Edmond Hurley

Transcript: Eulogy of Mr. Edmund Hurley

Greetings to each of you on behalf of the Hurley family. How honored I am to speak to you today- about dear friends that our family has grown to love: Mr. and Mrs. Hurley Marion and Mr. Hurley are an answer to my mother and father’s prayer, who live states away. They have been neighbors to our family since 1995. They have been FAMILY to us. They have blessed us in so many ways as someone who is always there… to borrow needed pantry items, to give me a jump when my battery had gone dead-several times over the years; someone just to “check on you”; they provided pocket money for Jared, my son, since he was old enough to mow lawns; and for me: valued friendship that only YEARS of life can fashion; they have encouraged me as I homeschooled for 9 years; they have been there for many events and times of need. Mr. Hurley quietly stood back, for many years and let US WOMEN “DO OUR THING”. But I always wanted to be closer to Mr. Hurley. I got my chance a year and ½ ago when he went in to the nursing home. Every time I saw him, it was just he and I. I asked questions about his childhood and young adulthood. I enjoyed every minute. Someone who has lived 86 years, has many fascinating memories: when life had a horse and buggy and boys went to the “swimmin’ hole”- when an education beyond the 8th grade wasn’t necessary.

He met Marion and they enjoyed the American dream-2 boys, a large 16’ foot boat and weekends taking the boys water skiing, boating and fishing. Then they would pull ashore and camp in their nice RV. Wow! What fun memories they have made together in 60 years of marriage. In our many conversations, I inquired about his thoughts about heaven. I remember, distinctly, when I was very young, being afraid to grow old and then of dying. I didn’t know what would happen. Since then, I have learned that God has made it clear - He wants us to know FOR SURE that we will be with Him in heaven. His desire is this for each one of us- His most precious creation, His Treasure. As time spent together went on, I was able to share specific Bible truths like 1 John 5:11-13, “He who has the Son, has Life. He who does not have the Son, does NOT have Life. I tell you these things so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life.” No man or woman can convince another of spiritual Truth. That is ONLY the work of God as He draws each one near to Him. For many, spiritual Truths are considered “foolishness by those that are perishing, unnecessary myths made up by the weak”. “For the Man without the Spirit can no comprehend the things of the Spirit for they are spiritually discerned.” I think that the Bible calls this state of mind the “Valley of Darkness”, “without God and without hope in the world.” Even though we may have the American dream, we are empty without Jesus Christ and searching for peace.

God SO wants to reveal Himself to us- to show us His great love for us. God leads us to the “Valley of Decision”. “I will put MY hope in God.” Psalm 42.5. What a glorious day it was last summer. Our family was leaving on a summer vacation. I was so concerned that something would or could happen to Mr. Hurley when I was gone. I HAD TO KNOW THAT I would see him again in heaven. I asked friends to pray that TODAY would be the ‘Day of Salvation” for Mr. Hurley. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe in the LORD Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Believing is simple enough for even a child to respond.

That day Mr. Hurley understood and admitted that his sin separated him from Holy God and put him in the “Valley of Darkness’. He PERSONALLY accepted Jesus Christ’s Death for HIM in full payment of his sin. At that moment, he was transferred from the Kingdom of Darkness to the Kingdom of His Beloved Son. He was given the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The “Valley of Decision” that day lead him that day into the “Valley of Hope!” A valley is a fertile very place-a place of growth, of fruitfulness and HOPE. Hope is the reason we gather today to celebrate the passing of this precious life into Eternal Life!! Mr. Hurley made that choice that day with me!! He accepted a free gift- the gift of eternal life offered to all who will come to Jesus Christ-The Way, The Truth and the Life. There is salvation in to other name. This message and invitation TO ALL will NEVER CHANGE! I am so grateful that God gave Me this privilege, though SO MANY, through the years, have planted Truth in his life. I saw a new man in Mr. Hurley. I heard him tell Marion how beautiful she was; how there wasn’t a better woman anywhere; how he loved her and ALWAYS DID. That was a precious moment. Do you remember, Marion? He said she did it ALL right! I will always remember how he asked every time I went to see him, “Where are the girls?” “How’s Craig?” meaning my son, Jared. Every little thing we did, was of interest to him. He was watching-Marion, you did such a wonderful job caring for him. You were a wonderful, faithful, caring, patient, generous and selfless wife. You have modeled priceless qualities to me. It will be hard in the days ahead, but as you both say, “It will be okay.” You, too, walk in the “Valley of Hope” now. “For I trust in your unfailing love.” Psalm 13:5 May God grant you peace because you trust in Him, our Confident Hope of Salvation more valuable than gold or the finest rubies.

We love you, Marion!

Arrangements under the direction of Guardian Funeral Homes West Chapel, Oklahoma City, OK.

April 6, 2014, Gateway Community Church, under Pastor Justin Jester

"In the year 2000, a young woman by the name of Melanie Manzelli took me under her wing for 15 weeks to disciple me using the Book One on One With God, teaching me how to have a personal and intimate walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. In those weeks, we have the basis for why we stand here today in testimony of God's UNRELENTING, REDEEMING work in the lives of the young and old.

Melanie taught me how to pray God's Word. She taught me to have a plan to pray. Here is my prayer guide from the year 2000. I had a weekly plan to pray daily, each day for something different. One day I prayed for family members, another day I prayed for friends and people I had discipled. On another day, I prayed for the lost-those who don't yet know the saving hand of Jesus Christ. Another day, I would pray for my pastors and missionaries. One day I would pray for government leaders, local and nation-wide as well as for the nations of the world. Another day I would pray for those with physical, emotional and mental issues, and I would also pray for myself, special needs and projects.

In 2003, on the pages of my journal and on the pages of my heart, you will see Mr. and Mrs. Hurley's names being recorded. God put HIS LOVE AND CONCERN in my heart for them.

Melanie Manzelli also taught me to record, in a journal, at least one verse a day. Beside the names of Mr. and Mrs. Hurley is recorded this verse: 2 Corinthians 4:4 "The God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers as they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the exact image of God." I prayed that the Creator and Only One, True God would reveal Himself to my neighbors and draw them to Himself.

On the pages of my journal, you will read how God prompted me to bring a Bible and a song book over to their house and read to Mr. Hurley. Mr. Hurley did not go to church, and quite frankly, I was scared of him. I tried to read to him on three different occasions. It was not God's timing, and I met with rejection.

Only after he went into a nursing home did our relationship deepen and change. His heart softened. He was now open to talk about Jesus Christ and His great love and provision for him.

Last summer, before our family left for a summer vacation, I pleaded with him, "What would happen if death were to come while I was gone?!" I HAD TO KNOW that I would see him again in heaven.

This had been on my heart and I asked the Lord if I COULD BE THE ONE to lead him to faith in Jesus Christ. I asked my dear friends to PRAY THAT TODAY WOULD BE THE DAY OF SALVATION as I drove to the nursing home that day. Many of you, sitting here today, prayed that day and on many other occasions as I shared my burden for Mr. Hurley and Mrs. Hurley.

Armed with prayer, I went to see Mr. Hurley. God had prepared his heart. He was ready to receive God's greatest gift. He confessed that he was a sinner and NEEDED Jesus Christ's perfect sacrifice to cover HIS sin. He accepted the atoning death of Jesus Christ as FULL PAYMENT for his own sin debt. He asked Jesus Christ to come into his heart and make him a NEW MAN. "If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATING. The old had gone BEHOLD, the new has come." 2Corinthians 5:17 In today's vernacular, that means, "WOW!"

It's a journey to that Day of salvation. And it's a completely different journey after that day! I have seen a new man. Before he hollered… I could hear him down the street! Now, he throws open his arms, and I run into them!

So we stand here today in testimony of God's Redeeming love for one man and one woman. It's no different for you and for me-

Oh! The Wondrous Love of the Father, so unconditional and undeserved, SO DESPERATELY NEEDED.

Thank you to all who have taught me to pray (which is praise, confession, thanksgiving and humble asking).

Who will God have you disciple in the Wondrous Ways of the LORD? Who is waiting for you to come bring a Word of Truth and a song?

God, in the form of the Holy Spirit, indwells us and prompts us to GO AND TO DO, TO RISK ridicule and rejection- to invest not spend.

God places His Love in our hearts for others. We are compelled.

Mr. Hurley is 86 years old. He has lung cancer and is on Hospice. We know that his future is bright and secure BECAUSE he has placed his life in the hands of the One, True and Eternal God."

Mr. Hurley, then takes off his oxygen, which is set at the highest setting, puts on his swimming shoes and climbs the three steps, with the help of several men, into the portable baptism pool after his wife had preceded him. She confirmed her trust in the Savior that very morning.

To the Glory of God, may this story never cease to be told to inspire others to reach out to their neighbors, colleagues, and classmates.

Sincerely,

Kristn Madhoo Punjabi

8301 Wilshire Ridge Drive

Oklahoma City, OK 73132

405 570-5070

Mr. Hurley passed on to glory June 5, 2014-funeral services June 10, 2014 Guardian Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, OK