I just received a phone call informing me that Christopher Laurie (pictured here with his beautiful family) has just been killed in a automobile accident. Greg Laurie is one of my best friends and my heart dropped and is still falling. On behalf of the Laurie family I want to solicit as many prayers from the Body of Christ as possible. Christopher (we all called him "Topher") was on the 91 Freeway in southern California when this occurred about mid-day. Topher was the firstborn son of Greg and Cathe. He is not only survived by his parents but by his wife, Brittany and daughter Stella (pictured here)and by his younger brother, Jonathan. Brittany is also expected another child in the Fall. Please keep this precious family lifted before God's throne, that God's peace and comfort would envelop them and that He would guard and embrace their grieving hearts. Topher and his wife used to come every week to our church at Ocean Hills while I served there. I was able to watch their relationship blossom into marriage and rejoiced when their daughter Stella was born. Though I know he is right now with Jesus in heaven, I will deeply miss this talented and sweet young man. Thank you for your prayers.
15 comments:
That's so sad to hear. Such a tragedy.
My wife and I just finished praying for the Laurie families, and our hearts are heavy for the Heitzigs also. God's ways are surely not our ways and He will be glorified through this tragedy.
We are all so sad to hear that this happened. We are praying for the whole family and actually had cars full of youth leaders and kids praying for them as we headed home and passed the accident. (We were on our way home from surf camp after studying Greg Laurie's book called "Finishing Well"). Our hearts are torn.
I know there's nothing to be said to alleviate the pain but we will pray. I'm glad that the only thing we can do is the most powerful!
praying......
Praying here too. I pray for all of you.
I suddenly want to talk to my son, who traveled down to Lone Tree Bible Camp for the day yesterday with a couple of other friends who serve in Velocity. That road can be so long... I thank God for the time I have here with our son, and I thank Him even more for the fact that we have eternity together in heaven and the privilege of being together with Him. I'm certain that fact will comfort the Laurie and Heitzig families, but I know the deep grief of separation, as well. We are praying for all of you.
I just got off the phone with Raul Ries this morning. He was traveling back to New York when we tried to call him yesterday, so he didn't hear about the news until he landed there. He, too, is heartbroken. Raul also watched little Topher grow up. He said to me, "Greg and Cathe brought him everywhere. I just can't believe this." Please pray for Raul. He is doing an evangelistic event back East tonight and is really hurting.
Just lifted Raul before the Lord for strength today and this evening. We are praying for the Laurie family as well for today and for each day to come. We grieve with them, yet we know the Lord will touch their hearts and be with them at this time and give them what they need. We are very sorry for this huge loss. Our Lord is a Comforter. We pray for His arms to be around each of them at this time.
I am so sorry, saddened, and hurt by the unexpected death of Christopher. I just finished reading Pastor Greg's book 'The Lost Boy' and all he had gone through and felt like I knew him more now. I appreciate how he has shared his testimony to help others. I read how he was awestruck when Christopher was born and that he was his only child for 10 years and how Pastor Greg was was not going to let him experience the pain that he himself experienced as a child and of not having a father. I pray that the Lord will comfort the Laurie, Heitzeg, Ries, Smith, Graham, McIntosh, Pastoral families who knew him and the entire Christian community during this very difficult time. May it help you to know that although words cannot convey what others are feeling - Please know that we are praying and lifting you up to the Lord and that we care. With Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy. God Bless You.
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared
for those who love Him."
1 Corinthians 2:9
We would like to extend our prayers to the Laurie family. Our hearts are full of sorrow.
But, we rejoice in the knowledge that Christopher is sitting at the feet of His Lord and Savior. Greg, you were a wonderful father to Christopher. You may not have had that love in your childhood, but Christopher sure did. He had very loving parents who nurtured him and brought him up in the ways of the Lord.
Dear Father, please wrap Your arms around the Laurie's. May we as a family of believers continually lift them all to You for Your comfort during this very difficult time. And also, comfort the pastors and their families who watched this young man grow.......their hearts are broken as well.
With much love to you all,
Ron and Helen
Hi Uncle Skip,
I'm still saddened since Thursday when I read the news about "Topher" as you guys called him. I can tell that my Calvary Family, not only my CC church family, but my whole band of brothers (the pastors) and even my Calvary brothers and sisters are still reeling from the news. I know that "Topher" is in glory now with his grandfather, Oscar which Greg spoke about in his book and even know I'm excited about his promotion in glory, My heart goes out to Greg and Cathe, Raul and Sharon, Papa Chuck, Mike Mc Intosh, and my pastor, Jeff Johnson here in Downey. And for Greg's immediate family, his brother Jonathan, Topher's wife Brittney and little Stella, his grandchild which Greg is crazy about.
I pray for the "Calvary band of Brothers" that you encourage Greg and his family during this time. I pray for the leadership over there at HCF (Jeff, Paul, Hanz, Steve and others) that they stay strong in the Lord during this time and also for the HCF family because they are my family also.
And Skip, I pray for you and CAB and your family too, because your hearts are heavy there too.
Love in Christ and till the whole world hears (Borrowing from Bob Coy's saying)
Gayle :D
My heart went out to Pastor Greg and his family when I read the news that his first born had been called home. My son was called home too and all I can remember is the poignancy of the pain being overcome by the presence and comfort of the Lord. May the Lord our God, the God of love and kindness, dry their tears and guide them through this time of grief. My prayers are with Christopher´s loved ones.
anafausta
Skip,
Thank you so much for your message to us at Harvest at Christopher's memorial service. What a great service!
One thing you said has stuck in my mind ever since, that the salt crystals in tears are cross-shaped. I have tried to verify this, with no success. Can you help me out?
Danny Obst
Riverside, CA
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