10/13/2023
Our hearts are broken and overjoyed at the same time. For the loss, but the tremendous gain we found in knowing and serving with Judge Friend.
Brother Kelsey, or Judge, as many called him, impacted our ministry in ways many will never know. He also impacted ministries throughout the community from the homeless shelter, to jail ministries, to Celebrate Recovery, to the BattleLine Boxing Club, to FaithLife Market. He was truly Kingdom minded and longed for unity of believers from across different churches in our community. He led bible studies, helped preach on Sunday mornings, served selflessly as an elder, and was a constant encourager to everyone serving. Never failing to send an encouraging text after a service, until his health finally failed him. Even as his health began to fail, he would continue to join our monthly elder meetings by video and he wouldn’t just observe, he would participate with resolute vision and passion for Kingdom work. He loved his wife Barb, passionately and was so proud of her and gave her great accolades in all that she did. He will be missed by so many, but the impact of his faithful service will be felt for generations to come. He was light in darkness and walked a powerful testimony of the power of God's grace to transform a life. His encouraging words were part of what led Bethany and I to commit and continue to pastor at New Beginnings. It was an honor to serve with Him and I can't explain the peace knowing he's experiencing what he studied and longed for for so long, heaven.
-Pastor Jared
Visitation for brother Kelsey will be tonight at 6p.m. at the Lucas & Son Funeral Home with a service at 7p.m. with Greg White officiating. The funeral will be tomorrow, Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11 A.M. here at New Beginnings. Entombment will follow in the Annie E. Young Mausoleum at Shelbiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Life Market at the following link: www.faithlifemarket.com/donate
Full Obituary: https://www.lucasandsonfh.com/obituary/kelsey-friend