Pastor Henry Covington - Remembering a Dear Brother

As many now know, a dear brother in the Lord from Detroit, Michigan, Pastor Henry Covington, passed away yesterday at the age of 53. Henry was the Pastor of Pilgrim's Church and "I am My Brother's Keeper Ministries."

My church, Northville Christian Assembly, regularly served food at his homeless shelter once a month. He was a good friend to many of the men and women here, including myself. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with Henry, but we met many times to build and update his web site. He was always gracious, loving, and caring.

As you may know, Henry was the subject of Mitch Albom's book, Have a Little Faith. Albom's web site said this of him:

Through his ministry, Henry cared for Detroit’s poorest, and offered shelter to the homeless in the church’s basement. He did this with no money, with a gaping hole in the church’s roof, without knowing where he would find the resources to keep providing...

Henry was a dear friend, an inspiring pastor, and a very kind soul. He took care of those who were ignored by others. He opened his home and his church to those who needed him most. And he gave thanks each day for the opportunity to do so...

He is survived by his wife, Annette, and their four children. (Source)

To be completely candid, I can't help but think about all the "why" questions that so easily plague our minds during a loss like this. Many like to offer consoling words such as, "Apparently, it was just God's time for him."

But was it? I sincerely don't mean this in an insensitive way, so please hear me out. If people only die when it is God's will for them to go, then why did Jesus raise the dead? Was He rebelling against God? Or was the death premature and in need of correction?

One thing is for certain: One day, Pastor Henry Covington will rise from the dead. I don't know if it will be this week at the command of Spirit-filled believers, or if it will be at the end of time; but Henry will indeed live again.

1 Corinthians 15:20-26--But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (NIV)

Death is not part of life. According to the Bible, death is an enemy of God. During this present season of eternity, death seems to have the upper hand; but this season is nothing more than a twinkle in God's eye when compared to the infinite eons that lie ahead. He will have His ultimate victory, and death will be overcome once and for all.

This Christmas, whether you're mourning the loss of a friend like Henry Covington (as I am) or remembering loved ones who are no longer present, remember not to lose sight of the reason Jesus came in the first place. The story of Christmas doesn't end at the manger or even the escape to Egypt. The fact is, it never ends. It continues through today, the future resurrection of the dead, and right on into eternity.

I thank the Lord for men and women who, like Pastor Covington, are not afraid to sacrifice for the sake of loving people with the Gospel in practical ways. May we all learn to serve with the same passion.

God bless,
--Art--