James Russell Fehr

A couple of weeks ago I was on a two day trip to Santiago to preach in a graduation. I also got to preach at a church plant in Quilicura. Shortly before the service I read a text that my grandfather, Russell Fehr, had passed away. Although I knew he wasn't doing very well I was shocked and heartbroken at the news. I am so thankful for the hope of heaven though, and the promise of eternal life to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ.

My grandfather was a very talented man. One of his talents was artistic woodwork. As a boy I was very proud to tell people that my grandpa was a carpenter, because Jesus was a carpenter. When I was young I admired him so much for the beautiful creations he did. I felt very privileged when he brought me into his shop one summer to work with him and learn the craft. That summer was just the start, and it became something we would share for years. I never got as good as he was, but I treasure those times together now much more than the craft. We would talk about things. He told me war stories (grandpa served in the Navy), he told me how he met grandma, and we listened to big band, ragtime, and barbershop quartets. Below is a picture of one of the pieces of art I made in his shop as he mentored me; these are called intarsias. I made this one about 12 years ago and gave it to my sister.

One day after finishing work in the shop we went out to one of grandma and grandpa’s favorite restaurants in Whittier called Seafare Inn. As we sat at lunch I asked them if they were saved; if they had come to know Christ as Saviour. I’ll never forget the response I heard, “We believe in salvation by grace through faith.” That is straight out of the Scriptures; Ephesians 2:8-9. I am sad that grandpa is gone and especially that I couldn’t be near him at the end to say goodbye, but I have hope to see him again (1 Thessalonians 4:13). I am so thankful for the memories I have of him and I will always cherish them.