Tears from Heaven: Jon Scharfenberger 1989-2011

We must find inspiration in his courage and commitment to the unborn and in his witness of living for the service of others, especially those who had no voice!

October 18, 2011 |  By Royce Hood

It has been raining for the past two days in Naples, Florida.     It’s unusual for rain to poor at such a constant rate in the sunshine state.

I understand now why it has been raining.  These raindrops are tears from all of the unborn children killed by abortion!   I’m not sure if they are tears of sadness or joy, because surely those precious little souls must be rejoicing the opportunity to welcome home a hero!       We may never know how many lives have been saved because of Jon Scharfenberger and Kortney Blythe Gordon.   These two are heroes beyond any measure of the word!

Today the Pro-Life Movements mourns the loss of Jon, who passed away due to complications caused by the same car accident that claimed the lives Kortney, her pre-born baby Sophia and the driver of the other car.

Kortney and Jon were driving back from the Students for Life of America Georgia conference when their vehicle was struck by another head on in a massive collision. The driver of the other vehicle was reportedly speeding and passing cars on a two-lane road. Gordon and her unborn child, Sophie, were immediately killed upon impact and Scharfenberger was in critical condition following the accident. (1)

Students for Life of America said this in a statement: “Jon had many successes in his short time with us at SFLA, including establishing a pro-life campus group at Florida International University that was successful in saving the life of a pre-born baby, a mere one week after its creation.”  They went on, “We continue to offer prayers of support for Jon’s family and friends and grieve during this incredibly difficult time for our organization and mission.”

Here is an excerpt from the LifeNews.com story:
“A native of Warwick, New York, Jon graduated with a BA in Philosophy from Ave Maria University in the spring of 2011. He served as President of AMU Students for Life where he led many successful pro-life initiatives. In his years as President, he helped fundraise over $30,000 for the club and committed membership soared from 30 members to over 150 by his final year. In September, 2009 he organized a successful overnight prayer vigil to protest the opening of a new Planned Parenthood, which gained widespread media coverage.”

Father Michael P. Orsi from Ave Maria School of Law said “in his short life Jon Touched Many.  May the angels he tired to rescue from death lead him to heaven”.   A Mass will be celebrated on Friday for the repose of Jon, Kortney and Sophie at Ave Maria School of Law.      A memorial at Ave Maria University is also pending.

Personally, I only had the privilege to meet Jon a couple of times.   But his work and dedication have inspired me and countless others.     So today as we all mourn with tears of sadness for the passing of such a wonderful individual,  I find comfort knowing that the angels in Heaven are rejoicing at a life well lived!    We cannot understand why God brought Jon, Kortney and Sophie home when he did.   But perhaps it was to inspire us by the way Jon and Kortney lived their lives!

It is raining in Naples today, tears from heaven to remind us that Jon’s work is not finished!    We must find inspiration in his courage and commitment to the unborn and in his witness of living for the service of others, especially those who had no voice!

You can make donations towards Jon’s funeral costs here:https://jon.sagefundraisingonline.com/3

Please keep in your prayers Jon’s family.     And also, please pray for Benjamin Gordon that he finds strength and comfort through this tragic event that claimed his wife and pre-born daughter.