My Dad, Rev. Mervin K. Peterson, went home to be the Lord on Monday, November 1st, 2010. He was a loving husband to my mother, a wonderful father to me and my brothers, a great father-in-law to our wives, and a terrific grandfather to our children. My sons referred to him as "Papa Merv", and his big voice and crazy sense of humor would always brighten up our holidays together. My Dad was my mentor, confidant, and best friend - one of a kind. He had just completed 50 years of ministry, serving as a pastor, missionary, evangelist, and teacher - always willing to answer the call of God. Never before had I experienced the profound sense of grief and loss as I have over the past two weeks, and yet through it all I have rested in the peace and assurance that my Dad is in Heaven with God, enjoying his rest and reward. The Bible tells us in 1st Thessalonians chapter 4, "We do not mourn as those who have no hope . . . we shall be caught up with the Lord in the air". In the gospel of John chapter 14 Jesus promised us that he has gone to prepare a place for us (his followers), so we can one day live with him there for eternity. This gives us tremendous peace and joy as believers in Jesus Christ, knowing that we will be reunited with our loved ones who died knowing Christ as their Saviour, as we receive our inheritance in Heaven. This is in stark contrast to those who don't know God, and have no hope of eternal life in glory.
My Dad's life was dedicated to loving God, loving people, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. He lived each day to the full, for the glory of God. His favorite passage of scripture is found in Psalm 37:5-6, which states, "Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and make the justice of your cause like the noon-day sun." Through a committed life of faith and trust in the Lord, my Dad was used in a powerful way to impact many lives for the kingdom of God. Surely the justice of his cause continues to shine bright! I'll always love you Dad, and I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.
~ Scott
My Dad's life was dedicated to loving God, loving people, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. He lived each day to the full, for the glory of God. His favorite passage of scripture is found in Psalm 37:5-6, which states, "Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and make the justice of your cause like the noon-day sun." Through a committed life of faith and trust in the Lord, my Dad was used in a powerful way to impact many lives for the kingdom of God. Surely the justice of his cause continues to shine bright! I'll always love you Dad, and I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.
