Stephen Andrew Gobble was born into our home August 10,1998 three years after Joshua and Lindsay (twins). He was such a blessing to have in our home. He was energetic and loving. He always brought such excitement to each day. Everyone noticed his radiant personality. He brought a smile to everyone he met.

There are many fond memories we have of playing with him. He loved for us to play in his sandbox, but his favorite was having us swing him. “Swing high, daddy” or “Swing high, mommy” he would say over and over again. He enjoyed reading books and playing piggy - back. From early morning to bedtime he was on the go. There was never a dull moment. The Lord had truly blessed us with a child that was talking and maturing faster than other children his age. We cherished every moment God allowed us to spend with Stephen.

Then came the night of June 28,2000. The Lord had already decided that this would be the night Stephen would go home to be with Him in Heaven. At the age of twenty-two months, Stephen died in a tragic accident that took place at the front doors of our home church.

It was a rainy Wednesday evening. We had driven to church separately. My wife pulled up underneath our church drive- thru to escort our children inside the building. After seeing the children safely inside, she returned to the vehicle to park. What she did not know was that Stephen followed after her, and as she was looking for her umbrella, Stephen crossed in front of our car and fell. He did not attempt to get up and my wife could not see him lying there, so she pulled forward, running over him. We were devastated. Our child was gone and it happened so fast.

Words cannot describe the pain we felt from losing such a loving child. The days to follow were so very dark for our family. How were we going to make it through this overwhelming time of sorrow? Many asked, and to be honest there were days that we questioned, “Did God make a mistake here?”. To answer this we have to be able to understand the question, “Why are we in this world?”

Gods purpose in creating us was to bring honor and glory to His name. My wife and I came to know Christ as our Savior when we were both teenagers. We have allowed Christ to be first in our lives. We trust God, knowing that He is in control of every circumstance that comes our way. Romans 8:28 states: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” We have dedicated our marriage and our family to the Lord for however He may want to use us. We know that we will see our son again, according to II Corinthians 5:8.

As a father, it is not easy to say good-bye to my baby boy. Life will never be the same without Stephen. There is such a void in our home and we miss the joy he brought by just being our “Ste-Ste.” My wife and I have had many sleepless nights and shed many tears, but we know the scripture is true:

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”  II Corinthians 4:17

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”  I Thessalonians 4:13

These verses help give us strength to carry on. Life is too short. Stephen lived 688 days on this earth and then went out into eternity to meet Jesus. We rest assured that Stephen is in Heaven for he had not reached the age of knowing right from wrong. However, for those of us who have, we have the choice where to spend eternity, either Heaven or Hell. None of us is guaranteed another day here on earth.

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.”

John 3:7

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Let me share with you how you can have that assurance.

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“For all have sinned, and come short off the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23

You Must Believe And Accept The Fact That God

Has Placed A Price On Your Sin.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.  Revelation 21:8

Jesus Christ Paid The Price For Your

Sin So You Would Not Have To.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten  Son, That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

“But God commendeth his Love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

You Must Personally Accept Jesus Christ’s

Death, Burial, And Resurrection As

On Him To Be Your Savior.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

All individuals are sinners………………… Romans 3:23

There is a price for your sin ……………… Romans 6:23

Jesus paid the price for you ……………… John 3:16 & Romans 5:8

You must personally accept Christ ……… Romans 10:13

Have you ever asked Jesus to be your personal Savior?

If not, would you repent of your sin, and by faith pray

This prayer.

Dear God,

I realize I am a sinner. The best I know how, I ask Jesus to come into my heart right now, to forgive my sins, and To take me to Heaven when I die. Thank you for saving me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In light of our circumstances, we realize that God is in control of all our lives and does not make mistakes. He loves us and cares for us and wants to fashion us to be more like Christ. His grace is sufficient no matter what any of us face in this life. We have the hope of Heaven and the promise of spending eternity with Him and our loved ones gone before us. If you have received help or comfort from our story or have accepted Christ as your Savior as a result of reading this testimony feel free to contact us. 

 Sam and Jennifer Gobble

You may contact Sam and Jennifer Gobble by writing to:

Sam and Jennifer Gobble

Care of - Shining Light Baptist Church

2541 Old Charlotte Highway at Roland Drive

Monroe, NC 28110 or call (704) 283-1480

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