Mourning the Loss of My Friends
On Friday I was checking out some Facebook posts, and I noticed the picture of my friends, Ty & Terri Schenzel. Then when I explored further I was shocked to learn they had been involved in a fatal car accident on Thursday, August 20th.
Ty and Terri led exemplary lives and their reach in Omaha, Nebraska went far. It’s sad to see such wonderful people leave this earth. Heaven is richer for it as we mourn their loss.
See video news report and article click here…. The news report does a great job at capturing the significant impact that Ty and Terri made in their community.
It Began at Seminary in Arrowhead Springs
I first met Ty and Terri while I was attending seminary in Arrowhead Springs, San Bernardino, California at the International School of Theology (ISOT). Ty and I became friends right away as we prepared for the ministry. Our first year at school we were involved in the Core Module, led by Dr. William Iverson. The Core Module wed theology with practical ministry.
It was a great place to practice theology with skin on, as Dr. Iverson liked to call it. I have many fond memories of our time together at ISOT as those were some of the best years of my life.
Ty also met Terri at ISOT. They fell in love, and they were married while in seminary. God blessed them with a loving marriage that few couples are able to match. I admire them for that as much or more than I do for all their amazing accomplishments in ministry.
I remember that Ty knew from the beginning what he wanted to do. After he graduated from seminary his goal was to return to Omaha, Nebraska and to work with youth.
His fun-loving, energetic passionate personality made him a huge success with all the kids he ministered to.
As Ty and Terri ministered together they were a loving ball of energy that wanted to be spent pouring their lives out for Christ. I think they accomplished their goal. They lived well, and served faithfully.
God Used Them in a Powerful Way
Ty and Terri went on to accomplish many things in ministry. They touched thousands with the gospel. Their hallmark was the founding of Hope Center for at risk youth. The Lord used Ty with Terri at his side to bring hope to a place that was without hope.
I’m deeply saddened to see them depart this earth earlier than I would have liked, but what a legacy they left. Their life is an encouragement and a challenge to all of us to be ready when the Lord calls us home. It’s a reminder to make use of each moment the Lord has given us.
My heart aches at their loss. My prayers go out to their children, and their family. They will be missed. They are leaving a big hole that someone else must step in and fill.
With Ty and Terri’s wonderful sense of humor, I’m sure that heaven is filled with more laughter. While we mourn for them, we can rejoice in their life well lived. I pray that we might follow their example to live life to the fullest, and to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, and soul.
In His Grip, Dave
DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org
10 Comments
By theshepherdspresence
the tribute is moving, even when I did not know them. Thank you for sharing your heart.
By diasolifeontheborder
Thank you for your encouraging words
By Tony Casson
What a thing to discover on Facebook! How tragic the story, and how stirring the tribute. May God make His love and strength known to all who are mourning their loss.
By diasolifeontheborder
Yes it Was quite a shock – Kind of surreal. I know God has a purpose & plan even in this
By sustainabilitea
Glad to know where they’re going. How sad for those left behind!
janet
By diasolifeontheborder
yes – they were a very close family, and they all live in the same area, so they will have a lot of support, but it’s tough to lose someone so close and so dear.
Thanks for praying for them.
By Pieter Stok
Thanks Dave. A great tribute. They are now celebrating before God forever!
By diasolifeontheborder
Yes – that’s the wonderful hope that we have. We are not without hope – Hallelujah!
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