Many thoughts rattling around my head this evening. It is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and the reality that he conquered sin so that we might have life eternal. It was a beautiful day, and the worship today was sweet and the message was encouraging and powerful. After the service, I made my way to the ICU at Goshen Hospital to join with many who were meeting to pray and intercede for the life of our brother Ken who has been in a coma for the past 12 days.
For 12 days I have watched and listened to a family who loves God – all 8 children and their mother, along with spouses, children and friends – stand and declare, hour after hour – healing and life over their father and husband. I have seen hope exemplified, faith in action, worship and prayer as a constant. Never once did I walk into any of the rooms and see a television on. This was a section of the hospital that was truly completely saturated in prayer, worship and love. You could feel it tangibly when you would go. You could feel peace, you could feel that the presence of the Lord was there. It was obvious. It was evident. I have seen them war, and pray when they were weary. I have watched people from our ministry and other churches gather day after day into the wee hours of the morning. All of those believing for LIFE, believing for a miracle, believing for Ken to just get up and walk. We had hope. We had faith.
Today they made the decision to take out the ventilator tube that breathes for him. It was at its lowest setting and the doctors had done all they were able to. He had been showing some signs that we thought were hopeful – movement of eyes and hands and feet, he had a strong heart and good BP. So they took it out and it was hard for him to breathe. Everyone pressed in more – praying and believing. But at 6:05pm Ken was ushered into the eternal throne room of heaven… to begin his worship ministry directly to the Father. Such a promotion for him. He was so faithful. The first time I remember seeing Ken was many years ago back at New Life Church. He sang on the worship team and I always thought his name was Kevin. But I remember that he was always really into it – he would just belt it out and go for it. I remember looking in on his set in the IHOP on Tuesday afternoon, he was there – playing his heart out on the keys – with Doreen and Heath. I poked my head in the door, smiled and saluted and then continued about my day. I remember thinking, “Gosh, Ken Neilson… as busy as he is with work and a big family, he still comes in this room twice a week and does a worship set. How awesome. What a man who must touch the heart of God with his worship … because it just flows out of his heart.”
So this faithful man has gone to be with Jesus. But he has left a legacy. He has left strong women of faith – his 7 daughters, lovers of Jesus, passionate worship warriors. His son – a deep well, a passionate worshipper and a strong man after the heart of God. And his wife – the love of his life and a prophetic warrior running after Jesus with all she is. His family is a testimony for the deep love for Jesus that Ken had and the reality that he walked it out! Not only did his family reap the benefit of this, but each of us who encountered Ken have inheritance in this reality. A man of action, a man of passion, a man of faith, a man who loved much. Ken Neilson. You will be missed on earth, but your song will continue…
We are grieving and rejoicing with the extended family at Voice. We’re grateful for Ken and his family. He will be missed. Thank you for sending us updates along the way, Josh. It helped Liz and I feel a part of the community praying for life.
Joshua, I am with Dave and Liz on this one!! Its so hard being so far away from the ones that you love. Thank you for the updates and most beautiful picture of a man who Loved all people and most certainly his God. What a blessing Ken was to those who know him. Amen!
Although I never knew this family, the minute my daughter called me 12 days ago and asked us to
pray, we and members of the Eastside Assembly of God in Lafayette, Indiana have been praying
for this family and will continue to do so. There was a lot of rejoicing in Heaven last night at 6:05
pm around God’s throne as He once pronounced “well done thou good and faithful servant, welcome
home!”
Because of Christ’s resurection it will not be long until Ken’s resurection will take place because of
Christ’s return. Praise his Name!
dear josh,
i am sorry to hear about your friend Ken passing . I am sure GOD has another plan for him ..although it is hard for the family andfriends now , we know that we will all be taken and judged by GOD for our actions…
‘”We cannot share a sorrow,if we haven’t grieved a while . Nor can we feel another’s joy , until we”ve learned to smile and love “