In Memory of Lonnie

We have lost a great general in the Lord's army.  Lonnie Jacob went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 12.

Lonnie was a close friend and fellow laborer in the kingdom.  His presence will be greatly missed.  He touched the lives of probably thousands in this city and beyond, and he knew people in every walk of life.  Lonnie was the kind of person who lived whole-heartedly for the Lord.  His life was a testimony of God's grace and power. 

Our recent event on Burnett's Mound is an example of how Lonnie would lay down his life for the Lord's work.  Lonnie was key in getting us access to the park and the water department. portion of the mound.  He arranged for generators and the portable bathroom (even though it never actually showed up).  He arranged for the tent which we raised up as a tabernacle for worship.  In additional to all of this, he was an essential part of the planning process and actually stayed and often prayed on the mound most of the time from Thursday evening through Saturday morning.  Then of course, he stayed after most had left, to take down the tent and clean up. 

Was he going to take the rest of the weekend off?  No way.  He had miraculously been provided with race tickets and was heading to the track for a divine appointment with someone who needed the Lord.

That was Lonnie. 

We should let his life be an inspiration to us.  I don't believe there is a single person that will be able to replace Lonnie.  It's going to take many of us stepping up to fill the significant void left in his absence.  Nothing would please and honor him more.

One of Lonnie's favorite words was "shalom."  It means more than "peace."  It also holds the connotation of nothing lost, nothing broken.  He used it often in witnessing and in prayer.  It's what he is experiencing right now.  Goodbye, Lonnie.  We love you.  Shalom.


David Epps, October 15, 2010

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Lonnie Ray Spyder Jacob entered into glory from his home on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, just 10 days after tearing the tabernacle (tent) down after the Citywide Celebration service on Burnett’s Mound.  He had worked tirelessly on the City On A Hill gatherings, and was on the Mound almost the entire time between the afternoon of Wednesday, September 29 until the end.  Beforehand, he reported he had visited 60 churches in the Topeka area, talking to at least 30 pastors or church leaders.  All divine appointments, which characterized Lonnie’s life.  Whatever God told him to do, he did with gusto and a servant’s heart.  It will take many hands, feet and bodies to fill that hole.  But, less than two weeks after his passing, I have watched several step up to the plate.

One of the things that most impressed me about Lonnie was his passion for unity.  One factor was his Cherokee roots.  I’ve noticed that First Nations people have an inborn sensitivity to the spiritual realm.  And those who have given themselves to God, especially those as wholeheartedly as Lonnie had, have a mandate to welcome all into the Kingdom of Heaven.  They are natural-born reconcilers (2 Corinthians 5:14-21).  He saw no barriers, whether they be skin color, belief system, lifestyle, or even preference.  Lonnie was as comfortable talking to a Topeka City Council member as he was the temporarily lucid drunk on the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras.  Jesus broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:12-16), making a public display of the principalities and powers that kept it in place (Colossians 2:13-15).  The enemy is rejoicing to have him out of the way, but watch out for those of us who are walking in the Spirit in a new way because he is no longer with us!  God decided that his work on Earth was done, and called him home with the words we all hope to hear someday, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter the joy of your Master.”

Many have commented on Lonnie’s practice of lying prostrate when the atmosphere indicated the sweet savor of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  This always bothered me.  Why this excess, this display of holiness?  Well, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!  You’ll see me taking up that mantle.  I’ve started already.

So, where will the Citywide Church go from here?  Those of us in leadership have begun discussion about that.  My contribution here is to share what has been on my heart since before the gatherings on Burnett’s Mound.  Paul in Ephesians 5:7-21 encourages us to “walk as children of the Light…trying to learn what is pleasing to the LORD.”  None of us want to walk any longer in the deeds of darkness, and are exhorted to expose them.  Something that Lonnie did with excellence.  The authority he carried and the boldness, zeal and even compassion he displayed in confronting all manner of sin should be imitated by us all.  “But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.  For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”  In other words, arise from your slumber, O Church of Topeka, and fulfill your destiny.  Put first things first (seek first His Kingdom, and His righteousness), and declare war on your areas of compromise.  For Jesus is coming back for a Glorious Church, a Bride that is without spot or wrinkle, holy and blameless before Him (Ephesians 5:25-27).  He is presently shaking everything that can be shaken, helping us to find what is truly important in life.  He is removing everything that hinders love.  We must refuse to be offended, because what is coming is much more difficult than anything we have experienced thus far.  We believe we heard from God about the timing of these gatherings.  We must continue to listen for His voice to determine how to move from here.  We must be forerunners for His Second Coming, preparing our own hearts and those of our family and friends.  There is no time to waste.  Maranatha!  Come, LORD Jesus.  We long for Your appearing.  Whether the time be short or long, we stand ready, listening for the angel’s trumpet call.

Jon Packard-- October 24, 2010