Serving as a pastor close to a military base has been a wonderful experience for me. I have met so many wonderful people who have served our country, and for that I am grateful.  
But there is one major drawback. The fact is that people seem to come and go more frequently here than in other places. And that means that we lose contact with people who are special to us.  
In the coming days, that will happen once again to our church, and to me personally, as some faithful friends will be moving to the next station in their lives. I have to admit that I have a hard time letting go of a friendship like that. I will miss terribly these friends.
And yet, there is this one thing to which I hold with all of my being. Even if I never see this friend again in this life, there is the hope of a happy reunion in a place called heaven. The Bible is so clear on this issue: Eternal life is a reality. What we see and experience in this world is not all that there is.
From time to time, I have had people say to me, “Well, pastor, that may not work in the ‘real world.’” What many do not seem to understand is that where we live today just may not be the “real world.”  
God created us for all eternity. As early as the book of Job, the question was asked, “If a man dies, will he live again?” Throughout the Old Testament, there is the hope that he will. But in the New Testament, it is made explicit. Jesus was raised from the dead, and because of that he has made it possible for all of his followers to do the same.  
Jesus said, “I’m going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” In that promise we can put our trust, for the one who spoke it is faithful and true.  
It is of the utmost importance that we be prepared for this place called heaven. The Bible indicates that not everyone will be invited. Are you prepared?  My prayer is that you will look to one who loved you enough to give his life for you.
He will give you eternal life — and that is a promise!