Saddened by tragic death of friend, mentor, former leader and fellow pastor.

I haven't yet processed all the pain and emotion of yesterday's events. I'm waking up in a house David helped build. Going to an office in which he ministered out of. Leading from a structure he helped establish. Yes, I'm shaken but I'm settled that this tragedy will not outrun my trust in God and I know it cannot overshadow His grace. Be much in prayer for the Treadway family and Sandy Ridge Baptist Church.

Donna Gibbs, friend and MC Counselor, wrote these comforting words this morning.

Yesterday brought news that was shocking to all of us who served with David Treadway. I was devastated by the news, as David was a great encourager to me in my early days and years at Mud Creek. He wholeheartedly supported my vision for counseling and marriage ministries. He went out of his way to make the way for a counseling program at Mud Creek, at a time when no-one else was doing this. The loss of David left me without words. I could only remember his silly smirk and belly laughs at the episodes of Hunnicutt and Ducker. You remember, he'd cross his arms and rest his chin on one hand while he doubled in laughter. Then he'd mutter to me how crazy they were. I struggle to reconcile those memories with what happened yesterday. I was only about an hour away from Hickory when I got the call shortly after lunch yesterday. I made phone calls to try to connect with Melissa. I reached a gentleman on the phone who is a friend of the family...he voiced to me his struggle in faith as a result of David's decision yesterday. He asked me how Romans 8:28 applied to this situation. There are no words, or explanations, for that conversation. After visiting a short while with Melissa we made our way back home. I tried to call Hunnicutt to update him...but words failed me. There were no words in the English language to describe what I felt and experienced there. After I got home, broken and speechless, I decided to meditate on the very verse this gentleman struggles with. I attempted to pray through Romans 8:28, but all I could do was sit, once again without words. Then, I looked back to the verse before, and God sweetly reminded me that I didn't have to have words. The Holy Spirit searches the heart and utters groans on our behalf. So, if you find yourself broken today, confidently know that the Holy Spirit speaks for you. I am doing a radio interview in less than an hour, and counseling appointments the rest of the afternoon. I am confident God will provide words when I have none. Satan won a battle yesterday with a precious friend. Let it be a reminder to us all to never serve in ministry in isolation. In isolation, Satan will take us to the darkest of places. So, if you struggle today, don't do it alone. Even if words fail us, God will be faithful to those who gather before Him!

Comments

[Paula Janes]

My heart aches and tears are flowing this morning as I reminisce when David was part of Mud Creek and Carolina Bapist Association. There is a longing to turn back time and capture the moments of David's sadness and in some sense try to figure it out and get him to change his mind. He was such a wonderful person and (we think) there should have been many years left for him. Although, I know God's plan is perfect it is still hard for us humans to understand. Knowing he is resting in the Savior's arms and he has no more sadness and tears gives us comfort. My utmost prayer is for Melissa and the children to feel God's comfort and peace in the days ahead.