Murder and Suicide Are Coming To Your Church
Murder – Suicide in One Family 
I have never done the funeral of someone who was murdered nor one who committed suicide. Yesterday, a member of our congregation was chopped to death by her schizophrenic son who choked himself to death afterwards.
This elderly member was also very well known in Church and in Colon City. The news of her death has sent shock waves across the city. Everyone is asking the same question, what could have caused him to snap like that?
Double – Funeral in Our Church?
There is a strong possibility that one or both funerals might be this pastor’s responsibility. I cannot think of a single pastor who would want to be in my shoes at this time. I’ll admit that I don’t want to be in my shoes either.
Do we choose or are we chosen?
Call for Preparation
What did I tell you about adventures and new experiences. Like I said previously, I have never done a funeral service involving murder or suicide before. It seems ‘half-measure’ has forgotten my address. These are the days of full impact. It is as if someone said ‘So you never done either of them Marvia, well guess what…both at the same time. Yours.
More importantly though is the present shocked state of the family; grappling now, with sorrow and anger. For certainly those two emotions must be at odds among and within them right now. I really do feel for the surviving siblings. It is a tough place to be…
And a few members have called to express their concern and to prepare me for the ‘event’ that these funerals can turn out to be. I imagine it would be no different in Jamaica – many curious onlookers would no doubt attend just ‘to see’. I guess I’ll just have to deal with it when the time comes.
In the meantime, God is my helper and no-one else is better able to help me to prepare.
Yea tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…(Psalm 23:4)
Peace,
Marvia
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June 23rd, 2007 at 10:23 pm
You know about three years a go while in High school, a studnt of my school was burnt to death with her mother and sister in the house which was set a blaze by the step father. At the funeral the sight of the three caskettes, was very hard to even look at. then recently as you might have heard young orane from our church was killed just weeks ago. So top some extent i can understand what u are experiencing now. i guess having to officiatite ata sucha funeral is a whole different case, whatever you say and do at this point is of great importance as you will be seen as the one the source of comfort, We will pray for you and your congregation, that you all will seeka nd receive strength and comfort from the Holy Spirit.
June 25th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Thank you Pastor D,
We had a private ceremony for the son who committed suicide as per the family’s request. There was a serious downpour that soaked the 5 of us gathered at the graveside. It was very sad.
Today was the funeral service for the mother. As was anticipated, given the circumstances surrounding her death, the church was jam-packed.
Now I have just received a serious blow to my system. What a way to hear of Orane’s death. Oh no…
June 26th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
sorry u had to hear like this, thought u knew, it certainly rocked the church and the community. Went to Charlemont’s graduation last Thursday, his absence was certainly felt by his batchmates who were graduating.