tragedy and prayer requests

my prayers go out to the family and friends of michael argall tonight. on saturday afternoon, june 28^th, michael was struck by a car and killed while cycling. i didn't know michael personally, but he was a member of my church and so i grieve for those who did know him.

i did recognize michael's name when they announced it on sunday because i had signed up for a 5k training program through gateway (our church) for the keep austin weird 5k, which took place on saturday. michael helped coordinate and coach the group, which i'm learning was one of his passions. i wasn't able to participate in the program because of scheduling conflicts, but i got michael's emails weekly encouraging the group. his last email from friday around noon ended with "Best wishes! I look forward to hearing about your experience. -Michael"

the news of michael's passing was such sad news to me. it was such a sudden tragedy. it breaks my heart thinking of michael's girlfriend losing him and especially his three children losing their dad. and i suppose selfishly it's hard on me because it brings to the forefront my fear of losing my dear loved ones. i think the news of death does that for a lot of us. but especially since the experience of having my daughter faith born into heaven the reality of life and death has become much more vivid for me.

Lord, i don't know why this has happened, but i do know that we live in a fallen world. sadly death is a reality. i know that you don't choose suffering for your children, and in these times i know that you weep with us in the midst of our loss. God, when we are in those moments when we don't have any strength of our own, help us to realize that you are enough and that you have promised to be our strength when we are weak.

links:

• excellent article in the statesman
• another article in the statesman
• this guest book has been created as a tribute to Michael Lloyd Argall
• news and memorial information at rogue
  
• michael's coach listing on emerge multisport
• bloggers speak... put it on the list, a geezer running amok, jose gringo, maddock musings, austin triathletes
  

*update* *email from my friend kristen*

Gateway Family,

Please keep praying for Michael's loved ones. In addition to the ride being organized by Rogue (7/20, www.roguerunning.com/resources_events.php) there will a ride from Gateway in honor and memory of Michael on Saturday, July 12. We are asking everyone to arrive by 8:30 AM so Pastor Nate Echelberger can start the pre-ride gathering at 8:45 AM. The ride will begin around 9 AM from Gateway (7104 McNeil Drive, 78729) and will be a casual 10 mile out and back route on Parmer to Avery Ranch (<12 mph). After the ride, people can head over to Rudy's to continue the fellowship. I would appreciate your help in forwarding the ride information to others whose lives have been touched by Michael. This is not a ride for "cyclists" (however, we want everyone to wear a helmet), but for anyone who is grieving or wants to support those who are grieving. If you feel led, Rogue is collecting donations to set up a scholarship fund for Michael's three children or donations can be made to Helping Hand Home for Children or Mission Possible Austin's Camp Nikos Program.

Grace and peace be yours,
Kristen

i also am praying for my dear friend kate. she just had a pacemaker put in and it doesn't seem to be "taking". God, you are the great physician. please heal kate. give wisdom to the doctors and help this next and hopefully last surgery fix all of the problems with the pacemaker. please help it to do what it is designed to do. also give peace to kate's husband edward and daughter clare. amen.