In Loving Memory
Just this past Saturday (July 27) at around 4:30 p.m., the Lord allowed a bus accident to take Pastor Chad and Courtney Phelps (and their unborn baby) and Mrs. Tonya Weindorf home to enjoy Him in His presence forever (Psalm 16:11; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Hebrews 11:13-16). Dozens of our children and teens were returning from a week of camp when the accident occurred with the teen bus. The Lord spared the lives of all 33 teenagers and 2 children on board and the bus driver, although many are still recovering from significant injuries. God's mercies in this tragedy are too many to recite (Psalm 103), and we magnify His sovereign goodness even in the moment of sorrow (Psalm 119:68; Romans 8:28-30). We believe the Biblical message of good news that God willingly and lovingly sacrificed His own Son, Jesus Christ, upon the cross in order that we might be rescued from the penalty of our sins; and because that same Jesus rose from the dead, we of all people have an assured hope of eternity beyond the grave through His resurrection and life (John 10:21-27). Furthermore, we have heard of God drawing people to Himself in saving faith through this situation, and we're amazed by a God who brings beauty out of ashes (Isaiah 61:1-3). For these reasons and many more, we rejoice, even as we sorrow!
In Loving Memory
Just this past Saturday (July 27) at around 4:30 p.m., the Lord allowed a bus accident to take Pastor Chad and Courtney Phelps (and their unborn baby) and Mrs. Tonya Weindorf home to enjoy Him in His presence forever (Psalm 16:11; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Hebrews 11:13-16). Dozens of our children and teens were returning from a week of camp when the accident occurred with the teen bus. The Lord spared the lives of all 33 teenagers and 2 children on board and the bus driver, although many are still recovering from significant injuries. God's mercies in this tragedy are too many to recite (Psalm 103), and we magnify His sovereign goodness even in the moment of sorrow (Psalm 119:68; Romans 8:28-30). We believe the Biblical message of good news that God willingly and lovingly sacrificed His own Son, Jesus Christ, upon the cross in order that we might be rescued from the penalty of our sins; and because that same Jesus rose from the dead, we of all people have an assured hope of eternity beyond the grave through His resurrection and life (John 10:21-27). Furthermore, we have heard of God drawing people to Himself in saving faith through this situation, and we're amazed by a God who brings beauty out of ashes (Isaiah 61:1-3). For these reasons and many more, we rejoice, even as we sorrow!
The programs and videos of both funerals are now available at our Bus Accident Memorial webpage. Also accessible at that page is — the press conference, our church's response in the following Sunday/Wednesday services, information about donations, etc. We hope and pray that our Lord Jesus will continue to glorify Himself through the message of legacy and hope offered by this webpage!
Thank you for your prayers and support, and we're honored that you tuned in for the funeral of Chad, Courtney, and Baby Girl Phelps. While we sorrow, she is rejoicing, and therefore, we rejoice.
The funeral service has been archived and will be uploaded to our church website (www.colonialindy.org/bus-accident-memorial) at a later time (hopefully by Tuesday at the latest).
When my sister went home that left only me in the family. Her students loved her and I want to share with you what the palque reads. "Forever with the Angels, always in our herts." With love and sorry. Georgia
We are so sorry for your loss but thankful that they know our Lord ---
For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:7-9
Beautiful service for a beautiful couple. As a Christian, I was truly convicted. I want to do better, in my Christian walk, and for The Lord, even more after watching their home-going service. My heart was stirred, challened, broken, and moved after the service. I have never met Chad, or Courtney, but can't wait to meet them in Heaven! Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly!!! Prayers from Kansas-my son and I pray for the family every night.
My sons and daughter knew Chad and he was a guest in our house many times. The part of the service I saw was a wonderful memorial to Chad and Courtney. It's in times like this where Jesus has to be enough because even thought the service was powerful it won't replace the loss. It will, however impact thousands of individuals to reflect on how they are living for Christ and help many to get their priorities back on track.
I just woke up (NZ time) and I am wondering if I can still see the funeral of dear Chad and Courtney Phelps? Will it be archived somewhere? Sorry I'm not really sure how this all works. Kirsty
This service pointed to CHRIST the entire time. It was such a blessing! I was rebuked, encouraged, and reminded that Jesus is ENOUGH and want to seek to know Him more. I would love to have my teenagers watch this service, as well. Do you know if it will be available for viewing on SermonAudio or some other place? My husband would like to see it, too. Thank you for allowing us to view it....it was glorious! God is so good! By the way, does anyone know the title and author of the last song that was sung? Thank you.
Am so very thankful this service was made available for viewing. What a powerful service it was, bringing honor and glory to God. I was blessed. Am praying other's hearts were touched and lives changed through the testimonies of Chad and Courtney's lives and earthly deaths. They were faithful unto death.
Watched the service and was blessed and challenged! Challenged to pray more for our young people to follow this God honoring example and reminded what life is really all about. Thank you for sharing this publically. I am sure it will touch any lives in many ways for the glory of God. Praying for you all.
I am so thankful to have had this privilege to view such a beautiful service. The Lord was honored & glorified in every part! I did not know Chad or Courtney, but after witnessing this lovely tribute of these precious 2 lives, I am so blessed!
www.colonialindy.org/bus-accident-memorial.html
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