Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Standing in HIS Presence!

Face to face....oh what a wonderful site!  A husband, a dad, a grandpa, a brother, a son, an uncle, a friend and a servant of the one true God has reaped the benefits of believing in the Lord Almighty. 


My dad passed away on April 7, 2009, at 1:11 a.m.

Right now we don't have the details regarding the funeral service, but will let you all know as soon as possible.

Cody for the Bishop family

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful to know that Rusty is rejoicing in Heaven and in the presence of Jesus.

I am so sorry for your family and the pain you must be feeling. Know that your father's life has touched many.

Your family is in my prayers.

Christine Olsen (Phillips)

Mike Nothum said...

We have been praying for you all that God would prepare you for this time. Your dad was such a testimony to more people than you know. I pray that the funeral will truly be a time of praise and thanksgiving to a Savior that gives us what we do not deserve. I look forward with great hope to see Russ again along with my father in the presence of Christ.

steve at portico said...

Our prayers will not cease for all of you. Robyn, Ashley, Cody, Luke - the strength of Christ is so clearly evident in you as well.

Love, prayers, grace, peace - the robinsons

Jodi Dennis said...

My prayers are with you all ! Rejoicing that our Saviour has completly healed Russ, and mourning with you in our earthly loss.

Black Family said...

Bishop family,

I am so sorry for all the pain you must be feeling right now, but I do rejoice with you that Russ is healed now and in the loving arms of his maker... completely pain free! I love you all. You will always me in my prayers and in my heart.

- Beckie -

Hamptons said...

thank you for letting us all walk through this with you via this blog.

it is so nice to know Russ is no longer in pain and is in the arms of Jesus! *hugs*

Anonymous said...

We are filled with sorrow, numbness and awe. Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest prayers are embracing each of you even tighter now. Thankfully, Russ isn't experiencing any more pain and is home in paradise with his Lord and Savior. Russ warmly touched and positively impacted our lives, as well as so many others', in such a wonderful way...we will be forever grateful. Robyn, Cody, Ashley, Luke, Sandy & Skyley: we love you and we're holding your hands. We're praying that God will comfort and heal all of you while you feel His loving arms around each of you.

Love,
Robert, Betsy, Tori & Elli Raimondi

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our comfort is knowing that He is in the presence of our Heavenly Father in new wholeness. God bless,
THE IZQUIERDOs

Libby Pierce said...

Cody, I am so proud of you; you carry manhood well, and your Dad's heart and strength beam through you.

Robyn, well done; you are a beautiful testimony of a faithful help-mate, one soooo suitable for the journey! Your comfort, love, and grace speak volumes of Jesus in you.

Ashley, you are such a sweet comfort of love and grace to your family; you've been a gift to them and a sweet aroma to our Lord. Hard stuff well done...

Love to you all, with tears streaming for you,
Libby Pierce

The Erickson Family said...

I have been praying for your family and will continue to do so as you adjust to this enormous change for your family.

Praise God that Russ loved Jesus and is in His presence this very day!

Blessings to you.

~ Shannon in Oregon

Michael Jones said...

Dear Robyn & family... The only thing that makes any sense in all of this is that Russ is with the Lord. Having lost my father and a sister, unexpectedly, I understand grief. I know you have heard this many times before, but I want you to know from a personal point of view... Russ was a tremendous blessing to all he touched. He was there for me during a very difficult time in my life and I am blessed for the way he comforted and stood by me. I am sure he had an impact on many more lives than we will ever know or imagine.
2 Timothy 4:7&8 "...7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day..."
You have been & will continue to be in our prayers...
In Christ's Love,
Michael & Nancy Jones

Anonymous said...

Robyn, tears are streaming down my face right now. I was reading the comments last night about 1 a.m. in the morning - you know me I am always up late - and what God had pressed on my heart at that time and I wanted to send to Russ was "Well done my good and faithful servant!" Now he is hearing it from the Lord! You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. Your family is an awesome testimony to faithfulness of our Lord!
Love, Marcy

Anonymous said...

You are all in our thoughts and our prayers during this time.

Take comfort in the fact that your dad is now with Jesus, enjoying all the comforts and all the joy that GODS' grace affords us.

Take this time to remember all the great times you have spent together and turn your eyes toward heaven where you will all be together again one day!

We love you all

The Posners

Marty said...

I never knew Russ in person, but have been moved through the stories and comments I have read on this blog. I could tell from those who loved him, that Russ was indeed a great person and family man. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bishop family at this time in need.

Anonymous said...

Dear Bishop Family,

We are with you in sorrow and praise at this time.

Love,
The Boswells

Anonymous said...

We love you guys! What a sad thing for all of us who knew and loved Russ and especially for the family.

I just happen to be reading 1 Cor. 15 today - what a wonderful thing to know that death itself will be, someday, completely defeated. And what a wonderful thing have a certain hope that Russ (and the rest of us) will have a new body, "raised imperishable."

My thoughts, love, and prayers are with you all.

Anonymous said...

We love you guys! What a sad thing for all of us who knew and loved Russ and especially for the family.

I just happen to be reading 1 Cor. 15 today - what a wonderful thing to know that death itself will be, someday, completely defeated. And what a wonderful thing have a certain hope that Russ (and the rest of us) will have a new body, "raised imperishable."

My thoughts, love, and prayers are with you all.

robina said...

Russ was a treasure that was truly an honor to know. May God be a comfort to you all.

Love,
Robin Keener

Anonymous said...

May the love and comfort of family and friends be with you. May our Father's strength help you endure during this difficult time. Keeping your family in prayer.

Love,
Mary Beth

Amber Ronan said...

Just wanted you all to know that the Ronan family is thinking and praying for all you! We love you all! Your dad/husband was an amazing man! He'll be greatly missed! Love you all,

Amber Ronan

Tristan said...

We were saddened to read this news today. Our hearts break for you all and for what you are experiencing. We rejoice with you that Russ is now pain free and walking with his Savior. And we mourn with you for your loss.

Robyn, a few years ago when we lost our precious little baby boy, you sent us a sympathy card. That card meant so much to me--that someone who hardly knew me would take the time to reach out to me and share her heart. I still think of that often and it has caused me to reach out to others that I might not have otherwise. You have such a sweet heart and I so wish that there was something I could do to give back to you. I offer you my continued prayers.

Much love, strength, peace, and grace to you all,
The Ruddle Family

Anonymous said...

We have been following Russ's challenge of cancer. We are thankful that he is in the Lord's presence! Our hearts go out to your family. You have been a testimony of God's grace to go through a tough situation. We will continue to pray for you!

Phil and Janelle Sutton
Papua New Guinea

Kristie Braselton said...

Robyn and Family-

The earth is better because of Russ Bishop and how he lived his life and poured it out for the gospel. We pray that you all would feel the nearness and love of our Shepherd, who promises He is near to the brokenhearted, and may you find hope and joy in Him.

Anonymous said...

Faith is now sight! Today, may God strengthen yours as well as comfort and mend your souls with the words that none of us can quite express!

Continued love and prayers,

Melissa C

Anonymous said...

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." I am so excited that Russ is more ALIVE now than he has ever been, and experiencing true joy. Still, I grieve over his loss, and so wish I could do something to fix your hurting hearts. We love you dearly, will be praying for you, and hope we can serve you in some way. You have offered an amazing testimony through your relationship with God in this, and I thank you for the encouragement you have offered me through that. We love you all so much, The Burress Family

ken said...

I have been praying for Russ and all of the family for several months now as Steve Robinson has kept us updated. I will continue to pray for you all. Russ was such a neat guy so dedicated to the Lord, a man's man, yet gentle and a joy to be around. Always a smile, Kevin enjoyed Russ so much during our time at Bethany. And all of you, his family, are precious as well. From our family Griffin's and Zink's...God bless you all.

ken, cheryl and kevin Griffin

Anonymous said...

I am so greatful for the time we had with you guys last week. I am thankful for rusty's life and legacy. He was a second dad to me and I loved him so much and love you guys so much. I wish we were still there with you guys to hug you and hold your hands. I am so thankful that my mom is in heaven to welcome Rusty to his new home. I have been picturing this sight all day long and it has been such a blessing to know that our family members are together worshiping the Lord which is exactly what they have always loved doing the most. Know how much you all are loved by my dad and I.
Love, Kendra Moulton

Anonymous said...

Robyn, Ashley, Cody, Luke,
We are lifting you in our prayers for peace and comfort. We know there is no better place for Rusty than heaven. But we can imagine your sorrow even though you know this moment was coming, but We all see him again and we'll be rejoycing together praising God eternaly.
In Christ,
Miriam and Fernando Hernandez- Mendoza

Kevin Kampman said...

Dear Bishop and Little Families,
I am so very sorry to hear about Russ. He was a good man and will be missed here on Earth. It will be great to see him again on the street of Heaven.

We are praying that God will comfort you in this time.

Kevin Kampman

Anonymous said...

Robyn, Cody, Ashley and Luke,

We love you all. May the Lord comfort you and may you feel His loving presence. We are blessed to have been able to know Russ and all of you. Praise God that he has healed Russ- we will be praying for you moment by moment.

Love,
The Larsen Family

Karl Ingraham said...

I'm reflecting on what a joy it was to know Russ even if it was only for a short time. What a terrific life he lived. Let God's comfort be with you in your loss. We love you.

Karl, Donna, Jessie, and Jonah.

Anonymous said...

You are all in our prayers....my heart goes out to you as you now face tomorrow. Please know that we are with you in spirit and in a very real way of PRACTICAL HELP. SO often we dont know WHAT to say or WHAT to do. So please let me say that WHATEVER I can do, please let me...allow me and my family to BLESS YOU as you all have BLESSED US through your demonstration of faith and courage throughout this entire process. Susan Rivera and Family

Anonymous said...

Our hearts and prayers are with your family now as we know your husband, father & grandfather will be deeply missed. Your blog has touched us enormously and the faith of your family shines!
The Lane's

Anonymous said...

Robyn,

Our hearts are heavy for you and the family. I do not pretend to know God's wisdom in these things but I can trust that he does have a plan and so I place my faith that his plan for you is in order and that you find some comfort in that truth.

As a father, I cannot tell you how much it would mean to me to have had the love and support of my family throughout this time. Russ surely felt such a deep and unconditional love from all of you and that is a treasure on earth that is unmatched. He would be beaming with pride for his children and their strength to not only persevere through such a trial but to excel in spite of it.

Our sincerest condolences and prayers are with you.

The Roberts

Anonymous said...

Cody, Robyn, Ashley & family,
Our hearts grieve with you!
We will continue to pray for you in these days ahead.
We love you!!!
Hugs,
Hollie, Brent, Andrew, Blake, Amber and Victoria Brielle

Unknown said...

As your family continues through this world's portion of Russ' promotion to glory, rest in His peace, joy and promises. We will be praying for you - now and in the months to come.

Love in, through and because of His sustaining grace.

Brad & Wanda

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Cody, for the precious note you wrote today about your dear Daddy. Our hearts ache with you, Robyn, Cody, Ashley and the rest.

My Daddy went home to be with the Lord 19 years ago this same time of year at Easter and the resurrection seemed even more real because to think one you love so much is in the presence of Jesus whom he loved and served is such an amazing thought. We're so sorry for your loss but are so thankful you'll see your dear husband and dad again someday.

Praying for you and love you guys much,

Gary, Annie and Hannah in PNG

hayhay said...

Hi! This is Cole's little sister, Hayley. He's a senior at Surrey Garden. I have a blog too, and I wanted you guys to know that we've been praying for your family through the tough times you've been going through. I'm sorry that he died, but he's with God now, rejoicing in His presence.

Anonymous said...

What a Godly man that husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend to many way. He was such a gentle man. We are full of both sorrow and joy. Russ' and your family's faith has been a great testimony to us. We love you,

Ron, Linda, Kelsey and Andrew Russell

Anonymous said...

Robyn, Cody, Ashley and Luke:

We, too, are praying for you. Appreciate your posts, Cody, and your trust in the Lord in the midst of very hard times. So thankful that your dad is with the Lord. We'll all be there soon!

Love in Christ,
Brian and Arlita Burnham and Family in PNG

Tammy Olsen said...

Dearest Robyn and family,

The girls just came home and told me the news about Rusty. Robyn, you have been so good to my family during our trials with Briannah. Your love and kindness towards my family has been most appreciated. I never really had a chance to tell you thank you, or let you know how much your family means to me, and what an impact you had. Please know that mere words cannot express the love and compassion that I feel for your family at this moment. I pray that the Lord will give you that supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding. Like Briannah, Rusty is completely free of any sickness or disease. Although, we will miss them, our hearts rejoice in knowing that they are in a much better place, basking in the presence of the Lord. Rusty is not only in your past, but he is also in your future. I will continue to lift your family up in prayer and keep you close to my heart.

Sincerely,

Tammy Olsen and Family
Gilbert, Arizona
www.babybriannah.org
With long life will I satisfy you, and show you my salvation. Psalms 91:16

Anonymous said...

we do not have that many words but just know we have been praying and we keep it up.
God is with you and under you are
His everlasting arms.
Strenght with alle these things to come in the comming days.
with love and prayers,
Koen, Anne-Laure and Joshua Verdonck

Anonymous said...

Much love to you all,

Heather and Dave Hofman

Anonymous said...

We cannot find the right words to express the sorrow we feel on your behalf. This struggle is tempered only by the poignant reminder that, because of Christ's resurrection, we can rejoice in the resurrection to come. We will be changed in the twinkling of an eye!

The Micilcavage/Baker family

Those Dandy Dillards said...

I don't know if you remember me, but my husband Matt and I attended Bethany for about 5 years starting in 2002 until we moved back to Texas. We worked with Luke in youth ministry for a while and then a few years later, I started the MOPS group there at Bethany. Robyn - you were part of our "experienced moms" panel a few years ago. Anyway, I have kept up with your blog since we've moved. I wanted you to know that someone in Texas loves you guys and is lifting both the Bishop and Little family up in prayer. I was moved to tears today to read this news. Sadness for your family but thankfully rejoicing for Russ.

Love to you all!

Unknown said...

We are praying for the peace of God which passes all understanding to guard your hearts and minds. Look to Him!!

Anonymous said...

Love you guys! M.J.

Cherie Joy said...

I weep with you as you mourn your loss and pray for you during this time of pain. I also rejoice with you as you celebrate his life.

Praying for you,
Cherie Alf

Dave and Kathy Corbin said...

Robyn, Ashley, and Cody,

It is difficult to describe the emotions I am experiencing as I write this. When I was hired with the UFD back in 1989, Russ was assigned as my mentor. He took me under his wing, gave me praise when I deserved it, and smacked me on the head when I deserved it. We took classes together, and studied for promotional exams together. Although our contact had been limited since he left California, the impact he made on my life will never be broken. He was the true definition of integrity. I know that Russ has been welcomed into the kingdom as a mighty servant of God (and I hope he is assigned to help build my "mansion"!), but his loss will be felt by many. He was a great man. You are in our prayers. If there is anything we can assist with from our end, please don't hesitate to call. My cell is 909-709-8027.

Dave Corbin
Upland Fire Dept.

Anonymous said...

Dear Bishop family,
I have been touched by what cody has said. I do not know what it would be like to lose my dad but it is comforting to know that he is with the Lord. Did you know that all the K-6 grade classes went outside to pray and sing hyms for your family? It was really cool.
Jacob Killeen

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all. love Pat and Joe Chell (PNG)

Anonymous said...

May the peace of knowing Russ is finally home give you strength. Much love and prayers for you all.

Love, Crystal and Ryan Gorishek

Killeen Family said...

Bishop family,

Though we never really knew Russ, it is apparent that lives were changed and impacted for the Kingdom because of him. "Well done good and faithful servant" are words we all long to hear - I am sure these are words that Russ has recently heard from our great God and King Jesus.

By the example of your family and the courage of Russ, I am motivated and encouraged to live my life to such a standard. Even in his passing Russ continues to impact lives - praise be to God!

All our love in Christ,
Tim Killeen and Family

jennifer said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Jennifer Brown and Family

momoffaith said...

How wonderful to be standing with Jesus at this moment. My heart breaks for your family as I cannot imagine the sadness you feel, but I rejoice knowing that someday I will be able to meet Russ in heaven. Reading your blog is such an amazing testimony to God's grace and I know that all of you have touched more people than you know with God's love. Your precious family will be in our prayers.

In Christ, The Grattopp Family

Whitney said...

my heart is heavy for your family and all of the friends that will miss Russ so much. but to think of him walking the streets of gold and singing praises to his Savior and Lord with the angels is the most amazing, unfathomable truth! i do not start to pretend to understand God's unwavering loving plan for His children, but i find comfort in the truth that He is Soverign and is preparing rooms for us all to join together again, face to face with Him, in Glory! what an awesome truth to cling to, midst the deepest pain we feel. He was surrounded by his family who stood by him and carried him through until he finished his race on this earth. to hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant" as you look the King of Glory in the face, WOW. what an amazing blessing! Whether a husband, father, friend, Russ was truly a man of God, a servant who devoted his life to following Christ and is now reaping the blessings from his life well-lived! You did good! You all did him beyond proud. his son and daughter grown into wonderful young adults. Cody, you will be a wonderful legacy of your father and he was proud of you! my heart is overwhelmed. He will be missed, but this heartache will pass, as we will soon be together again, praising our Father together! i love you all tremendously and pray for you continually. my sincerest condolences to your whole family. wrest in the comfort that he is being hugged with the arms of Jesus Christ! what an amazing thing. i love you and thank you for the absolute blessing your entire family has been. russ furthered the kingdom of God and now is in the presence of His Lord! praise the Lord, no more pain, no more suffering! i pray the your heartache will ease knowing that you will see him again soon and you did him proud, and continue to do so. we are here for you for whatever you may ever need.

Whitney Williams

Curtis Field said...

We love you and are so sorry for your loss, and we mourn with you. We will continue to pray to our loving Father for you. He is "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction." So, we pray that He will comfort you during this difficult time.

We look forward to the day we will all join Russ with our Father in heaven where "He will wipe away every tear from our eyes; And there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain."

Russ' love for Jesus is an inspiration for all of us. It's amazing to read and hear how God used Russ to touch so many lives. Your faith and great love for God has been so evident throughout this time. You've been an encouragment to us as we've had the blessing of seeing you continually put your trust in the Lord.

Love Curtis, Angela, Adrianna, Savannah, Alyssa, and Tiana

Anonymous said...

I just have no words that could possibly ease the pain that you must be going through right now. I pray that God would truly grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding, and that you would feel His presence and love like you've never felt it before. You are all in my thoughts and prayers...
Deirdre Kirmis (& Kirmis family)

Anonymous said...

So sorry to read your news but thankful his suffering is now over. We will be praying for you all in these next days, weeks and months; that you will know God's comfort and presence in a very real way. Sending much love to you all, the Jerrard family.

Anonymous said...

Our hearts break as we think of your loss but also rejoice in knowing that Russ is with the Lord and you will be reunited one day.

We have been praying for your family through the last year and will continue to pray for you as you mourn. We admire the strength you've exhibited through this trial and we are praying that the Lord will give you rest for your weary souls as you depend on him in the days ahead.

With love,
Lyle and Heidi McKinley

Anonymous said...

We were so sorry to hear of Russ's struggles over the past year. We wrongly thought that we had heard that he did not have cancer so were shocked to hear of his death. I am so sorry for you and know you will miss Russ immensely but am so glad that he is out of this world of pain and misery and in the very presence of our Lord and Saviour. I am reminded of the verse in Psalms 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
I know you all ache and hurt and miss him so much right now. We ask God to comfort you in the way
only He can. We're just so thankful that we have the promise from God, himself, that we will be together again and then for all eternity. To God be the glory. What a legacy Russ has left behind. We're just thankful that God saw fit to allow us to get to know you and live beside you for a short while in PNG. Know that we love you and will continue to pray for you.
Lovingly,
Joe and Hope Johnson

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for this has left a huge hole in all of your lives. I just learned of Russ' death and want to express my sincere condolences and want you to know we will continue to pray for you all!

I'm so glad that you hooked up with Hospice. I can't say enough good things about them as they have helped me through similar situations twice now. They will continue to be a help to you in the coming months if needed.

You are in our prayers!
Trish King

Carol said...

Robyn, Ashley, Cody, Luke,

We are so sorry to hear that Russ passed away. May you continue to feel God's loving arms around you as you rejoice in the complete healing of Russ but sorrow in your earthly loss. We pray that God's "peace that passes all understanding" will overwhelm you at this time!

Buzz & Carol Brines

Amy said...

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.

Russ was one of the people I looked up to for his heartfelt service and love of God, his family, and his community.

Thinking and praying for all of you in this difficult time,

Amy Fox

Anonymous said...

Bishop Family,

We will remember Russ for his warm smile and helpful nature.

May God continue to give you the strength, courage, and peace you need in the days, weeks, and months to come.

God Bless,

The Mishlers

Anonymous said...

Robyn, Cody and Ashley and family,

It is still hard to grasp the fact that Rusty is gone. I do not understand Gods timing in all of this, just have to accept that He knows best. I'm so thankful that I was able to say goodbye to my best friend and brother. I truly beleive that Rusty and Barb are talking about us,, down her waiting for our time to come to be with Him/them.

Ken Moulton

Anonymous said...

I am just a pal of Luke's from high school. In fact, I haven't even spoken to him since those days but, I started reading the blogs from posts that he would make on facebook. I want you to know how truly sorry I am for your loss. I've been there and I know it's tough. Just try to stay strong and remember every amazing moment you had with him. But don't feel like you always have to be strong, sometimes letting it all out feels just as good. I'll be thinking of you on Saturday. May peace be with you and Russ.

Annamarie Sanchez

The Lawnchair's said...

Robyn, Cody, Ashley & Luke,

Our hearts are heavy with this news. But we rejoice in knowing that Russ is now in Heaven with Jesus, our Savior. May Jesus comfort you today and the days that follow.

Love you,
Tim, Bev, Justin & Kayla