Mission Accomplished | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Mission Accomplished | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kelli Young
05/18/06
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Mission Accomplished

My heart was heavy for the Rutt family as I drove to the funeral of their beloved husband and father, Richard Rutt. I knew this day would come, but it seemed surreal that he would no longer be with us. The seventy-year-old man of God was jovial and full of life. As far as I knew, he remained strong and healthy. My mind wandered as to what caused him to pass away. The story would be more amazing than I could have imagined.

I had my own memories of Mr. Rutt, whom I fondly referred to as “Dad Rutt.” I remember one day as a twelve-year-old, coming to his door wearing a string bikini. He quickly wrapped a towel around me and said, “Young lady no one comes to my house with so little on.” I never did it again. I knew that Dad Rutt loved me enough to tell me the truth and protect my innocence. As I reflect back now, I know the loving presence of the Lord permeated his home. It was that constant love and acceptance that led me to my initial experience with the Lord.

Richard and his wife Kathleen (Mom Rutt) led very simple and peaceful lives. Most would say by worldly standards that he knew nothing about prosperity. It is true that he and his wife, Kathleen, (Mom Rutt) had very few material possessions, but they always gave the best of all they had to those less fortunate.

For years, they had lived in a rural town and loved their ministry to the Indian children on the reservation near their home. However, something drew them to make a change just before Richard went home to be with Jesus. They left the rural life and purchased a small home near their children and grandchildren. As a couple, they believed that a chapter of their life was finished and a new one was beginning. Richard received confirmation of this one morning in prayer. He was presenting himself to the Lord for his next assignment and all he heard was “Mission Accomplished.”

Richard spent the rest of his day going to the homes of each of his children and grandchildren. He poured out love and blessings to each of them. They also returned their love to him. In the early evening, he and Kathleen celebrated a day early, their wedding anniversary with a meal out. The day concluded at the home of his son where they were staying until their new home was ready.

Around that same time, a police officer pulled up who Richard recognized him from his past. He had come to see Richard’s son, but ended up talking with him instead. Richard shared many wonderful ways that God had been using his life. He then proceeded to share on a more intimate level some special thoughts of his heart. The police officer spent quality time with Richard and then turned to leave. As he said good-bye, Richard slid down the door he was in the middle of repairing. The police officer went back to attend to him and make sure he was all right. Richard was gone and left this world just like that. He wasn’t sick, but he had been called home. The statement “Mission Accomplished” took on new meaning.

As I waited for the service celebrating Richard’s life to start, awe struck my heart. What an incredible personal relationship he had with the Lord! I can’t think of a more perfect end to this life than to hear God say on the day of one’s death, “Mission Accomplished.” Those words will stay with me for the rest of my life and I can only hope to hear them myself someday.

After the service was well underway, his son Steve, who was officiating, asked how many people considered this man a spiritual father in their life. I turned around with my hand raised and saw that hands went up all around the sanctuary. Richard’s life was rich with a legacy of love that had touched the lives of many people. Only when we reach eternity will we know all that this man’s life contributed to the advancing of the Kingdom of God.

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