A flood of tears is coupled with wrenching screams for help, added to an overwhelming dose of bitter anguish, and mixed together with a double portion of angry bewilderment. This harrowing scene, often multiplied several times a day, reflects the pain of loved ones left behind as they sit with Raymond and Annetta Cantrell of the Cantrell Funeral Home in Detroit, Michigan. The Cantrells, throughout many years of their ministry in the funeral business, have learned to share their faith to bring hope and comfort to families grieving the loss of loved ones.
When families are most vulnerable, the Cantrells engage in a gentle witness of Christ's love by offering each family a resplendent "keepsake" Bible, warmly referred to as "God's love letters." This gesture developed after noticing a sense of hopelessness experienced by many grieving family members. There are times when families do not accept the Bibles offered. However, after refusing the Bible during the service, some family members have come back privately and requested "their" Bibles! The Cantrells observe, "When death comes, the loved ones left behind, of whatever faith or religious background, are receptive and changed individuals, even for a moment. It is during that moment a window of opportunity is opened to share God's love."
The Cantrells also make other literature available. Books, such as The Great Controversy, Desire of Ages, Steps to Christ, etc., are eagerly picked up by the hundreds who pass through. Annetta relates, "Families are very receptive to these publications, and often the supply is quickly exhausted." Raymond frequently invites client families to the Burns Church or to their home to savor Annetta's cooking. The Cantrells express their belief that, "God is working on the hearts of men and women everywhere," noting that all they have to do is "present God in a loving way to each and every grieving family."
When ministering to families faced with the unpleasant task of making funeral arrangements, Raymond first offers prayer. He begins by requesting God's presence and asking God to comfort the grieving and to enter every heart present. Treating each family with respect and inviting God's presence gives them hope and enables them to continue with the arrangements. There are times when, despite the wide range of funeral arrangements available, the family is still financially overwhelmed. In each case of an indigent family, Raymond chooses to "error on the side of mercy." Indigent families are able to arrange for the funeral of their loved ones with the expectation that they will repay the funeral cost when they are able. While some families repay, and others don't, the Cantrells continue to minister, and God richly blesses them despite any losses incurred.
Pouring out so much of himself to grieving families each and every day, one wonders the source of Raymond's strength. With tears welling up in his eyes, Raymond points upward and says, "All of my strength comes from above, and my help comes from the Lord."
Oliver Page, Ph.D., is the communication leader of the Burns Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Editor's Note: If you know someone who is sharing the hope of Jesus in a unique way at work or in their community, send a story to herald@luc.adventist.org.
