Letter from Mark & Family

Friends, church members, & family,
It is 6:00 AM Thursday morning. I have had "waves" of grief on and off since yesterday. I want to say thank you for all your support and prayers. I really appreciate your prayers - this is not an empty "cliche", but praying is the best way you can help.

2Cor. 1:10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

At this point, Mason is still in a great deal of pain, but in fair condition. I think it will be ok, if you want, to visit Mason and us at Brackenridge Hospital (601 E. 15th St., room 819, 512-324-7000). I will try to confirm this later this morning and hopefully Jeff Kobes (my co-pastor) can send out an email confirming that it is ok for visits. Emails are also good. Phone calls are fine too, but with so many phone conversations it seems overwhelming at times.

[UPDATE from Jeff: since it has taken so long to get this out to people, there has been some changes. At this point Mason is still in fair condition but in a great deal of pain. Visitation are something that could, at this time, be a little difficult. Mason is on heavy pain medication and having a hard time staying awake. Mark and Kristin said that maybe waiting another day would before visiting would be helpful at this point.]

[UPDATE from Jeff: Mark and the family have said they would welcome you passing on the news to people. Please feel free to forward this to anyone, especially friends if the Hagen's who are not a part of Liveoak]

I have been thinking of Jas. 4:8 - "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you," as something you can pray specifically for in 3 ways:
1. That our whole family would draw near to God in this situation
2. That other believers would draw near to God as a result of this situation
3. That ones who do not know God, would come to know Him as a result of this situation.

Like Job, on receiving news of all 10 of his children being taken:

JOB 1:20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

As I write this with tears, I worship Thee O God! May you all, praise Him for His sovereign will and future hope.

Love to all of you dearly,
Mark and the rest of the family.

PS We are working on Funeral Arrangements and should be getting information to you shortly.

[UPDATE from Jeff: We are meeting with the Army representative tomorrow at one pm and will have more information at that point about how we should move ahead with the funeral. Also, Mark said that he may be available at church on Sunday to share briefly and to answer questions. He would prefer a time like this so he can answer questions at one time as opposed to spread throughout the day for several days. Again we'll keep you up on the latest.]