Gailen

This was posted in our school newsletter today, a summary of Gailen's service written by our superintendent.  I thought he summarized it better than I could. What a day Tuesday was, so full of emotion, truth and beauty of a life well lived.  A crown much deserved.  

On Tuesday, I joined in celebrating Gailen Veurink's life!  Gailen himself organized every detail of the service, and I would have to say it was one of the best services I have ever attended.  Valley Church Pastor Kevin David, Laura Erickson, Carol Dexter, and others in the Valley Church Praise Band led hundreds of people in worship.  Who doesn't love listening to Kevin's clear, pure voice when he sings "I Can Only Imagine"?! Two of Gailen's brothers and his brother-in-law, Darryl DeRuiter, Principal of Pella Christian High School, offered wonderful words on behalf of the family.  Darryl is planning to write a book about Gailen's life, and his title captures Gailen perfectly - Live with Excellence: Die with Confidence.  Richard Davis, the CEO of U.S. Bank was so eloquent with his poignant eulogy; at one point, he rightly described Gailen as "all-in" at all times.  Dr. Gary Rosberg's words of blessing on Stephanie, Erika, Grant, and Sarah were breath-taking.  Valley Senior Pastor Quintin Stieff preached the Gospel message with great clarity and passion, coining a new acronym in honor of Gailen, an avid Duke University men's basketball fan - D.U.K.E. - Daily Understand the Key to Everything: Trust in the Lord (based on Proverbs 3:5-6)!  Pastor Quintin announced that Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski contacted Stephanie to inform her that the adult Duke basketball camp MVP award would now be named the Gailen Veurink MVP Award (an award which Gailen won at the camp)!  Beautiful.  Fitting.  A quote from Coack K at his website describes Gailen well: ""People want to be on a team. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want to be in a situation where they feel that they are doing something for the greater good."  Gailen Veurink loved people, and he served them unconditionally.  He was a part of a great team on earth - not Duke, but the body of Christ. He knew he was a part of something bigger than himself.  Gailen had a remarkable ability to do everything for the greater good, honor, and glory of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  He fought the good fight!  He ran and finished the race EXTREMELY well! His body is completely healed, and he is now wearing a crown of glory!  Praise be to Jesus for aligning our paths with Gailen Veurink!