At David Schumm’s memorial service we celebrated the optimism, perseverance and faith of a man with severe cerebral palsy. For all of David’s 74 years the simple tasks of daily life required great effort. Through it all he kept smiling and helping others by giving more than 23,000 hours as a hospital volunteer, along with encouraging at-risk teenagers.

David selected Isaiah 35:3-10 to be read at his service: “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you’. . . . Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert” (vv.3-4,6). This promise, given to the people of Israel while in captivity, reminds us of our hope for the time when Christ will return for those who trust and follow Him.

During David’s last weeks he often pointed visitors to a large picture of Jesus near his bed, saying, “He’s coming to get me soon.” This is the hope Jesus Christ gives to all His children, which calls forth our thanks and praise to Him!

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread