Some of you have heard that Dave's younger brother, Chris, died in a farming accident on Friday, April 4th. Chris always had the biggest, most welcoming smile on his face. When asked what people remember the most about Chris 9/10 would mention his infectious smile. He had a way of making you feel like you were such an important part of his day. We spent the last week in Kansas with family and friends.... it was so important to be together during this time. This surreal time. It just doesn't seem possible, even to this day. There were around 1000 people that attended Chris' memorial service on Tuesday morning. It was a beautiful service, and Chris would have enjoyed the words of salvation, and the songs chosen in his remembrance. When the entire room was singing, "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" it was a feeling of awe - as everyone sang the different parts..... I've never heard a hymn sound so beautiful. I'd like to post Chris' life story, so that you can all have a feeling of the kind of life he led:
Christopher Paul Harder was born August 15, 1983 to Richard and Glenda Harder. He was welcomed by brothers, David and Daniel, and sister, Esther.
Even as a child he loved farming and music. At eighteen months Chris was already humming “Jesus Loves Me,” while driving his tractors on the couch. As a baby Chris already exhibited his infectious laugh and grin. His siblings loved to make him smile and giggle which would always turn into the “belly laugh.”
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Chris always loved to farm. During his homeschooling years Chris spent every recess getting involved in the action out at the shop. Rich will never forget passing Chris in the field as they were both doing field work. Chris would give him a big smile, and a big thumbs up. His love of farming was never a job, but a joy in life. As thoughts on improving the farm came up, Chris would turn ideas into reality almost overnight.
Chris loved music. If there wasn’t a drum set nearby he would drum his fingers on the table top. He became a good pianist – winning a “I” rating at the state high school music contest. Chris directed the Junior High Boys Bell Choir. For the last fifteen months he has been the Song Leader at Emmaus. He would often play piano at home before church to calm his nerves, and prepare for the morning worship.
Chris loved people and people loved Chris. He connected with kids whether teaching Good News Club and Junior Highers, serving as a camp counselor, or mentoring foster kids in the family home. Chris’ friendships were long lasting. He maintained those relationships through every season of his life. He was a friend to young and old alike. Chris made everyday interactions with anyone seem like it was the most important thing on his agenda for that day.
Chris loved hunting and the outdoors. As a child the family went on many camping trips to Colorado. Chris loved hiking and exploring God’s beautiful creation. Chris loved to tell the story about the time he shot a coyote out of his bedroom window at 650 yards. Sometime ask Jodi about the snake under the house.
Jodi was the love of his life. From the time he sorted all of the blue m&m’s out of a two pound bag to play a joke on Jodi, we knew she was special to him. Chris and Jodi met through the Emmaus youth group, and grew closer during a youth work project in New Mexico. Chris asked Jodi to start praying about the possibility of dating each other and Jodi replied, “I’ve been praying about this for one year already, one more week won’t matter!” They were married on Friday, October 14, 2005 in a beautiful ceremony at Emmaus Mennonite Church. They began their married life in the “little house”, the same house where his parents and grandparents started their families as well. God blessed them with Dakota Ryan on August 5, 2007. He has the same contagious smile that we will always remember his father by.
Chris loved the Lord. One evening after family devotions, Chris put his trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of his sins. It is because of this we have confidence that he is with the Lord he loved today. Chris was also concerned that each of his friends would come to know Christ and have that same confidence of eternal life.
Even as a child he loved farming and music. At eighteen months Chris was already humming “Jesus Loves Me,” while driving his tractors on the couch. As a baby Chris already exhibited his infectious laugh and grin. His siblings loved to make him smile and giggle which would always turn into the “belly laugh.”
.
Chris always loved to farm. During his homeschooling years Chris spent every recess getting involved in the action out at the shop. Rich will never forget passing Chris in the field as they were both doing field work. Chris would give him a big smile, and a big thumbs up. His love of farming was never a job, but a joy in life. As thoughts on improving the farm came up, Chris would turn ideas into reality almost overnight.
Chris loved music. If there wasn’t a drum set nearby he would drum his fingers on the table top. He became a good pianist – winning a “I” rating at the state high school music contest. Chris directed the Junior High Boys Bell Choir. For the last fifteen months he has been the Song Leader at Emmaus. He would often play piano at home before church to calm his nerves, and prepare for the morning worship.
Chris loved people and people loved Chris. He connected with kids whether teaching Good News Club and Junior Highers, serving as a camp counselor, or mentoring foster kids in the family home. Chris’ friendships were long lasting. He maintained those relationships through every season of his life. He was a friend to young and old alike. Chris made everyday interactions with anyone seem like it was the most important thing on his agenda for that day.
Chris loved hunting and the outdoors. As a child the family went on many camping trips to Colorado. Chris loved hiking and exploring God’s beautiful creation. Chris loved to tell the story about the time he shot a coyote out of his bedroom window at 650 yards. Sometime ask Jodi about the snake under the house.
Jodi was the love of his life. From the time he sorted all of the blue m&m’s out of a two pound bag to play a joke on Jodi, we knew she was special to him. Chris and Jodi met through the Emmaus youth group, and grew closer during a youth work project in New Mexico. Chris asked Jodi to start praying about the possibility of dating each other and Jodi replied, “I’ve been praying about this for one year already, one more week won’t matter!” They were married on Friday, October 14, 2005 in a beautiful ceremony at Emmaus Mennonite Church. They began their married life in the “little house”, the same house where his parents and grandparents started their families as well. God blessed them with Dakota Ryan on August 5, 2007. He has the same contagious smile that we will always remember his father by.
Chris loved the Lord. One evening after family devotions, Chris put his trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of his sins. It is because of this we have confidence that he is with the Lord he loved today. Chris was also concerned that each of his friends would come to know Christ and have that same confidence of eternal life.
Here are some pictures, and I happen to have one really short video that I took at the Harder Family Reunion in Havelin, KS in Jan 2007.... Chris on the drums!!
4 comments:
That was awesome Jill, thanks!. It was really good for us that didn't know Chris that well. Such a short but fulfilling life. He gave %100 to his thoughts and beliefs. I admire him and the entire Harder Family for that. I am so grateful that you and Dave got together and you are part of such a fine family.
That short movie clip you put up almost made me cry....I think the cousins were practicing some songs for my wedding.....such happy times!
Hi - Greg Cole here. Amy and I just sat down to view your Chris pictures and life history and through it all to come to grips with his loss. What a life! Thanks so much for putting this together. It is so hard being so distant to work through his death. Your words and pics helped so much. We continue to pray for everyone. Amy here, thanks so much sharing your blog, Chris' story and pictures. I just cried all the way through it. We are praying so much for you guys and really, really your sharing this.
Jill & Dave - What a nice memorial for Chris. Sounds like everyone loved Chris - with 1000 attending - Wow! I'm sure many have been touched by his life and even given their life to Christ because of Chris. I continue to pray for the family. It's so sad that someone so young is taken - hard to understand but we know God ALWAYS knows what he is doing. Love you guys!
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