When we lived in Gloucester, and Michael was serving as the interim pastor for our church there, we were blessed to meet Pastor Leonard.  Pastor Leonard was an older pastor who served as the “pulpit supply” for much of that interim period — in other words, he preached most Sunday mornings so that Michael didn’t have to preach and take care of all of the senior pastor’s other responsibilities and still do his own job as youth & music minister.  (It can be kinda awkward being the music minister and the preacher on the same morning — like you’re trying to put on a one-man show or something.)

Pastor Leonard was much more than merely a Sunday-morning preacher, though.  This wonderful, godly man became a dear friend and mentor.  He is also the one who “officiated” when our second daughter was dedicated.

Unfortunately — for us — Pastor Leonard died a couple of years ago.  He is now much better off!  But we miss him very much.  One of the saddest parts is that what killed his body — mesothelioma, likely from working at the shipyard many years before — is extremely preventable.

Please educate yourself about asbestos and mesothelioma and consider taking the time to talk to just one person who’s in a position to effect change regarding asbestos use.