Forerunner
In memory of Mark Fruin
Hebrews 6:19-20
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| Choral score: | $25.00 US | |
| Accompaniment track: | $10.00 US |
Mark Eugene Fruin
March 9, 1971 – December 14, 1994
From my letter to Living Water, December 20, 1994:
Mark’s passing was noted in the Valley Bulletin on Sunday. He’s the first Living Water member to go through “divine graduation ceremonies,” and I’m going to miss him.
Mark was in LW during my first two years as director. The hallmark of his service was his faithfulness. I recall that the number of rehearsals he missed over those two years probably could be counted on one hand. He was always there, and loved being with us. His “office” within the group was that of roll-taker. Early on, Mark started coming to rehearsal a little early, would assume possession of the attendance clipboard, and would check everyone in as they arrived.
Although Mark didn’t have a phenomenal voice, he sang bass with a passion. He was a prototypical LWer in that he invested his rehearsal and performance time by giving 100% of what God had given him to give. His eyes were always forward, and his heart was always open.
I ran into Mark when he visited Valley Church a few months ago. We’d lost contact because of the separate trails we’d taken for the past five years, but recognized each other immediately. I had a chance to tell him about the 1997 Reunion Concert, among other things. He said that we could plan on his being there; it was unfortunate that Mark wasn’t able to share the weekend with us when that happened, having gone ahead of us to his eternal reward.
I included one of the songs from the Living Water 1987-1988 repertoire in that concert in memoriam. I thought that “Slow Down” (library entry 473 if you’re curious) would be a good choice. Mark would have wanted us to be sure to suspend our rushing around like decapitated chickens to see the beauty and glory of our Savior.
As it turns out, we’ll also sang this song (Forerunner) in the Reunion Concert as well. If nothing else, it was my way of ensuring that Mark would have a part in that weekend commensurate with the vital role he played in our ministry a decade before.
– LS, 3/23/97
From the Cayucos Community Church (Cayucos, California) Festival of Praise:
His name is The Word of God, KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:13,16
Cayucos Window
The second coming of Christ is a prominent doctrine in Scripture. The white horse is a symbol of Christ’s triumph over the forces of wickedness and evil in this world. His name is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14; I John 1:1). Revelation 19:16 states that the name on His robe and on His thigh is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (I Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14). The rider is Jesus Christ returning to the earth in glory. He is returning as the Great Warrior, Messiah, King. He is faithful and true (Rev. 1:5; 3:7; 19:1).
This window was purchased in memory of Gene Fruin following his memorial service on May 22, 1994, by Freda and Mark. Both Freda and mark felt that it was important the people realize that Jesus will come again and right all wrongs. He is a God of love, compassion, forgiveness and a God of righteousness. During the time that they were thinking of a verse and a picture for the window, Mark was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord.
Freda and Mark chose the scripture and the design of the window together. Freda and her son Andrew added the angel that you see in the sky. It is designed with Mark’s coloring as a reminder of Mark and what a blessing he was. It is also a reminder of the blessed promise that “Jesus is coming again.”
“And God will wipe every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away”.(Rev. 21:4)
“Surely, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Rev. 22:20)
Who shall inherit the kingdom?
Who shall ascend to the throne?
Who is the One who is worthy of praise?
The Lord Jesus Christ alone!
He’s the Forerunner, the first one through the veil,
The Forerunner, who can neither be defeated, nor fail!
He gives us access through His grace
to the throne of God, to the holiest place,
So give Him all the glory,
Give Him all the glory,
Give Him all the praise!
The sky grew dark, the sun burned cold, the wind howled misery
As Jesus Christ, the Son of God died upon the tree,
The Savior crossed from life to death to bear our sins away,
And so became our hope, our help, and our eternal stay.
By shattered gates of darkest hell the Lord sealed death’s defeat,
‘Tween tattered halves of rended veil He approached the mercy seat,
And so, as first before God’s throne, He opened wide the door
That gives us access to the One who saves us evermore.
Christ has entered the holy place through the halves of the rended veil,
He’s delivered us by His grace, through spear and thorns and cross and nail!
Christ has given us life forever; He is the Lord who does all things well,
There’s no other who can deliver us from the depths and curse of hell!
Christ has given His church the mission to take the Gospel to every land,
That men’s souls may escape perdition and honor God with heart and hand!
Christ is coming again to earth, claiming the kingdom as His alone,
As the saints of the second birth gather to worship at His throne!
Who shall inherit the kingdom?
Who shall ascend to the throne?
Who is the One who is worthy of praise?
The Lord Jesus Christ alone!
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