in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and church. Jon was always an encouragement to me and was a great support to all the other elders. He will be greatly missed.

At our Session meeting Tuesday night, I asked Jon to start off our closing prayer and he prayed the most amazing prayer, full of compassion and great faith. I texted him on Wednesday afternoon -- "Hey Jon, just wanted to say that I thought your prayer last night was really moving. Thank You!" And he replied, "Thanks, brother. These are the moments that call for gospel power. May Christ be exalted and lives changed." That was the last I heard from him.

But those are such strong and powerful words for us now -- "These are the moments that call for gospel power. May Christ be exalted and lives changed." So, Jon, we trust in the gospel power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we will see your smiling face again and we look forward to that day.

In the Powerful Name of Christ,

The Reverend Dr. David V. Silvernail, Jr.
Senior Pastor

Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints"