Watch David's Graveside Service

 Here is David's Graveside service for those who have been asking. 

It is a compilation of a few different video clips put together. 

You can watch  the 13 minute video on YouTube HERE: https://youtu.be/PL98FJ-yYK8

Memories from Grandpa Brooks

Grandpa Brooks (Don Brooks) wrote up some memories of David. 

Here is what he wrote:

________________________________________________________________

(Grandpa Brooks & David building something)

My times with David very clearly showed that he was a hands on fellow. 

 HE always wanted to build things. 

He also enjoyed the out doors enjoying God's Creation  Some verses that come to miind are 

Psalm 19
  For the choir director: A psalm of David. 

    1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. 
      The skies display his craftsmanship. 
    2 Day after day they continue to speak; 
      night after night they make him known. 
    3 They speak without a sound or word; 
      their voice is never heard. 
    4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, 
      and their words to all the world. 
    God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. 
    5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. 
      It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. 
    6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens 
      and follows its course to the other end. 
      Nothing can hide from its heat. 
(Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 19).)

Although he will be terribly missed, we can be thankful that David is now enjoying the glories of heaven in the presence of his Lord and Saviour. and enjoying the wonders of God's  f=creation in even a greater way. 

Grandpa Brooks

Don Brooks

email    samukonga73@gmail.com

Funeral Replay

 For those who missed the LIVE or had trouble viewing it, the replay is now available at the same link :

Go to https://roperandsons.com/david-van-essen/ and scroll down the bottom of the page there you will be able to play the funeral recording. Here are few screen shots from the funeral. 

David's Funeral Bulletin

Here are the pages individually:

If you want the PDF version you can email leonardanrachel@gmail.com as at this point I don't know how to attach a PDF on the blog here. 

Update from Friday June 25: How the Visitation Went

Thank you for all that are praying for us. 

 Yesterday was busy and long day,  but it was a joy to see so many people including several of our previous neighbors from Lincoln.   

The Lord sustained us and the kids did well till the last 30 min. A few got a little out of control from being over tired.   Cassie fell asleep on Matt's lap for most of the time.  Poor thing.  

It was fun to see many in cowboy boots.  My brother and his whole family showed up in boots.  It made my day. 

We had David's boots , hat and Bible on display with his photo.  I found a beautiful wooden frame for his cowboy hat photo.  A friend also gave us an enlarged photo of David fishing..it was so thoughtful.   

There  was also a bowl of peach ring candies...It is kind of a on ongoing joke ....David used to eat them by the bag full :).  ( mmm, maybe that is why our kids got so hyper ) 

Please  do pray for stamina for Saturday.   It is going to be a very long day especially for Micah and Cassie.   They have been missing naps and going to bed so so late.  

It's a day we need to have but it is also the final earthly goodbye so I am not looking forward to it.  It is the beginning of the reality that David is not coming back...( something that hasn't really settled in for me yet)  But I hold onto the truth that he isn't there, it's just his body and he is fully alive  enjoying fullness of joy.  

We plan to stay at the graveside till the casket is lowered into the ground.  

Those who want  to are welcome to stay with us.  
But please don't feel you have too.  Growing up in Zambia that is how funerals were done and it doesn't seem quite finished for me to walk away with the casket still not buried.   

Please do Pray most of all that the gospel would go out clearly during and after the funeral and that many lives would be changed for eternity!  

Thank you again for all that are carrying us thru prayer.

To WATCH THE FUNERAL LIVE go to https://roperandsons.com/david-van-essen/ the link is there just a few minutes before the funeral starts at 10am CDT (Central Daylight Time).

For Funeral/ Obit info etc:

https://prayersforelva.blogspot.com/2021/06/visitation-funeral-obituary.html

Re: Funeral

Re: The Funeral

David didn't like a lot of fanfare or to get super dressed up. In remembrance of him several in the family plan to wear cowboy boots and jeans or slacks and dress shirts. You are welcome to come in your choice of attire formal or casual in honor of David.

We are thankful that a number of the extended family have arrived in the area already. Not all were able to make it due to covid border travel restrictions. But are thankful for those who were able to.

Directions from First Free Church to Greenwood Cemetery

* Note Changes to the last 3 directions

Directions from First Free Church to Greenwood Cemetery

From First Free Church to Greenwood Cemetery via N 148th St.

27 min (20 mi)

1. Head south toward Firethorn Ln
2. Turn right toward Firethorn Ln
3. Turn right onto Firethorn Ln
4. Turn right onto S 84th St
5. Turn right onto US-34/E O St
6. Turn left onto N 148th St
7. Turn right onto US-6 E
8. Turn right onto Church Rd (the first road on the right after Bakers chocolate factory)

9. Continue on Church Rd past Ash street. 

Greenwood cemetery will be on your right just past the edge of town.

For the best route in current traffic visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/ruNQCGbuNGrNXVPcA

Visitation / Funeral/ Obituary

Visitation 

Friday June 25th 3-7 pm with family present 5-7 pm, At Roper and Sons 4300 O st. Lincoln NE.  

Funeral
10 am Saturday June 26 2021. First Free Church ,3280 S 84th st, Lincoln NE.   

Graveside service 

Greenwood Memorial Cemetery  at 1:30 (Saturday, June 26, 2021)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to The Ezekiel Project  ( tepse.org) ( As Tepse has no option on their website please go to https://donorbox.org/david-van-essen-fund The Ezekiel Project is one of the options you can choose is the drop down menu. 100% of your donation will go to the Ezekiel Project.)

Condolences online at  https://roperandsons.com/david-van-essen/ 

Live stream link will be available on the Roper and sons website.

A Recording will be uploaded after for those who could not watch the live stream.

________________________________________________________________________

* Note Changes to the last 3 directions

Directions from First Free Church to Greenwood Cemetery

From First Free Church to Greenwood Cemetery via N 148th St.

27 min (20 mi)

1. Head south toward Firethorn Ln
2. Turn right toward Firethorn Ln
3. Turn right onto Firethorn Ln
4. Turn right onto S 84th St
5. Turn right onto US-34/E O St
6. Turn left onto N 148th St
7. Turn right onto US-6 E
8. Turn right onto Church Rd (the first road on the right after Bakers chocolate factory)

9. Continue on Church Rd past Ash street. 

Greenwood cemetery will be on your right just past the edge of town.

For the best route in current traffic visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/ruNQCGbuNGrNXVPcA

______________________________________________________________________

Obituary: https://roperandsons.com/david-van-essen/

David Nathanael Van Essen, 17, of Greenwood, NE passed away June 14, 2021, in Cascade, MT. Born January 11, 2004, in Omaha, NE to Matthew and Sarah (Brooks) Van Essen,

David was a member of Hollywood Heights Bible Chapel.

Family members include his parents Matthew and Sarah Van Essen; siblings Caleb, Timothy, Lilias, Linia, Nehemiah, Miriam, Jeremiah, Samuel, Joel, Micah, and Cassia; grandfather Don Brooks; grandmother Patricia Van Essen; aunts and uncles David and Desiree Van Essen, Dennis and Valerie Easton, Richard and Katherine Brooks, and Leonard and Rachel VandenBerg. Preceded in death by his grandmother Elva Brooks and grandfather John Van Essen.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday (6-26-21) First Free Church, 3280 S. 84th Street. Livestream at roperandsons.com/livestream. Graveside service will be in the Greenwood Memorial Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Friday with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Ezekiel Project (tepse.org)

______________________________

David's Funeral Bulletin:

Here are the pages individually:

Update Tuesday 9:30am AT

 Sarah and family arrived back home in Nebraska last night at 10pm. 

We will post more information about funeral home visitation,  funeral details when we have them.  They  don't know a lot yet because they have been out of town.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Update Monday, June 21 at 5pm AT

Update Monday, June 21 at 5pm AT 

Matthew arrived safely at the funeral home (Roper & Sons), in Lincoln Nebraska at 11am today. The Lord worked it out that a couple, who are friends of Matt & Sarah, and happened to be driving across the country for an event, realize that they would be arriving in Nebraska around the same time as Matthew. They were able to get to the funeral home just before Matt arrived. They were able to pray with him and eat lunch with him. What a blessing that was that the Lord allowed this in his perfect timing.

Sarah and the rest of the family are making good progress in their journey home. They arrived in Casper, WY late last night. This morning they continue their journey.

Caleb (Sarah & Matt's eldest son) shared this song with Sarah. She said she was listening to it today. 

Watch/ Listen to the Lyric video here: https://youtu.be/BCc7TCmKcwQ

 

Here are the words:

Scars in Heaven  by Casting Crowns

If I had only known the last time
Would be the last time
I would have put off all the things I had to do
I would have stayed a little longer
Held on a little tighter
Now what I'd give for one more day with you

'Cause there's a wound here in my heart
Where something's missing
And they tell me that it's gonna heal with time
But I know you're in a place
Where all your wounds have been erased
And knowing yours are healed is healing mine

The only scars in Heaven
They won't belong to me and you
There'll be no such thing as broken
And all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now
Even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven
Are on the Hands that hold you now

I know the road you walked was anything but easy
You picked up your share of scars along the way
Oh, but now you're standing in the sun
You've fought your fight and your race is run
The pain is all a million miles away

The only scars in Heaven
They won't belong to me and you
There'll be no such thing as broken
And all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now
Even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven, yeah
Are on the Hands that hold you now

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
For the Hands that hold you now

There's not a day goes by that I don't see you
You live on in all the better parts of me
Until I'm standing with you in the sun
I'll fight this fight and this race I'll run
Until I finally see what you can see, oh-oh

The only scars in Heaven
They won't belong to me and you
There'll be no such thing as broken
And all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now
Even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven
Are on the Hands that hold you now

Van Essen Update: Sunday June 20 Post #2 10 am AT

Van Essen Update: Sunday June 20 Post #2 10 am AT

Today we start our journey back . 
Our friends will be coming back with us to help with the driving. 

We plan, Lord willing,  to meet with the Christians up here at Sun River, Montana this morning.   They have cared for us over the past week and have loaned us their church van to bring the casket back to Nebraska. We really wanted to spend this morning with them.  

The moms and the kids will convoy back together over the next two days.  

Matt and the other dad will drive the church van back starting late afternoon. They plan to drive straight through to Lincoln arriving at the funeral home mid morning on Monday.   

I felt so sad thinking of these two dads driving home their son / "adopted son" on Father's Day.  They both said it was a privilege.  

Hotel Accommodation  has been prearranged and paid for for all of us.  
We are so thankful for how the Lord has provided all we needed using His people.  

Please continue to pray for BOTH  our families, and please pray specifically for the children as they are all hurting deeply.  Each child  processes so differently.  

Pray that as parents we can all help our kids navigate this. 
We need so much wisdom to know when to step in and talk and when to let them have needed alone-time.  
Most of all....
Pray this will draw each of us closer to Jesus.

--From the Van Essens

Update Sunday June 20th 9am AT

 A dear friend from Canada sent us this song.  

 As we travel home starting this afternoon, this is so very true.  

https://youtu.be/fBsrBC2BgP0

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song
As the burdens press
And the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?

O yes, He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary
The long night dreary
I know my Savior cares

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades
Into deep night shades
Does He care enough to be near?

O yes, He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary
The long night dreary
I know my Savior cares

Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"
To the dearest on earth to me
And my sad heart aches
Till it nearly breaks
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

O yes, He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary
The long night dreary
I know my Savior cares
I know my Savior cares

--From the Van Essen Family

Original Story/ Fund & Funeral Information: 

https://prayersforelva.blogspot.com/2021/06/david-van-essen-fund.html

Update Saturday June 19 @ 10 am (second post for today)

Update Saturday June 19 @ 10 am (second post for today)

Sarah wanted to share one story from yesterday: 

The spot where David and his friends had been swimming was occupied with a middle aged couple enjoy a quiet time fly fishing together.  I didn't want to disturb them, but I really did want to go stand on the shore by the river. 
After I was there for a short time, they packed up and started leaving. 
I walked over to apologize for disturbing their peaceful moments,  and explained why I was there.  

The man looked at me and said, 
I understand.  I lost my son right before his 21st birthday to a drowning accident.   

After talking for a bit I found out they were from Alaska... 
(One of David's dreams was to go to Alaska and fly fish.  In fact at one point David talked about moving up there and building a cabin.  We got him a copy of the Alaska magazine..and it was one of  the only things David would choose to read on his own.)

After a bit more talking I found out his son had severe dyslexia and struggled in school but excelled in the outdoors.  

It was beyond coincidence...
To meet a fisherman, from Alaska, ..a fly fisherman,  
who had lost a son, a young son, in a drowning accident.   

And a son that was dyslexic, ...everything just like our David.  

After we talked for a bit, they went on up the bank, where they met the rest of our group.  
By the time I came up, I heard our friend talking with them and he said:
"Hey Matt, what was that verse you were just sharing with me?"  

That led to Matt talking about Psalm 139 vs 16:
"Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
 And in Your book they all were written, 
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them." 

That led to Matt talking about how are days are planned out by God and they are limited.   
From there Matt shared the gospel with them...just simple but clear.   
He was able to talk about how when David was drowning he might have cried out "Help me...",

 just like we need to cry out to Jesus and say "Help me".  

When they were close to being done, 

Caleb showed me a little calendar tract that had been sitting in David's wallet for a while.   

It was rather wrinkled.  

But I took that and on it was the word " Certainty "...it was just what we had been talking about...the certainty of knowing David is with Jesus.  

I gave the card to the lady and told her I would like her to keep it. She held it to her chest with tears.  
After talking she hugged us and he shook Matt's hand and Matt said...I want to see you in heaven.   

Please  pray for this couple as they process what Matt shared with them.  

Pray the word of God would not return to him void...


Our plan for today:

Today, Saturday, we plan to take a day as a family and just enjoy God's creation here.  

We have had a long hard week and need to take a day to just breath, enjoy the beauty around here and be together.

--From Sarah Van Essen on behalf of the family

Original Story/ Fund & Funeral Information: 

https://prayersforelva.blogspot.com/2021/06/david-van-essen-fund.html

Funeral info:

Saturday June 26 at 10 am. 

At First Evangelical Free church. 

3280 S. 84th St. | Lincoln, NE 68506

https://firstfreelincoln.org

Update Saturday, June 19 9am AT

 Update  Saturday, June 19, 2021

 Posted @ 9am Atlantic Time:

Friday our family went down the job site where David was working and living the past month, helping our dear friends build their home.  

It was a hard but very good evening as they showed us all the projects he worked on, the spots he liked and the places he went this past month.  

We also went down to the river to see the spot where David drowned.   

Seeing it was so hard but also so good for all of us.   Both families.    In fact I can honestly say, it was probably harder for them to go back to that spot than for us.   It was their first time back, and I don't think they would have gone if it hadn't been for having to show us.  

  The area is full of fly fishermen,  people on tubes, families with kids swimming. 

The river is so shallow,  up to a spot.  

As hard as it was, the one thing that struck me was David was enjoying and seeing such stunning beauty  his last hour.  He must have been so so happy.  I can see his smile delighting in the moment.   

Then after, what I am sure was a short time of fear and panic,  he was immediately experiencing  an even more stunning,  beautiful view , with perfect, radiant Joy, seeing the Face of Jesus.  

Absent from the body , present with the Lord.  

2 Corinthians 5:8

  " We are confident, yes, well PLEASED rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord."

He died in  a spot that was everything he loved....building, fishing, mountains,  mountain biking,  being with best friends, and stunning views that declare that majesty of God.

— From Sarah Van Essen on behalf of the family.

Funeral,  

Saturday June 26 at 10 am. 

At First Evangelical Free church. 

3280 S. 84th St. | Lincoln, NE 68506

More details to come.

Original Story/ Fund & Funeral Information: 

https://prayersforelva.blogspot.com/2021/06/david-van-essen-fund.html

Update June 17 11pm Atlantic Time

This afternoon (Thursday, June 17) Sarah & Matt and family were able to see David's body at the funeral home. Thank the Lord it was not the traumatic event they had feared it would be. They were thankful that his body was viewable and not bruised. He just looked like he was sleeping. They really felt the Lord's peace and presence during that time and were thankful for the needed closure it brought to be able to see him. 

The only way for them to move the body back to Nebraska is for them to transport it themselves. (This is due to Covid restrictions the funeral home can’t offer this service). The plan, Lord willing, is Matt & another man will drive a van carrying the body. They will drive at night as it is is cooler then. Leaving Sunday evening and driving right through, 17 hours from Montana to Nebraska, sharing the driving. (The family just realized it will be Father’s Day so that adds another layer of heaviness).

Sarah and another lady will leave Sunday afternoon and drive back to Nebraska over a two-day period in their van with the rest of the family. Some of the family will be in Caleb's truck as well. (Caleb is their eldest son).

Once they get to Nebraska, they will meet with the funeral home personnel and find a church venue large enough for the funeral numbers expected. The exact date of the funeral will be decided then. They do hope to Live-stream the funeral. More details will be given on that once they know where the funeral will be held.

Thank you again for your continued prayers for them as they make the journey back home.

Original Story/ Fund & Funeral Information: 

https://prayersforelva.blogspot.com/2021/06/david-van-essen-fund.html

Van Essen Update June 17, 2021 5:30 pm Atlantic Time

Sarah and Matt are now in Montana. A kind family even offered to moved out of their home and are staying with others so that Matt and Sarah and family can stay in these folks house. The kind lady had even made a bunch of food for them. The Van Essen's so appreciated of the kindness of this family and so many others of you who have been reaching out to them. 

We wanted to ask that while you are praying for Matt and Sarah and family please also pray for the family that David had been staying with in Montana as they deal with the trauma of being there when all this happened. Matt and Sarah are currently visiting with them for couple days to assure them of their love and care.

Original Story/ Fund & Funeral Information: 

https://prayersforelva.blogspot.com/2021/06/david-van-essen-fund.html

Prayer Time in Lincoln Nebraska

For those is the Lincoln, Nebraska area: 

*** The room will be  1417 it's the middle room. Turn left when you enter the building.  ***

Prayer time for the  VanEssen family will be on  Friday  June 18th at  Indian Hills Community Church. Time 7PM till 8:45 pm to allow time at the end if we need to put chairs away. 

Indian Hills Community Church  is located on 84th and  A st. The church asks that we park in the back (North East parking lot. Enter at the  Entrance in the back with the Overhang)  they just are finishing up with  asphalt in the  South  Entrance so that area is not accessible. I believe that the  room that we will be in will possibly be the  first room to the left on the left side. I will be  notified as to what room and if that changes I will let you know.  

We will also have a hymn as well.  

Janet Rice 

Update June 17, 2021 11am:

Thoughts from the Van Essen Family 

The Van Essen family wanted to share with you some verses from the Bible they have been meditating on and finding comfort in.

Lily Van Essen has been meditating on these verses:

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. 

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.” 
-- Lamentations 3:20-24 ESV

These are verses on Matt Van Essen’s mind right now: 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
According to his great mercy,
he has caused us to be born again to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith
for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary,
you have been grieved by various trials,
so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold
that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise
and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Though you have not seen him, you love him.
Though you do not now see him,
you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

—1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV

David Van Essen Funeral & Fund Info

A Photo of David in Montana.

        Photo of the Van Essen family taken earlier this year.

The Story:

Matthew & Sarah Van Essen's third eldest son, David, drowned in the Missouri River in Montana on June 14th where he was spending the summer helping with carpentry. His body was found the next morning further down the river on June 15th. He was 17 years old. We are thankful that David knew the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. 

Matthew & Sarah VanEssen and family have driven the 17 hours from Nebraska to Montana where they will be for a few days and then return to Nebraska for the funeral & burial.  

David Van Essen FUND

Many of you have been asking how you can help the Van Essens with the repatriation and funeral costs of David Van Essen.

Friends have kindly made this fund available as a secure way to transfer 100% of your gifts to Matthew & Sarah Van Essen. Click on the link below. You can donate in US Dollars, British Pound Sterling, or Canadian Dollars.

https://donorbox.org/david-van-essen-fund

Facebook Group:

There is also a Facebook group 

we use to post these blog updates you can join it here: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/157958231228091/

Funeral info:

Saturday June 26 at 10 am. CDT

At First Evangelical Free church. 

3280 S. 84th St.,  Lincoln, NE 68506

https://firstfreelincoln.org

For those watching to watch the live here are the times in other time zones: 

PDT: 8am /  MDT: 9am / CDT: 10am / EDT: 11am / ADT: 12 noon

Visitation 

Friday June 25th 3-7 pm with family present 5-7 pm, At Roper and Sons 4300 O st. Lincoln NE.  

Funeral
10 am Saturday June 26 2021. First Free Church ,3280 S 84th st, Lincoln NE.   

Graveside service 

Greenwood Memorial Cemetery  at 1:30 (Saturday, June 26, 2021)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to The Ezekiel Project  ( tepse.org)

Condolences online at  https://roperandsons.com/david-van-essen/ 

Live stream link will be available on the Roper and sons website.

A Recording will be uploaded after for those who could not watch the live stream.

________________________________________________________________________

Obituary: https://roperandsons.com/david-van-essen/

David Nathanael Van Essen, 17, of Greenwood, NE passed away June 14, 2021, in Cascade, MT. Born January 11, 2004, in Omaha, NE to Matthew and Sarah (Brooks) Van Essen,

David was a member of Hollywood Heights Bible Chapel.

Family members include his parents Matthew and Sarah Van Essen; siblings Caleb, Timothy, Lilias, Linia, Nehemiah, Miriam, Jeremiah, Samuel, Joel, Micah, and Cassia; grandfather Don Brooks; grandmother Patricia Van Essen; aunts and uncles David and Desiree Van Essen, Dennis and Valerie Easton, Richard and Katherine Brooks, and Leonard and Rachel VandenBerg. Preceded in death by his grandmother Elva Brooks and grandfather John Van Essen.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday (6-26-21) First Free Church, 3280 S. 84th Street. Livestream at roperandsons.com/livestream. Graveside service will be in the Greenwood Memorial Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Friday with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Ezekiel Project (tepse.org)

________________________________________________________

For Map of where the church is that the Funereal will be at:

Click on the map of the Lincoln below to see it larger.