Nicole Jennalee Russell
As we wrote previously, Zack’s only sibling, Nicole, passed away on September 3rd. Here is Zack’s Facebook post from that day:
My sister, Nicole, breathed her last breath in this world and finished her fight with cancer, early this morning at 4:54am. It happens to be the 18th anniversary for when Naomi and I got married. And a really special moment was when Nicole and I danced at the reception.
That year was when her health took a downturn from Wilson’s Disease and she had to move home from college. But she fought through that to make it to the wedding and hit the dance floor. This moment will forever be one of my favorite pictures of her.
Last night, I was in the middle of a dream when I got the call from Hospice to come back down to see her and say goodbye. In my dream, I was walking through a huge banquet hall, filled with countless people. There were all different rooms, banquet tables, and dance floors. People were eating, laughing, celebrating, and dancing. And my job in this dream was to go to each room and turn out the lights.
But each time the lights went out, no one left. Everyone kept celebrating. The party didn’t end.
To me, this was a picture of the “great cloud of witnesses” that Nicole just joined, the eternal banquet hall that never closes. The light of her earthly life has gone out, but a heavenly light still shines within her. She had told us back in March, “This is God’s plan,” and spoke with Naomi at length about experiencing the love of Christ in a way she never had before.
I fully believe that she is alive right now, dancing in the arms of Jesus, in a banquet hall that never closes.
With the Lord’s help, we had Nicole’s funeral on September 9th. Both Zack and I (Naomi) spoke, along with several others. Annalei and Miah, along with two close friends, sang for the service. You can watch it here.
We recently received a card from an extended family member that brought a smile to my face, “What a beautiful service you managed to craft at such a difficult time…You honored Nicole and God in beautiful ways.”
Zack and his mom lovingly wrote this wonderful obituary that truly captured the life of Nicole. We would appreciate continued prayers for both of us and for our children as we walk this difficult road of grief. We deeply miss her.
Hill Country Fall Retreat
This year, we will be taking our entire family to the Hill Country Fall Retreat. Bridges hosts this retreat for international students in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
I (Naomi) have taken on the role of Prayer Coordinator. I have led several Zoom prayer gatherings and will be leading prayer times for our Bridges staff during the retreat.
We are excited for our kids to have more interactions with international students. Annalei and Miah will be joining the Bridges staff prayer times. Cassia and Paxton will be eager to talk the ears off of any international student that they meet.
The gospel will be shared clearly from the stage during the main session (like in the picture above from last year), as well as in many one-on-one conversations throughout the retreat.
UPCOMING
The Hill Country Fall Retreat is happening October 6-8.
PRAISE REPORTS
Nicole is now with Jesus.
God carried us through the stress of funeral planning.
Nicole’s funeral celebrated her life and honored God.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Our family would know Him as “the God of all comfort.”
Patience, strength, & wisdom while parenting in this season of grief.
The Lord would lead us to the right people or materials to give us the support we need as we grieve.
For the Hill Country Fall Retreat:
God would bring students with open hearts.
Spiritual protection over the main sessions and gospel conversations.
Students would come to know Christ at the retreat.