Our church family lost a friend recently as heaven gained a wonderful, exuberant addition recently when Daniela Emig went to be with the Lord on August 13.  Daniela was a very special person.  She wasn't a part of our church family for very long, but she has had a lasting impact.  Here's her story, in brief.

Daniela (Dany) was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2003.  Due to the cancer she had to stop working and fell into the Medicare/Social welfare system.  She accepted Christ on November 6th, 2005 and was sincere about wanting everybody to know that she did not get saved because of the cancer or for fear of dying but because of a true love for Christ and a true understanding of salvation.  She came to our church for the first time in January, 2006.  One of her first requests on coming to our church was to be baptized, because in her home in Germany being baptized was taking a significant stand, and she wanted the world to know of her salvation.

The cancer spread very quickly to her bones and her brain. The cancer crusaders helped her move back to Germany in May of 2006 so that her Mother would be able to continue the care for her two mentally retarded children, Kevin, age 15, and Sasha, age 13.  They require constant care, and most likely will for the rest of their lives.

Daniela went home to be with her Lord on August 13th at age 34. 

For the entire time we knew her, Dany was an amazing person.  She was cheerful and full of joy, and it was obviously the joy of her salvation.  After she left here to return to Germany, we consistently heard the same reports from those in the healthcare system in Germany.

One of our church family, also a native German and long-time friend of Dany, is working out the details now to return to Germany mid-September to see Dany's mother and children.  Dany's mother is not a Christian.  The church has taken a love offering and will be sending it back with Sonja to help cover the funeral costs, which are as expensive in Germany as they are here in the states, if not more so.  If you would like to contribute, you can send a check payable to the Indian River Baptist Church Benevolence Fund (IRBC Benevelonce will work).  Send it to Indian River Baptist Church, PO Box 217, Indian River, MI  49749.

Rejoice with us for Dany, and pray with us for her mother and children.