ANF Memorial Fund
Dear ANF Family,
As many of you may have heard, our dear brothers John and Patrick’s father passed away on Christmas Eve. While we take comfort in knowing that their father, a faithful servant of God, has returned to his eternal home in Heaven and now rests in peace with God, we also recognize that this is an incredibly heartbreaking and sorrowful time for them. Having recently lost my own father, I can relate to the depth of pain that they are experiencing. In my own grief, I felt as though I wanted to pause everything, even time itself, just to honor my father’s memory. But the reality was that there were many practical matters to be attended to after his passing.
One day, all of us will face the loss of a beloved family member. When that time comes, the burdens we carry can feel overwhelming. The Bible teaches us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). So how can we “weep with those who weep”? I believe that we can offer emotional support through our prayers, conversations, and presence. But I also believe we can do more by providing financial assistance in these difficult moments.
This brings me to my suggestion: a Memorial Fund within ANF. Funeral and related expenses can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the family’s situation. I imagine many of us have not planned for these unexpected costs by the time they happen. Through the Memorial Fund, we can help carry one another’s burdens.
When asked how much one should contribute to a funeral, I’ve always said, “It depends on your relationship with the person.” Contributions can range from $50 to $1,000, or more. I propose that we set a recommended contribution for this Memorial Fund at $100–$200 per person. If we all participate, we can collect between $7,000 and $14,000, which would provide significant support to the grieving family.
This Memorial Fund will be activated whenever an ANF member, or their immediate family—parent, child, or spouse—passes away. By offering both emotional and financial support to the grieving family, you are also ensuring that you will receive the same care when you face a similar loss in the future. If you would like to participate, please Venmo or Zelle your contribution to ANF using the below information. The fund will close on January 5, 2025.
Venmo: @ANFDallas Zelle: finance@anfdallas.org
Please be sure to note “ANF Memorial Fund – John and Patrick Jo” in the description.
Thank you for your love and support. Let’s continue to carry each other’s burdens and uplift one another in times of need. Love you all.
Pastor Daniel
