She Will Be Missed

Last night one of the key leaders of Fellowship Church graduated from this life to the next. And she has gone home to be with the Lord.

Vanessa Whitwell was a dear friend and a phenomenally talented young woman. It's staggering to think of all the lives she touched and influenced.

As I think about Vanessa's life, she definitely had a larger than life personality. I think about John 10:10 where Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly." Vanessa attacked life with a huge amount of offensive energy. Every moment was an adventure for her.

Over the last decade, she played a major role in the development of our worship, was an outstanding singer and actress and did so much with the children's ministry and our women's ministry at Fellowship. And on top of all that, she coordinated our conferences and so many leadership events for us.

Knowing Vanessa as well as I did, her heart for the hurting was definitely the thing that drove her. She truly felt a calling to be at Fellowship Church. She's one of the few people that you come in contact with who actually lived their dream. She did what God called her to do; she lived the dream and loved every moment.

But Vanessa was more than a coworker in the ministry. Lisa and I have had the unique priviledge of having her and her husband as some of our closest friends. They have looked after our children. We've shared meals together. We have literally travelled the world with them. And over the years, they became like a part of our family.

It's interesting in the ministry, because you don't often realize how close you are to the people around you. We don't realize how tightly connected we are until someone is gone.

These are definitely difficult days for us. But even more so, I pray for her husband, Andy, who is such a great guy and a wonderful person. These are dark days that he will have to negotiate. But we know that God will give him the strength to come through.

Vanessa will be greatly missed. One of our twin daughters said this weekend, "Dad, our church just seemed to be incomplete because Vanessa isn't here." You know what? She's not here anymore. But she is in heaven. She is truly living the dream of being home with Jesus.

Comments

[poetryman69]

peace and blessings

[Jennifer Edwards]

I've been attending FC for ten years now, and will never forget the first time I heard her angelic voice! I attended the funeral last week and it was so inspiring to hear the story Ed spoke of about Hawaii. Her life was truly an inpsiration to so many others that watched her from afar. I can only hope and dream that I can touch the amount of lives that Vanessa did! My prayers, and my thoughts will remain with her church family as well as Andy and many others that loved her so dearly.
Jen Edwards

[Greg - The Bow-fisherman]

I'm still in shock but the reality that she is with our Lord Jesus Christ is finally beginning to sink in with my wife and I. We feel almost selfish that we hurt that she's gone, when She's in God's arms right now looking down and pushing us all on. We're ready to take the baton. We're ready to push the church forward as Vanessa did. There will always be a void where she was - and is no longer, but I can honestly say - without any doubt in my mind, she has inspired many many people "to go big - or not go at all." We miss you and love you Vanessa. We're praying every day for you Andy. God will bring peace.

[The Ybarra's-Fellowship Church]

Dear Ed & Lisa, FC Staff, and FC Family, you remain a constant in our prayers during this tragic time of our beloved church. We are one body in Christ therefore we share in the suffering but we know that rejoicing comes in the knowledge that she is at home with our precious Jesus. We hold up Andy, the Whitwell and Hunt families to the throne in steadfast prayer. Vanessa was simply stunning....a sight to behold....she was so genuine, so real. I will always remember her testimony at Bloom and how the power of the Holy Spirit hovered amongst us as she poured her testimony, her life, her love into us that day....she genuinely loved us....it was so evident....yet she made sure that we understood that Jesus was the focus of her testimony and not herself....she was the real deal. I remember too how Andy was there to support her and to affirm her....another testimony in itself. Yes, she will be missed. "Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11.

[Victoria]

To Vanessa's family, friends and church family: I am so sorry for your loss. You all paint such a beautiful picture of this amazing woman. I know the pain of losing someone so dear and I know the comfort our Father can bring. I pray that you all feel the Lord's comforting arms holding you.

[BC]

One of the most impactful songs ("Untitled Hymn")I ever heard Vanessa sign had these profound words...
When your life is over, kiss
the world goodbye
And go in peace and laugh on Glory's side
And fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus,
fly to Jesus and live.

It was a privilege and pleasure to share worship with her for so many years. How blessed is her family to have known and loved such an amazing child of God.

[Tim Chambers]

Ed,

You haven't left my mind all week. I thank God for you and your leadership to so many around the world. I know God will carry you in and help you as you lead Fellowship through this difficult time. So be strong, there are a lot of us that got your back in constant prayer.

Tim Chambers

[Scott Wilson]

While it has been a while since we spoke it was a great conversation...catching up. I loved working with Vanessa and was appreciative of her creative side. She was a blast! And funny...! She brought out the creative in me by her sense of humor. Her visit to me while I was in the hospital lifted my spirits and again bringing her unique levity to my not so great situation. Only Vanessa could get away with that. Yah, she could sing, act and inspire. But my memories will be the way she could make me laugh. Miss ya girl!!
Scott Wilson

[Kristi Hinkle]

Being a member of Fellowship Church since the first days in 1992, I was so proud to be at the service this morning to see the love and support from our Fellowship family. With our church being a mega-church, or small town (often referred to), none of that mattered when it came to paying our honors to a church leader who touched people's lives in so many different aspects. The service was so intimate and special, full of emotion, both sadness and celebration! Ed's comment about "not saying goodbye but see you later" will stick in my mind forever. Seeing Rob Johnson back on stage, with Yancee, singing to the Lord in remembrance of their dear friend, Vanessa, was beyond words. What a blessing! Vanessa, you will definitely be missed but you will always be around the church, your fingerprints everywhere, your smile & beauty everywhere. I can only imagine what you are experiencing in the Lord's presence right now...

[Tara]

I am still shocked at what happened. I didn't know Vanessa personally, but she made a huge impact on my life. I remember watching her sing at Fellowship for years and always admiring that something different she had...such joy. I always looked up to her and wanted to be like her. I attended the service today and it was such an honor to have been touched by Vanessa's life.
I am praying for her family now. She will be missed greatly. I will miss hearing her wonderful voice and passion for the Lord. I hope I can leave a legacy like her. She has truly changed my life.

[Brian Matusz]

My heart and prayers go out to families of Vanessa and Andy Whitwell. I will continue to pray for the Fellowship Church staff as I know you have lost a special part of your family as well. Thank you Ed and Lisa for being so genuine and loving to those around you. Your direction and leadership touch so many. And although she is no longer with us, the ripple effect of Vanessa’s love for the Lord will continue on!

[Lesa Lynch]

When you hear someone sing, you can tell if they are just saying the words or truly feeling the message. With Vanessa, she really was living the life she sang about. I'll always remember her sitting on the stool and singing:

"Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You

To know and follow hard after You
To grow as Your disciple in the truth
This world is empty, pale and poor
Compared to knowing You, my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after You
Lead me on and I will run after You"

And Vanessa did just that. We'll sincerely miss her!
-The Lynch Family

[Obed Martinez]

Ed, Our hearts and prayers go out to you, Andy, your staff, and the entire FC church family. Vanessa was an amazing women, dreamer, and Christ Follower that changed many lives including our's here at Destiny Church. Heaven has gained one more jewel and earth has been left with one more mark of one of God's great servants!

[John Douthitt]

My family and I moved to Houston 3 years ago this week from the DFW area, which is home to me. The most difficult part of the move was leaving Fellowship Church, our hometeam, the ministries we served in and the friends that we had made. Finding a new church home was even more difficult because of the talented worship team that we left at Fellowship. They are such an amazing part of the service and Vanessa was as gifted as any when performing for our Lord.

I never had the privilege of meeting Vanessa, but was blessed to hear her sing many times during the Saturday night services and am not surprised at the number of people she touched as evidence by the comments posted here.

My prayers are with her husband, her family and Fellowship Church. We should all be comforted in knowing that she is now with our Lord.

[Andrea]

My prayers are with Vanessa's family members and with our Fellowship family. I know Pastor Ed that you are grief stricken as am I. My thoughts and prayers are all about celebrating Vanessa's life and her legacy. God certainly did a great job in her creation and I know He is celebrating His precious servant now being with Him. The songs in Heaven are certainly sweeter now.
Blessings

[Amy Waddell]

I just want to say what an honor it is to have been a part of such a beautiful celebration of life. Vanessa's service was a perfect tribute to her love for the Lord and her firey enthusiasm for life. She has left such a legacy! Let's all take that perspective and realize that life is short...make it great! We'll miss you Vanessa, but we'll see you soon :)

[Mia Aguilar]

When my mom called and told me vanessa was sick and in the hospital my heart just droppped in my stomach. To me Vanessa was a strong leader, a talented singer and a beautiful role model! She always gave me the sweetest hugs and the best fashion tips you will ever get! Every time she sang on the stage I think I would get chills up and down my body. And of course she loved PINK! That definatly was her color! And I have my pink ring she gave me to remember her by! But my favorite saying is "We do not remember the days We remember the moments!" So I pray for her husdand, family, and friends. And I can't wait for the day we all will meet with her again! I love you girl!
<3 Mia

[Perry]

Ed,

My heart fell out of my chest when I logged on to Fellowship Churches website and saw the news of Vanessa.

She was an incredible leader and TOTALLY represented Jesus with passion and integrity. She will be missed!

I am comforted that she is with Jesus...and that she is now singing with HIS worship team! One day we will join her at the feet of Jesus!!!

You guys are in our prayers!

[Hillary Laird]

I only met Vanessa once, but feel like I have know her for years. After hearing her testimony at the woman's retreat a few years ago I have felt connected to her. Her words and singing have blessed me so much. She was an AMAZING woman. God has already shown me through her death what it means to leave a legacy. Our daily woes don't matter. It is those we affect through our love for Christ, that matter. I am contiually praying for Andy and her family.

[Craig Groeschel]

Ed,

Amy and I are praying for you, Andy, and all of the Fellowship family.

Craig

[Matthew McKendry]

Dear Ed,

I wanted to send my condolences to you and Lisa and the entire Fellowship family. I am a huge fan of Fellowship Church and I don't even live in Texas! Orange County California to be exact. Although I have never attended a service at Fellowship I believe people such as Vanessa have helped create one of the most prolific ministries needed in today's world. I thank God daily for Fellowship and Ed Young Ministries. Your messages have helped to challenge and strengthen my walk. Your creative way of preaching has enabled me to be a better man and witness for Christ. I am so sorry for your loss and I will continue to pray for Vanessa's husband and the entire Fellowship family. Thank you Ed for all you do.

God Bless!

Matthew McKendry

[Lisa]

I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to know Vanessa through Fellowhip Church. I miss her and I wish I could hear her beautiful voice again.

[Jennifer Goff]

Ed,
Tim and I were so saddended to hear of what Vanessa's family and the FC family was going through last week and then of her passing. We are praying for you guys continually. I am thankful for the opportunity to have met her and to hear her beautiful voice so many times. Tim always spoke fondly of her and we both just can't believe she is gone. She led such a full life and leaves a wonderful legacy behind. It feels too soon, but who are we to question God's timing, right? We still feel apart of the Fellowship Family and are mourning with you guys. You are all in our prayers.

Love,
Jennifer Goff

[HEATHER]

Last August, while visiting FC from Florida, I met Vanessa in your lobby. She made such an off-the-chart first impression to me. And she must have been so special because she also made a lasting impression on me. I never forget her amazing presence in your lobby. I'm so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you.

[Angela]

Vanessa was truly one of a kind. She had an undeniable physical beauty that was accentuated by Christ's reflection in her countenance. She had the voice of an angel. One of my fondest memories was when she sang with the children at the Christmas service at America Airlines Center. Our daughter was only five years old at the time, but still remembers it vividly and remembers how sweet Vanessa was and how special she made each child feel during rehearsals. I take comfort in the verse that is posted on Fellowship's website "precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His saints" (Psalm 116:115). I know Vanessa has now heard Our Lord say "Well done, my good and faithful servant".