You may have heard by now that Theil Kauffman, longtime owner of the Friendship Bookstore, passed away. Theil was widely known and loved in the community. He will be greatly missed.

I only knew Theil for a few years, but I am grateful for our friendship and the impact he had on me. For a time, I was privileged to be his pastor. In so many ways, Theil was special. Here are just a few of the ways I will remember him.

A Bible man

The first time I visited Friendship Bookstore, I was impressed by the large selection of Bible’s it contained. As I chatted with Theil that day, it was clear he had extensive knowledge in terms of Bible translations and the various study Bible’s on the market. But beyond that, Theil had a deep personal love for the Scriptures. Theil attended countless Bible studies over the years, and was always trying to grow in his knowledge of the Word. I was greatly humbled when Theil gave me a study Bible engraved with my name on it for my 40th Birthday.

A family man

As I got to know Theil, it was clear to me that not only did he love the Lord, but he also loved his wife. A lot. When Andrea passed away, it broke his heart. They were so close and truly a fantastic team. Theil also dearly loved his kids and grandkids and his life serves as a great model of a faithful husband and father.

A kind man

As I read some of the tributes online, one thing that kept coming up again was just how friendly and kind Theil was. When you went into Friendship Bookstore, you knew you were going to get a friendly smile, warmth and exceptional customer service. But those of us who knew Theil outside the bookstore, knew that Theil was the real deal. He was kind and encouraging wherever he went and no matter who he interacted with.

A music Man

Music is one of the many wonderful gifts the Creator God has given us. Reading Theil’s obituary was a reminder of just how important music was to him. Theil and Andrea were part of several singing groups over the years, and were always involved in their church’s music ministry. Indeed, Theil loved music and he loved to minister through music. Imagine the joy he is experiencing right now as he joins the great chorus of heaven in singing the song of the Lamb, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations” (Revelation 15:3).

A Gospel man

Theil loved the Lord Jesus and he loved the gospel of grace. I am not sure Theil would approve of me writing this article. He would probably say it puts too much of the spotlight on him, and not Christ. You see, Theil was a sinner, and he knew Jesus was the only one who could save him from his sin (Acts 4:12). Theil understood that the grace of God in saving sinners is truly AMAZING (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is knowledge of this grace that produces humility, something Theil so clearly exhibited.

During the days that followed Theil’s heart attack, until he passed away, it is hard to fathom how many prayer chains he would have been placed on. But our great God, according to His sovereign purposes, saw fit to take him home to glory. While it doesn’t make it any easier, we can rest in this knowledge. Yes, we are grieving now, but not as those who grieve “without hope” (1 Thess 4:13).

I so wish I had the chance to say goodbye to Theil. But I look forward to the day when I can say hello to him in heaven. Please continue to pray for Theil’s family and the difficult days that lie ahead.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

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Daniel Stegeman, serves as Director of Pastoral Care with Fruitful Vine Ministry. Daniel has been a pastor for over 15 years and blogs at pastoral-theology.com. Daniel and his wife Stephane are the proud parents of four children.