In this file I have posted E-mail messages I have gotten regarding Virginia's passing on. I will add more as they arrive. Many I have not yet responded to individually. Please know that I intend to. I find them very meaningful.

I have however removed the email addresses and in some cases very personal information from these messages so that spam robots don't harvest and then spam the addresses, and to try to be sensitive regarding privacy issues. If you see an email you wrote, and would like it changed or removed, please let me know!

From: David & Dwell Moore

Mark,

David and I wanted to express our sympathy at the recent loss of Virginia. Although we don't know you guys well, I was blessed to have several email conversations with Virginia. Our prayers are with you during this time of grief.

Praise God! Virginia is dancing and singing with the Lord and all pain is gone!

Love,

David & Dwell Moore

From: Randy Just

I am so sorry to hear this Mark. Please accept my condolences. My prayers are with you and yours.

My spouse and I have been together for nearly the same length of time you and Virginia were together. I can appreciate the huge hole that is now present in your life.

I hope wherever you are, there is a support mechanism in place for you to help you with the coming days of emptiness.

Randy

From: Ibrahim Tannir

Dear Mark,

Please receive my deepest condolences.

Ibrahim

From: Peter H Salus

My sincerest condolences, Mark.

Peter

From: Kevin Borutski

Our prayers are with you Mark..I'm saddened by this news but know your faith and trust in Heavenly Father will see you through this.May His peace and love lift you in your time of need. May His great spirit comfort you as only it can.

I hope to hear from you again soon..

Kevin

From: Don Rosenberg

I know you will take comfort from your years together with Virginia, but it is very sad that she is gone.

Please accept my deepest sympathy.The two of you were a great example of the joys of marriage.

With all sympathy and best wishes,

Don

From: William Lucas

Hi Mark,

Kathy and I are very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife Virginia. She is in the Lords arms now. Would like to hear from you on occasion, so keep us on your mailing list

Your friends,

Bill and Kathy Lucas

From: Mark & Denise Abernethy

We offer our warmest condolences to you on Virginia's homegoing. We had no knowledge of her struggles with this. But thankfully, we don't have to grieve as those who have no hope, so we pray that you will receive the comfort and hope that the spirit of God is imparting to you throughout this time and also as you finsh your course here.

Mark & Denise

From: Ed Lindgren

Dear Mark,

Please accept my sympathy. I am praying for God to guide you in His will at this time of transition.

Love in Jesus,

Pastor Ed

From: Randy Whited

Dear Mark,

Please allow me to express my sincere concern, prayer, and hope for you during this time.

Randy

From: Ted Cook

Mark,

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Virginia battled valiantly, and her survival against the odds is a testament to her (and your) faith.

Sincerely,

Ted

From: Miles & Brianne Bond

Hello Mark,

Sorry to hear about your great loss. Not sure what else to say here, except that my wife and I will keep you in our prayers. If you are back in Colorado for any reason and need something please don't hesitate to let us know.

Regards,

Miles & Brianne Bond

From: Granville "Bud" Coyne

Mark,

I am happy that Virginia is now in the best of places... the other side of eternity. I am sad at the loss of your wife, friend, partner in ministry, and I'm sure much more.

I only met Virginia twice and each time she was smiling brightly, which I'm sure was because she was with you. Whenever I have thought of the two of you, I remembered her smile. Now that she is with our God, I will still remember her smile.. I encourage you to do the same.

You have a ministry that is now your own. It is to Bring Back the Joy of Jesus to all those around you, to all those you touch through your ministry... and to yourself as well. I know it will never be the same, but God will make a way and it will be a way of happiness and of course, Joy!

Praying for your strength to endure the decisions, the delights, and the mundane of gift wrapping her life for those that loved her. For a wonderful woman and a wonderful life that touched so many for HIM... To God be the Glory!

Peace,

Bud

From: Evelyn Dugger

Mark I am praying for you. My heart goes out to you. How I love you two. I know that God will carry you deeper than ever. Oh how he loves you. I am crying out to God in your behalf. All our loses are so great.

Love, Evelyn

From: Fred & Colleen Willard

Dear Mark,

Fred and I want to express our sincere sympathy to you on Virginia death. It is very sad for me because of her age while at the same time, we rejoice she is out of her earthly struggle against cancer and everything else.

I think of her as very brave, very resolute and courageous. A lesser person without her Lord walking by her side wouldn't have made it nearly as long. We draw strength as Kight does from the fact that the Lord's timing is perfect; ours isn't.

I hope you get this even though I've sent it on V's e-mail address.

Love, Colleen

From: Mary Safranek

Hey!

I knew something was wrong when she didn't write to me because she has always been such a good friend and email communicator. I will miss her encouraging emails and personal comments from her own hard life experiences.

I thank God for you, Mark she couldn't have done this long enduring walk without you.

I will write later more about our relationship. I am sad. Please send me anything you think 'we' her friends should hear via written word.

I remember Andrew Womack telling me when I came to him for a healing touch. He said life here is so short and whether we get healed here or not we will be healed in heaven so don't sweat it.

Like Virginia said in her journal. Many people here in the U.S. either don't receive their healing or cannot keep it. God wants to heal us. We don't have the instant answer on this.

Mark, do you have some special things to tell me about her last days that you can share it will help me out during this time. I believe she will be rewarded in heaven greatly!

Mary

From: Benton Willard

Hi Virginia and Mark,

It's been a long time since we've heard from ya'll. I asked my mom about you recently and she said that Virginia was not doing well physically. I do hope and pray that you are doing well spiritually, and that the God of all comfort is giving you his comfort and peace.

Let us know if there is anything that you would specifically like for us to pray for you about.

Love,

Benton

From: Abigail Elshaw

Mark

We are so sorry to hear. I know she is with the Lord, but we shall miss her.

I am afraid i have been off line for a while and very hectic and hadn't heard from you both so I assumed you were also manicly busy.

I doubt there is much we can do from across the pond but we are praying for you at this time. May the peace of God garrison your heart.

I remember meeting for the first time in Colorado when Jo Reynolds took me to the women's weekend in Winter Park. We rode together in the car on the way there and had a lot of laughs. I remember they organized a baptism for another lady who was there - and Virginia positively shone with excitement.

I knew her just for a short time but we were friends and I'll miss her regular emails and encouragement.

Abi Elshaw

From: Linda Wortham

I met Virginia 2yrs. ago at Pastor Sharon's Women's conference... We have been praying for her and her husband's ministry “Bring Back The Joy” ever since. She was a very sweet lady and cared about people and touched many lives as she and her husband traveled.

She died on March 8th which was the day my, Linda's, father died 2 yrs. ago... and it was also Linda's sister Sandy's birthday (Linda's sister Sandy died 11 months before her father).

Virginia was with us in prayer during that hard time of our lives. Please keep Mark, family, and friends in your prayers...

She is with Jesus... and full of God's Joy! "The Joy she brought to many will continue on... Praise Jesus!

PS: This tells us so much how when you meet someone... God has a reason for that meeting and to not take it lightly... Be that friend and prayer warrior to them.

Love in Jesus

Linda Wortham

From: Rowena Welch

This is Rowena Welch from Tulsa.

Mark thank you for letting Linda know and I wish I could have prayed healing over your wife.

Rowena

From: Marilyn Gentleman

Condolences, Mark--

You have our deepest sympathy.

I noticed that Virginia went about doing Christian evangelizing and never wrote about her illness. God surely granted her grace time. She did amazing work with God as her guide.

May God bless you as you continue BBtJ.

~~the Gentleman family

From: Doc Gibbs

So sorry about your loss, mark. She was a really wonderful lady.

Doc

From: Barry & Maria Stahl

Mark, God bless you in this trying but inspiring time.

It's funny - I was just thinking of you two yesterday, and I had not thought of you in months, quite honestly.

Maria Stahl

From: Tim Eastwell

Hello Mark,

Sorry to hear of your temporary loss....I'm sure you look forward to meeting again. Our prayers are with you.

Tim and Amy Eastwell

From: Leland Shores III

Dear Mark,

I just recieved your email and I am so sorry for this news. I had not heard from Virginia in a while and now know why.

Although it is sad for us I know that she is rejoicing in heaven with Jesus and for that we can not be sad. I am praying for you Mark and know I love you. If I can be of any help through email let me know.

Love to you,

Leland

From: Jacquelyn Melear

Hi Mark,

We've never met -- I went to college with Virginia, and even though I knew her fairly well back then, graduation day 30 years ago was the last time I saw her. I'm very sorry to hear that she had to fight this battle, and I'm sorry for your loss. I've recently read some of the things on BBtJ.org and it is apparent that Virginia kept giving and living right up to the end.

We are planning a 30 year class reunion, and have a website for the purpose of getting the word out. It has a section for profiles. If you would like to write a profile in memoriam for Virginia, I would be glad to post it. Also, any pictures of her and the two of you that you would like to share, I will post. There are already 2 other “in memoriam” profiles

up for other classmates who have passed away. Here is a link to the site if you'd like to check it out first: http://www.ACReunion.info

With sincere sympathy,

Jacquelyn Melear

From: Marjorie Broce

Glenn and I share in your loss of Virginia from this earth and her gain, as she is now whole and complete and with Jesus. Thank you for letting us know.

Marjorie Broce

From: Henry Wright

Hi Mark:

Our hearts join you on behalf of Virginia....she and you are loved. Many here would know and remember both of you.

If you come this way.....a time of rememberance and rejoicing would be in order...

Pastors Henry & Donna Wright

From: Melissa Garren

Dear Mark, I am so saddened at the loss of Virginia , even though my heart knows to be out of this body is to be at home with our Glorious Lord. She was a dear sister in Christ, who if suffering at all never showed it, and gave Glory to the Lord by her sweet compassionate Spirit. She was an immediate friend and someone who always made me feel loved in her presence.

I will miss her as you will. I pray Gods comforting presence with you as you continue on His road to Glory. You will be in my prayers and thoughts.

Robert and I have moved from Colorado and are living in La Mesa, San Diego. We love the weather and have a Great church

The Rock that saves, equips, and sends out. 8,000 people strong. We're taking the city for Christ.

God Richly Bless You Mark.

Love in Christ,

Melissa

From: Tamara Spackman

Dear Mark,

We send our condolences to you. I lost my mother to the same disease a year and a half ago. Virginia was a wonderful lady.

Our prayers are with you,

Sincerely,

Tamara

From: Robert Carey

My condolences to you and your family

Robert

From: Carolee Wise

our love and prayers are with YOU now, Mark, as you continue on without your precious Virginia.

Love, Tom and Carolee

From: Kathy Woolery

Hello Mark,

I'm very sorry to hear about Virginia, but I know God was very much aware of her and knows best for all concerned. Our prayers are with your and your extended family.

I Will miss her updates,

Kathy

From: Elly Ullom

Dear Virginia,

It was with much sadness that I got Mark's message of your passing or should I say graduation? You have fought a great fight with an enormous faith. I'll miss you even though we haven't had much contact lately. I have very fond memories of you. I was always amazed at how you managed to have time for everybody that crossed your path. And how you stayed in contact with so many people. I know and regret that I didn't keep up my end of the bargain. You were one of the kindest people I ever met. I look forward to meeting again some day at our Father's house.

With much love,

Elly Ullom

From: Sue Koons

Mark - I am so, so sorry to learn that you lost your dear wife. May God, Himself bring you comfort and peace during this time of great loss.

I met Virginia during the two weeks I was at PVCM in early 2000 or 2001 - I forget which year. May Virginia's life (and passing) bring glory to her heavenly Father.

Time feels so short, that it may be no time at all before we are reunited with those who have passed on before us. Keep looking up, Mark. You will

see her again.

Sue Koons

Sherburn, MN

From: Casey & Melissa Clark

To Mark, Our Brother in the Lord Jesus Christ, I send this greeting, and my heartfelt remorse at your loss. This is a joyous day, however, as our Sister in Christ is finally at the peace she deserves, resting in the comforting arms of our Saviour.

Peace be with you,

Casey & Melissa Clark

From: Mary Safranek

I am a friend of Virginia. I talked so long with her the last time we talked and it was so meaningful and sweet as if it was the last time I would talk to her ....and it was. I am sad. I want to celebrate her graduation. Let me know I am in Boulder and of course could travel to Denver when you come this way.

Much love and support,

Mary Safranek

From: Alice Wegh

Mark, thanks for your message. I hope you are comforted with the knowledge

that Virginia touched many through her uplifting words. I know many in Alaska would dearly appreciate attending a memorial service for her. Do you have any plans to visit in the near future?

Take care and comfort that many are thinking of you at this trying time.

George and Alice Wegh

From: Valerie Roberson

Dear Mark ,

I was blessed to have some time with Virginia here in Tulsa , I know she's in a good place but she will be missed . I send my love and prayers in Jesus name.

in His love,

donner

From: Andy Benavides

Mark,

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that Christ and the Holy Spirit provide you with the necessary comfort. Virginia was precious and kind.

Thanks Mark for your efforts.

Andy

From: Dawn Day

Mark:

Please accept this email as my sincere condolences to you and the rest of your families. Virginia was an email contact of mine and I thought a lot of her. I know she will be greatly missed and I pray your faith will carry you through the grief and loss you are now undoubtedly feeling. She is at peace finally and without pain and for that we can thank our great God and with the hope that we will meet again one day.

Take care and God be with you.

Dawn

From: Charlie King

We are so sorry to hear of Virginia's passing. But it was on to a better life as we know, Mark. She will be long remembered

for the sweet heart she was. When passing through Colorado Springs we have extra rooms and would be happy to have you stay.

You are in our prayers.

Charlie King

From: Mike Soden

Dear Mark,

Ibby and I received the news about Virginia via Alex Sanderson. We just want you to know we're sorry to hear about your loss and that our thoughts and prayers are with you Mark. Haven't seen you for a couple of years, but I know you're continuing to move forward to see what God's got ahead for you.

Bless you Mark,

Mike & Ibby Soden

From: Maureen Pierson Skarzynski

Mark,

Thank you for the updated information. I appreciate your effort to keep us informed even in this time of extreme sadness in you life.

I will write a memorial for her. I only have 4 cousins, including Virginia and Julia were and are extremely important in my life.

My love goes out to you,

Maureen Pierson Skarzynski

From: Peggy Hohertz

Dear Mark,

I am so sorry for your loss. Virginia and I lived together for about a year or so in Big Sandy, TX.

I would like to attend a memorial service if there is one in Texas.

May God bless you in your grief. I am glad that Virginia is free of pain and with the Lord.

Peggy

From: Don Krow

Dear Mark,

We are sorry to hear about your loss, but we know Virginia is in a better place. I can relate somewhat with what you are dealing with and I know that God still has hope and a future for you. Appreciate your dedication to the Lord and your zeal in His service.

Love and Appreciate you,

Don Krow

From: Tim Greenwood

Mark,

We know she passed over in faith. She is healthy and happy now and forevermore with Jesus. We will pray for you at this sad time in your life.

Tim and Marcia

From: Bill & Pat Brandt

It was a tremendous SHOCK to see that Virginia has passed on. PLEASE keep us updated regarding memorial her in the Denver Area.

Love,

Bill & Pat Brandt

From: Marion K Berry

Dear Mark,

I'm so sorry to hear about Virginia's passing. She fought a valiant fight. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Blessings,

Marion

From: ANCHIE FISCO

Dear Mark,

Hi! Just want you to know that we in behalf of FOUNTAIN CREEK RV PARK in Colorado Springs, CO are hoping to be a part of this moment-as you said the graduation of Virginia's life. We are fortunate to know her and you Mark. Both of you are good people.

In God's will,

Anchie Fisco and Entire Employees of FCRVP

From: Carol Hellem

Hi Mark:

I'm still in shock as are everyone else on the prayer line at the ministry.

We ALL loved Virginia and are so sorry to see her gone. I wanted to let you know I am thinking about you and holding you up in prayer. I'll write later when the timing is better.

Much love,

Carol

From: Karin Pacot

Dear Mark,

I am so sorry to hear about Virginia. As you say she is with the Lord and healthy and well. We will celebrate that. But our prayers will also be with you as you miss you here during this earthly life. God has lots more planned for you and He will be with you at all times.

Love,

Karin Pacot and Family

Colorado Springs

From: Dave and Marian Shaw

Dear Mark

We were so saddened to hear that God called Virginia home. The last time we saw you two she seemed so well and we thought she had received total healing.

You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this most difficult time of adjustment. Although we know Virginia is experiencing the joy of being with our God, we know that you are mourning the loss of your best friend.

Marian and I would like to attend service if they any are held in Denver.

In deepest sympathy,

Dave and Marian

From: David Anderson

Mark:

My wife and I, Darlene (Smith), were shocked to learn of the death of Virginia. But after the initial dismay, I realized that this was really a joyful transition. We are momentarily bereft but eternally blessed that Virginia received salvation and is with Christ. My wife is an agnostic and I am reminded how the death of a believer is a good death with promise. We last saw you and Virginia in 1997 at the Feast in Vail. It seems like yesterday.

You are in my prayers.

-- David

From: Christy Lopez

Dear Uncle Mark,

Thank you for the email. Nick and I are keeping you in our prayers. We feel very blessed that we got to speak with Aunt Virginia two times recently.

We are doing just fine, and everything is going well with the baby. He is kicking a lot now and growing fast. We are about 5.5 - 6 months along.

We love you and hope to see you soon. Please call us if you need anything,

Christy

From: Jan

I am Jan and I worked at Cascade Meadows with Virginia for one summer and we kept in contact by phone, she was so good to call me, I hate making phone calls.. anyway, thank you for sending the email regarding her passing, I am still in a state of shock and just don't know what to say except that I am sorry she passed but yet I know how happy she is now dancing around on the streets of Gold..

Al and Wilma asked me to tell you also that they are praying for you Mark and are very sorry of her passing also.. I don't know if you knew Larry Mayberry or not, he was in a motorhome here in the park, a rather tall and heavy set guy, he also passed away this year so maybe he and Virginia are having a good time up there together.. I would be interested in attending a memorial in the Bend area if I can fit it into my work schedule here in the park.. I was so hoping that Virginia would come back and work a summer with me.. do keep in touch when you can and don't over do, just do what you can when you can and everything will work out according to God's plan..

with LOVE and fond memories

Jan & Duane

From: Mae Pirc

Mark I am so sorry for your loss - and yes ours, Virginia touched so many of us and will be missed indeed. Thank you for letting me know.

May the Peace of Christ fill your heart and mind, in Jesus' name let it be

so.

Mae

From: Kristin Lortie

Mark,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Virginia was such a wonderful lady.

Thank you for sending this note out. She was really an inspiration partly because she chose to take the non-surgical route through her illness, and partly because you both chose to be American Missionaries and to follow a nontraditional path. I am saddened by the loss. I read your Q1 journal and Q4 2006, and it seemed she had some quality of life until the beginning of this year and up until the last month of her life.

May God Bless you as you enter this new phase of life without Virginia. I will pray for you.

Kristin

From: Lawson Perdue

Dear Mark,

We were sorry to hear of Virginia's passing, but know that she is enjoying the presence of her Lord. Virginia always was pleasant. Her countenance and her attitude represented well the grace of our Lord Jesus. She will be missed by many. May God's presence continually be yours.

In His Love, Lawson and Barbara

From: Bill Kranich

Mark:

I have been thinking about your comment in the “Death in The Family” email about a memorial service honoring Virginia. I think we should have one here. I would be glad to help with arrangements if that will help. Don't know quite where to start, but I'm sure Leonard, Al, and Don would be willing to help. I suppose the place to start would be to publish her obituary in the local paper that would include announcement of when and where the service will be.

Let me know your thoughts.

Warmest regards:

Bill Kranich

Ps: I think we have enough miles for a ticket and have one or more spare vehicles and a bunk you could use, if that would help.

From: Gidget Cathcart

Hello Mark,

Dee called me to let me know about the news. I am sorry to hear about your loss. She was a wonderful lady, full of life, and a joy to be around.

I will miss her friendship. Take care, get plenty of rest and God bless you. I will keep you in prayer during this transition time.

Many Blessings,

Gidget Cathcart

From: Nicole Henderson

Mark,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in Marty's and my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Nicole Henderson

From: Carol Harris

Dear Mark,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I truly believed Virginia would over come her illness. I just can't believe she's gone. She was such a strong person and one the inspired others to keep on going when things were rough.

How are you doing? I wish there were words to say that would help you with your loss.

Please stay in touch.

Love Carol

From: Anita Bacon

I am so sorry for you and the family's loss in this life on earth but Heaven's gain in eternity! Thank you so much for writing me and letting me know. My prayers continue with you from 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may STRONGLY SUPPORT

those whose HEARTS are completely His.”

May you know the Lord's Strong Support during this time of grieving. Praise our Great God that we will go be with her one day!

Loving you with prayer,

Anita Bacon

From: Jennifer Clothier

Mark,

Don't know if you remember me. I am the hygienist at Dr. Dougherty's office.

So sorry about Virginia. She was a very sweet lady. I always enjoy the journal entries. Hope you are doing well. I will be praying for you.

God Bless,

Jennifer

From: Susan and John Kossey

Dear Mark,

I just heard a few days ago of your sweet and lovely wife Virginia's passing. Asked about the address and got this site. I hope you get my message! First of all - i want to say that I read through your journal and think that you are very heroic for sticking by your wife to the end. That shows a lot about your character (which i already knew you loved her).

And, the decisions that you had to make - they were all good. I would tend to think similarly if I knew I was going to die anyways. We know that Jesus Christ will resurrect us all very soon! The fact is - Virginia may be in the best health you've seen her in yet in only a matter of months or years. We don't know when Jesus Christ is returning - but he told us to be ready.

So, as you already know - it might not be that long! And, once we die - we never know how much time has passed. So, in effect, it truly is sleep.

Mark, I often have thought about how brave and smart and confident you (and Virgina) were and have been. We both share the common bond of growing up in Alaska, in the Church of God, and also not having our genetic fathers to see us through to the end. But, you know what (as I'm sure you do) God has always been there through every trial for each of us. He knows! He rules. Sometimes our prayers are answered in one fashion and other times we have to wait patiently. Just like Brahms said in his German Requiem (listen to it when you get a chance, ok). The music is very consoling and the words are right out of the bible.

Virginia reminded me of a springtime flower. One of the first, impetuous, blooming ones. She wasn't impetuous in a bad way - but in a very enthusiastic and inspiring way. She would get people to see the good in whatever it was she was talking about! I think she was a very very perfect match for you to cheer you up and keep you going. And, the role-reversal happened as she got sicker and sicker - for you to cheer her up. I was especially touched that you had planned a trip to Hawaii - but you know what! Perhaps she didn't need travel as she thought she did. Maybe she just needed you. And, you gave yourself to her. That is the best present any man can give his wife. To the end! And, after - as you did.

May all your days be blessed for your faithfulness in trials. And, many blessings for the Drown's -in sharing their home, a room just for Virginia, and in giving her the love and care that she needed. She never would have gotten that kind of care and love at a hospice.

Will pray about the bills and the worries that seemed to have mounted by the length of her sickness and the unfinished church business. Perhaps after taxes - we'll have something to mail to you. Please give us your address at Chris's if you are able - and know that we are behind your grief and sadness with condolences of our daily thoughts and prayers on your behalf.

Susan Kossey

From: Peggy Hof

OH MARK I AM SO SORRY.

I DID NOT KNOW THAT VIRGINIA HAD GONE HOME TO BE WITH JESUS.

I SO INJOYED HERE EMAILS AND I LOVE YOU BOTH.

GOD BLESS YOU AND PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ME.

I LOVE YOU

PEGGY

From: John Crissinger

Mark, I am so sorry to hear about Virginia. What a personal tragedy for you and her family. My sympathies are extended to you. You two were a good team and the things you did together; I never would have believed it would be when I first met her at AC. The years may not have been plentiful but they were bountiful. You two shared more than many married couples do in decades.

I pray you will continue the good fight and know that the future holds a reunion for the two of you.

John