28 December 2014

It is with great sadness and shock that we our beloved Martyn Clarke took his last breath on Earth and his first in Heaven on Friday 12th December 2014. He was surrounded by people who loved him in his final moments and he went peacefully and without pain.

Martyn was a part of our commnunity all the way from when Craig & Danni Stephens first moved into Ivanhoe Estate in September 2001, and in that time God did a work of transformation deep in his heart. From a very angry, depressed and lonley man, Martyn grew to be one of the greatest 'lovers' in our community! Infamous for his 'Martyn cuddles' and for always showing concern for your life and family. As shown in his 'cardboard testimony' above, Martyn knew what it was to experience the rescue of Jesus in his life and whilst we will miss you so much, we know that we will see you again brother.

Below are two eulogies from friends of Martyn in the community:

"Dear Martyn,
There was a place in my car for you to sit.
A place on my shoulders for your bear hugs.
A prayer said for you every time I folded the church bulletins (you were one of our faithful bulletin distributors on Sundays).
Room in my conversations with others for your to interrupt.
And a place in eternity waiting for you from the beginning of time.
Thank you…
For being the first person to welcome me with a handshake and hug when I turned up for my first Sunday at Mac Park 6 years ago.
For telling me that you kept my texts.
For telling me: "I love you my church brother”.
For asking how my parents were, how my job was going and how my health was doing.
For saying: “I’m praying for you”.
For your simple faith in God, hope of eternity and love for others.
Thank you, for being you.
Farewell, dear friend and “church brother”.We will be reunited one day, with perfect bodies that will never get sick. Imagine that!"

"Yesterday at 12:28pm I had the awful privilege of being with one of my beloved neighbours and Christian brothers, Martyn Clarke, as he breathed his last. I am so thankful that because of Jesus, death is not the end of his story, but still the sense of shock and loss is very real, so I grieve, but not without hope. Martyn thanks for loving me, for being my friend, for always wrapping me up in big sweaty hugs, for teaching me how to love in greater measure, for always updating me on all things sport, for demonstrating true welcome and hospitality to so many strangers, and for always caring / asking about the kids. Martyn you were a gift to our community and my life, and I'm going to miss you mate - Can't wait to share our next embrace in Glory, unencumbered, without pain, free at last - love you brother"