R.I.P. David Gentiles
We lost a dear friend last night, and the world lost one of the most caring, loving people it has ever known.
David Gentiles, “the wisest pastor” at Journey I.F.C., was called away from us, and has left us feeling saddened for knowing the we will miss his contagious smile, heartfelt hugs, and unwavering friendship, but also feeling truly blessed for knowing such an amazing person. Amazing because, David shared his love, in this same way, with every single person he ever encountered.
While sitting in prayer vigil Friday, I was blown away to find out something I never knew about David. Millions of people, including my wife Sherri, read Don Piper’s New York Times Bestseller “90 Minutes in Heaven”, about a man that was killed in a car crash, later revived, and tells about his visit to Heaven.
While Don is in the hospital battling for his life, David Gentiles travels hundreds of miles to be with Don, hold his hand, and let him know that David, and hundreds of friends and family are praying for him.
“We will not let you die,” says David.
It is David, Don explains, that challenges and inspires Don to share his story about visiting Heaven.
Similarly, I didn’t realize that David was co-host of ESPN Austin’s “Faith in the Game” radio program, and also an inspiration to Donald Miller, author of “Blue Like Jazz”.
Maybe you were blessed, as we have been, to actually know David, or maybe you encountered his spirit through others, like Don Piper, Donald Miller or ESPN Austin. Or maybe you never had the privilege of knowing my friend David Gentiles. Whichever the case, please know that David served to make us live, laugh, love and enjoy life.
Lots will be written about David in the upcoming days. But nothing can capture the truth about how intimately David Gentiles touched people than to read the pouring out of love and grief that has been posted on his Facebook wall or tweeted throughout the week. This, to me, is an example of the power of social media.
Thank You, David Gentiles.
Rest in Peace.
I did not make it to the prayer vigil Friday night but my heart was full as tears just like the ones that were streaming down my face as soon as I heard. I read somewhere that he was the most Christ-like being that person had ever known…I thought and thought- he was. He, without a doubt, was an angel among us and was called home. Now, for me to find comfort in him being called home, might take a while. I'll miss him dearly- his smile, the twinkle in his eyes and loving hugs. May his soul rest in peace…Love you David Gentiles!
Thank you, Keri, that was beautiful. Journey was amazing yesterday, so much grief, so much love, so much compassion, so much grace and so much support. Rick, Leslie and the rest of the staff did an amazing job. This was truly one of the most difficult, yet, oddly, most rewarding days of my life. The Journey community is very special.
I did not make it to the prayer vigil Friday night but my heart was full as tears just like the ones that were streaming down my face as soon as I heard. I read somewhere that he was the most Christ-like being that person had ever known…I thought and thought- he was. He, without a doubt, was an angel among us and was called home. Now, for me to find comfort in him being called home, might take a while. I'll miss him dearly- his smile, the twinkle in his eyes and loving hugs. May his soul rest in peace…Love you David Gentiles!