Last week two Cook Islands friends passed away within a few days of each other. Beresford Henry “Black” Heather and John Glassie Mateara.
Mr Mateara was asked by Mr Heather's family to share remarks at his funeral, which he prepared.
Then, on the day of Mr Heather's funeral, Mr Mateara also passed away.
An excerpt of Mr Mateara's sermon follows:
"Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. We know that Jesus' friends 'mourned and wept'. His disciples were wondering how they would go on without their Lord.
But through adversity and the darkness that we sometimes experience in life’s journey there is always a light that is available.
Our Saviour Jesus Christ is that light.
Jesus said I am the light and life of the world. But behold … I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me.
Central to all Christian belief is the fact that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, and because of this, we too will live again after we die.
This knowledge gives meaning and purpose to our lives."
