BFI has received the following a few hours ago from Mark Benton in Japan.
Greetings friends and family,
My dear wife Kathleen passed away Thursday morning Japan time and is now in the presence of our Lord. She fought valiantly for many years and blessed many people even as she was suffering herself. You have been with us every step of this journey and I can’t express my thanks deeply enough to you. The end was actually surprising in its suddenness. There was no deep pain or intense struggle. Apparently her heart just stopped and she departed peacefully just as she wanted, at home surrounded by friends and family.
We will have family services tonight and tomorrow here in Japan, and then a larger more public celebration of Kathleen’s life next week. In addition, our children and I are intending to return to the States in the next couple of weeks or so to be with our family and friends there, though those plans are not finalized yet.
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55
The kids and I are doing well, and are surrounded by wonderful friends. Thank you, as always, for your love and prayers.
Since this e-mail mailing list is a bit old and addresses change, please feel free to pass this information along to anyone who you feel hasn’t heard.
God bless,
Mark
Editor note: –Photo of Mark and Kathleen was taken from a FaceBook photo dated March 25, 2012.
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