Skip Brown
The John Diener I remember was a wonderfully intelligent man with a dry sense of humor. When I was going to school at Emmaus Bible School in Oak Park, Illinois, John and family opened their home for me to stay with them during the winter. In the months before, during that time, and after, I got to know John and appreciated hearing his stories about the development of train hitches, the invention of barcodes, and the activities of some "exclusive" brethren. He was quite a story teller. I was sad to see him about a year ago, after his "human decline" began. But praise God, His Divine Climb was not ending. He is now at peace of mind, fullness of strength, and comforted for all time in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. The family's loss is Heaven's gain. And while sympathies are important, I know that sometimes they don't seem to calm the heavy heart. While absent in the body, and present with the Lord is true, there is always that human tendency to hold on in sorrow, and bittersweet love. The best I can say is that God knows, and relieves the sorrow. He can soothe. He can offer His peace beyond all understanding. He holds the promise of seeing John once again, when believers cross over the last Jordan, into His loving arms. God bless each and every one of you, in Jesus Christ, the author of ALL comfort.