We are all grieving over the loss of Kyle Lake, pastor of University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. He passed away yesterday in an accident at his church. Kyle was 33 and leaves behind a wife and 3 children. I met Kyle a number of times, the last time was at the church that he loved. He was always full of God’s Spirit, always positive, always encouraging. A man of God who impacted hundreds of people deeply. We are challenged by his life and saddened by his death. Pray with us for his family.
More details at the church web site. Memories of Kyle can be posted here.
In Honor of Kyle Lake
I’m also offering to host a tribute site (free, forever) if any of his friends/family/church wants to put one together.
It’s heartwarming to see how many people in the blogosphere have offered their condolences and celebration of Kyle’s life. I didn’t know Kyle, but it’s obvious that he meant a lot to a lot of people. He will clearly be missed.
November 17, 2005
Jeffrey Kyle Lake was special. He was different and for those who were fortunate enough to be close to him, they knew this. I love Kyle. I miss my brother and one of my best friends. I was blessed to have been close to him for 33 years. It pains me to live life without a friend that brought me so much joy in living life.
For years we teased Kyle that he was adopted. He was so different with his sandy blonde hair and calming blue eyes. He was a sparkling and radiant person. Kyle was never adopted by my parents. We are full blooded brothers and friends. No, Kyle was on loan to us for 33 years and I thank God for that time together, but I wish I had more.
We played soccer together. My senior year in High School, Kyle made the varsity team as a sophomore. During one practice, coach selected me as one of 6 captains for a 5 on 5 drill. My first selection was Kyle. Many of the other
guys on the team made fun of us for my selection of Kyle. I next chose Joel “Bubba” Smith. We faired very well. The truth was that I knew Kyle was good, very good. We played soccer together since the time I turned 5. I miss playing soccer with my friend, Kyle.
A few years ago, Kyle and I were able to go on a turkey hunt together. One beautiful spring morning, we sat under a cedar tree while calling in a gobbler. Within a matter of minutes, a beautiful gobbler that was fanned up and drumming came in close to us. Two other birds were with the gobbler. The birds came within a few feet of us. Neither one of us took a shot at the birds. We embraced the beauty and serenity of the moment and enjoyed our hunt
together. I will miss hunting with my brother, Kyle.
Today is a different day. It’s quieter today than it was 18 days ago. I wish Kyle were here to visit with over a cup of coffee. I would love to send him a funny text message and receive one back from him. Extraordinarily gifted, Kyle
could make anyone laugh. He was also a talented writer, as well as speaker. He was such a good brother, friend, counselor and pastor. I’m going to miss Kyle.
Although I believe he is in our presence and I will someday see Kyle again, I miss him. In the days, weeks, and months ahead I ask for your continued prayers over Jenn, Avery, Jude and Sutton and our family. Through God’s grace and
goodness, one day soon, we will all be together. God bless.
Jody Lake