Celebration of Life for Bruce Fong

All are invited to a Celebration of Life service for Bruce Fong on Tuesday, January 18th at 11am. Please join us in-person at Houston’s First Baptist Church (The Loop – 7401 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77024).

If you would like to live stream the service, please use this link: https://webcast.houstonsfirst.org/

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Bruce may be made online to Dallas Theological Seminary (www.dts.edu/donate).  

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In case you missed the live stream or weren’t able to attend in person, the church was kind enough to record dad’s Celebration of Life service. May you be blessed! https://vimeo.com/667450698

Link to the digital program: https://d6p4hc1w7pknl.cloudfront.net/Celebration-of-Life-Bruce-Fong.pdf

See You in Heaven

Dear Friends and Family,

Bruce Fong went home to be with Jesus Friday afternoon, January 8th, 2022. We (his wife Yvonne, six kids and four grandkids) were privileged to surround him as he took his final breaths. We are deeply saddened as we feel his absence on earth but we rejoice in knowing he is no longer suffering and in the presence of our Lord and Savior (and playing with his long lost Lhasa Apso, Dusty). Thank you all for your love, encouragement and generosity over the years but especially this past year. He can’t wait to rendezvous with everyone in heaven.

Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Much love from Bruce’s family

Thanks For All the Encouragement

Yvonne and I would like to thank everyone for outpouring of prayers, words of cheer and generous gifts. I wish that I could write to each of you but unfortunately ALS has taken away my ability to type or text. Slowly ALS is taking away my ability to talk so with no communication abilities left, I wait for an available amanuensis or a scribe. Today, my daughter, Kristin, has taken over on my behalf.

First, to all of my family, thanks for all the great times of food, laughs and and great adventures. All of you have been part of making up my life.

To all my friends who have been sprinkled through the years of my life, I thank God for each of you. Thank you for the way you grew my life and for bringing blessings and lessons that made my life become what God intended it to be. It seems like every time God needed me to learn something, find good cheer, or clear discernment, He brought one or more of you along just at the right time.

To my esteemed colleagues, thanks for graciously giving me the benefit of your expertise and superior fellowship. It has been an honor to learn from what you have passed on to me in conversation, debate and published words. I look forward to many more times of learning at the feet of our Savior throughout eternity.

To all of my amazing students, it has been a real treat to be your teacher. May your collective lives of service be a great joy to the Lord. It has been an amazing journey to go from being sharers of information to see God transform us into friends and co-laborers in the Lord’s work.

I don’t know how often I will be able to return to write but I will as long as God gives opportunity and strength. For now, you can continue to write to me through my blog. In the meantime, remember that very special word during every part of your life, “Joy!”

Life Update

Hello Friends and Family of Bruce Fong,

We wanted to share an update on dad’s health: https://gofund.me/f4b6d4fe. Thanks so much for the prayers and for those who have already reached out.

God Bless,

Bruce’s Six Kids (as he always refers to us)

learning new routines

My powered wheelchair is my new world. I can only go where it can go. Now, while I am close to home, I can roam around our home unsupervised, at least on the first floor.

Life is ample and expanded. Personal grooming is all done by Yvonne. My diseases have robbed me of most motor functions. It’s a lot of work but Yvonne goes about it with aplomb and determination. What an exemplary servant!

It is teaching me humility and patience! What an honor to receive necessary mundane services with love and sacrifice. God is giving me firsthand experiences through one of his choicest emissaries, my wife.

Thanks so very much!

In the frightening world of incurable diseases so many of you have banded with us trusting the God who makes himself clearly known. When there so little to count on in the search for peace, Scores of you join with us in remembering to embrace faith in the Savior.

God never asked my permission before assigning any path for me to walk. I am certain my best course is to step confidently down the path in front of me and best glorify him.

Thanks for your prayers. Keep them coming. We will see what only God can do. Joy!

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life has changed

My doctors agree that I am sick. I have CIDP with ALS in the picture. Both diseases are formidable – no known cure.

They affect my nerves, weaken my muscular tissue. Each robs me of motor skills. I am in a wheelchair. Prayers appreciated.

nothing fancy, just a proposal

There were no models of fancy engagement proposals in my background. Yvonne and I just knew as we grew together that we would be together for life. We shared, made memories, dreamed, voiced our fears and our dreams. It was a blessing to grow together.

We shopped for a ring together. It was just natural to do it. Once they were fitted and we were able to pay them off, we picked them up.

Then, one evening as we finished off our date, I took her by her hands, told her that I loved her, and asked if she would do me the honor of being my wife.

Life accelerated after that. The plans, news to share, and calendar management were all a part of coming days. It was the best decision that we ever made and has proven true to this day. No, it wasn’t fancy, but it was permanent.

time to hunt

Discretion was my guiding operational function. Slowly, I turned to see whose voice had captured my attention. Once that face was etched in my mind, I took every opportunity to join in the group discussion, and of course turn my attention towards Yvonne.

Now, my whole Christmas break was up for an audible. No matter what I tried, it seemed to work. Casual walks. friendly talks, invitations, and everything serendipitous fit together.

We went out, exchanged vital contact information, and mutually sensed something happening. My plane ride back to Texas gave me plenty of time to plot out possibilities. Long distance phone calls, writing letters, sending gifts, and praying for a special lady took over my life. I was so pleased to experience that wonderful journey.

All other interests just faded away. God showed me my target and it was time to hunt. Everything concentrated on getting to know this one life. I was smitten.

it was the voice

I arrived at the retreat center with enthusiasm. Conversation after conversation unfolded. Great news happening in the lives of great friends filled my mind. The speaker was good, the worship was excellent, and testimonies were stimulating.

The weather turned for the worse. Heavy rains and stormy winds led to the cancellation of all outdoor activities. Undeterred, we all made adjustments to our expectations.

At first I stayed in my cabin. I was going to study for the upcoming sermon for the next Sunday to be preached in San Francisco. But, it was just too weird being sequestered alone after a long first semester in seminary. Bah, I gathered my notes and headed up to the gathering area where everyone was squashed in from the rain. A cozy fire was attracting a lot of attention. I joined the milling crowd.

A welcome spot on a sofa was just what I needed. Then, I opened my Bible and notes and tried to study. But, there was a distraction. Behind me a group conversation was taking place. They were talking about the “chain of command” in marriage and family. That topic was intriguing but I was captivated by one of the voices in the group. It was the sexiest voice I have ever heard.