Unexpected Death

On July 25, our dear friend, Jim Eberline, passed away in his sleep. There was a smile on his face.

We have a huge hole in our heart that is shaped by the life Jim lived and left.  Jim graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1971, served over 40 years within ministries through Camino Global in the countries of Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay and most recently here in Guatemala.  We were looking forward to sharing more ministry together here in Guatemala.

This unexpected death has really rocked our world.  You can only imagine how it rocked Cheryl's world too. Jim's life was defined by "enCOURAGEment".  He would constantly ask you, "How are YOU doing?" followed by "How are you REALLY doing?"  He had quick quotes such as "What's that to you?" "Suck it up" or "Breath through your nose", when you were stressed out.

Cheryl immediately was notified, as she was in the states visiting her mom.  Glenn was scheduled to take Jim to the airport THAT Friday, so he could meet up with Cheryl in the US.  Glenn drove Jim's dear, dear friend, Noe, and his pastor, Roberto, through the night and through the mountainous roads to the small resort town of Panajachel where the Eberlines lived.  After the formal police reports and signed documents from the Dr., the funeral home arrived to take Jim's body back to the city.  After a few hours of sleep, Glenn drove the Eberline's vehicle back to the city.  We were in constant contact with Cheryl.  

On Thursday, we met Cheryl and her adult daughter, Judi, who flew in from Chicago and Michigan and adult son, Eric, who flew through the night from Santiago, Chile.  With tears in our eyes and a bouquet of flowers, we headed towards to the funeral home with Cheryl and family as they said their "last Good-bye" to Jim.  It was decided that there would be a memorial service for Jim on Saturday.  All in Spanish.

Glenn has been a tremendous help for Cheryl as a stabilizing force to encourage her in many areas.  Glenn helped Cheryl with transferring the title of their vehicle to a friend, gave her help and instructions on how to fill out reports, how to sign into different accounts and helped with the process of getting the "death certificates" from the US Embassy and all the correct papers signed and processed.  

I have been helping Cheryl track down Jim's scheduled future flights and getting FULL refunds on those tickets.  I've had to jump through hoops, providing death certificates, as several flights were booked on either Travelocity, Orbitz and other travel venues.  Not everything has been processed, but we're making good progress.

After the service, daughter, Judi, stayed several more days to help Cheryl "close down their home" in Panajachel.  Glenn and I drove out to help Cheryl work through some of that process.  Then the following week, we were out in Pana again for the last days of her packing.

Glenn and I were able to help with other logistics including her luggage as "our luggage".    I flew back to the states with Cheryl as far as DFW while she continued on to Chicago.  Just a few days ago, we attended the "Celebration of Life" service in their supporting church in La Grange, Illinois.

Classmates from Moody Bible Institute, co-workers from Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala, family members from near and far, along with church members and friends from Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois drove to the Chicago suburb to rejoice in the life, impact and ministry of Jim Eberline.  

Everyone had a funny story, an anecdote of deep impact and a grateful heart for the way Jim had mentored and encouraged them.

PLEASE DO PRAY

• For Cheryl
• Her adult children, Eric and Judi as they move into a New normal
• For guidance as they trust in God's leading these next few days, weeks, months and years ahead
• For the many Latin Americans that have lost a true friend.