The youth minister at St Paul’s Wahroonga Stuart Starr a friend had one question in his speech which is a question of God’s will in the face of a tragedy where: “It amazes me that James, who left wondering what God’s will for him was, died under headlines that identified him as an Australian missionary.”
The consistent theme of the service was God’s ability to draw blessing out of the most awful events which was attended by 250 people yesterday.
The Reverend David Reay who is a rector of St Mark’s Granville where Jame’s parents worship stated: “God does not call bad, good, but He is capable of weaving good out of the bad. Death has certainly won a short-term victory over Jamie, and wounded those who love him, but it is only a short-term victory. Christians are ready to wait patiently for the day the dead will rise and every tear will be wiped away.” The statement was made in front of James family, friends, SES comrades and Customs Authority work mates.
Speakers after speakers confirmed that this was the hope that shaped James Coulter life.
Daniel Cooper a friend of 20 years says: “He loved to help others, and he went to Africa to help people. I believe he achieved that goal.”
Mike Woodall from African Enterprise reported: “In Nairobi, there are lives that have changed forever thanks to James and the mission he participated in.”
The attention of the congregation was slowly turned from the tragedy of James death to the contribution of his colourful life.
“When we played touch footy, he’d turn up in gum boots,” said Steve Pim, describing a friend characterised by eclectic clothes and unruly hair.
Older sister, Jenny Coulter, shared stories of backyard adventures and sibling shenanigans that brought waves of cathartic laughter. “Not many sisters can say that their little brothers bought them their first bra,” she shared, smiling.
She went on stating: “James lived in a chaotic state of mess. I believe this was because he always had his mind on greater things. He pushed himself beyond his comfort zone because he truly believed Jesus was guiding him.”
There were no simplistic answers as to why this spiritual guidance might lead to the 26-year-old’s death but the Reverend Reay says: “The older I get, the less it seems I understand, but the more I know I can trust God, not because good things always happen, but because we have the evidence in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that God is for us.”