For some, funerals can be so distressing that they choose to avoid attending them, but for others who fervently believed in their Lord and Savior and had the hope of salvation, these solemm occasions can be a time of celebrating their heavenly home coming.

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7

I decided to take time off from work to attend Mark's celebration of life service in a town known as North Branch. Upon entering this small church I saw pictures of his life from his younger to his more mature years. To his umpteen grandchildren, Mark was known as Grandpa fun. There were hundreds of pictures, all of which revealed him smiling. One thing that struck me about this man was his fervent and burning desire to share Jesus Christ with people. As the pastor who officiated the service said, he wanted you to know that Jesus was the only way to heaven and that there is no other way. Mark married a lady who was equally as fervent with sharing her faith. Together they made a nice team.

After completing high school, Mark served in Viet Nam. When he returned to the states, he became a fervent entrepreneur forming businesses in painting, hot air ballooning, and others. The pastor said Mark had a great work ethic, always producing a quality of work. One person said that Mark was a great teacher and mentor who taught him the trade. His eyes moistened when he shared Mark's stories.

From this celebration of life service, I learned that our lives mean most by the way we influence people.

Heaven is a real place. It isn't some empty space of nothingness that some would like you to believe, but it is a beautiful place that is destined for those who know Jesus Christ. Mark Underdahl is in heaven right now. Those who knew Mark but are still here are hurting because of his absence. 

 The good news is that Jesus Christ is standing at the door of your heart. He wants to come into your life, to make you whole, and to heal you of the pain you might be feeling right now. All it takes to make that happen is to say this prayer: " Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.[20]

If you said that prayer, please know that Christ is right now in your heart where he will give you peace and continual assurance when difficult times come your way. Your job is to share with others the amazing free gift of eternal life and help them have that same hope.