Where in the World is Al Elie?

"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being" (Psalm 104:33).

This week our family laid my father Al Elie to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Tears were shed, scriptures were read, and prayers were said. The lifeless shell of his body that had suffered a brain hemorrhage was in the casket. Colorful floral arrangements surrounded him. The color-guard veterans held the flags, a brisk 21-gun salute honored his service to our nation during WWII, and a lone bugler played the taps. There was not a dry eye in the place. There's something about the sounds of the guns and bugle that says 'this is the end.'

But we knew my father was really not there. We knew his life had just taken a new beginning. Why?

In 1906 an evangelist arrived on horseback to the northern Minnesota town of Lake Bronson. Someone invited Els Evenson to a Gospel service held at a home where this evangelist was preaching. Els was a tough guy and known as the 'town drunk and wife-beater.' While Els was listening to this preacher, the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart. Els surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. The transformation was so radical that he became known as a 'trumpet for God.' Els Evenson was my great-grandfather.

My father Al Elie came to Grandpa El's farm one summer. My dad was so impressed with Grandpa's new-found love for Christ, that at the age of 16, he also rededicated his life to Jesus. Dad later married a beautiful, young lady named Ruth Lee, and together they had four wonderful children! Al's legacy continues.

My dad not only started well, he finished well! His life was a continuous testament to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He wasn't only spiritual on Sundays, he lived out his faith 24/7. He sang praises in the car, led his family in Bible studies and prayer, and modeled service to our Lord by his involvement at church. He would pray over our meals and weep as he told God how thankful he was to be saved. Dad loved his family and his God deeply.

So where in the world is Al Elie?

With Jesus! MY DAD IS NOW WITH JESUS! This is not a fairytale or myth. He REALLY IS in heaven because of his faith in Jesus to forgive him. This thought brings great hope, because we know we can see him again someday.

Until then, Dad is in the presence of Jesus and probably making his way around heaven, reconnecting with old friends and trying to locate the horseback-riding evangelist that started it all.

"Dad, tell him thanks from all of us."

Until we meet again,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org