ATLANTA – Jack Snell dedicated his life to being a pastor. For nearly four decades, he nurtured congregations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky. And in recent years, his ministry of pastoral care extended to more than 150 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel around the world.

Snell, the Fellowship’s director of global field ministries, died Oct. 2 after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Snell, 66, is survived by his wife, Anita; his son, Charles, of Atlanta; his daughter, Stephanie, and son-in-law, Henry Kahler, of Jacksonville, Fla.
- CBF Communications

Even before we became Envoys with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, we had met and came to know Jack. To us he was the gentle senior figure that stood out above all the others. He was not so much business as he was personal. He knew your name, your background and after a while your family. His was a rare gift always listening and being truly interested in you. We were thrilled when Jack commissioned us as Envoys and again as missionaries. He was a teacher and mentor for many over the years and we were fortune enough to have the opportunity to learn from his wisdom and vast experiences.

What a sad day it was when we heard early in 2007 that Jack had pancreatic cancer and knowing this was one of the most painful and deadly forms of cancer. To the surprise of some, Jack handled this as he would any other task - with a great amount of determination, optimism and a desire to share with others that they might learn and grow. Two different blogs were put on line and those of us who knew Jack and his wife Anita became truly a part of their family as they shared their hopes, concerns and fears. In the end when Jack was received home by his Heavenly Father, there was a sadness which was over shadowed by a great joy for the opportunity to have known Jack and to understand a little more clearly the process we all fear to some degree - death.

Jack's writings during this time were very meaningful to us and we would like to share some of those with you. Select one of the subjects on the left hand side panel. Remember, these were Jack's thoughts as he when though life's final process.