In Memory of Markus Angerer

In Memory of Markus Angerer

Markus Angerer was converted when he was only 16 years old at which time he was apprehended of Christ and the church.

I remember when I was together with him and Christian Huemer on a boat tour in Brevik, and they were both im­mensely apprehended of their heav­enly calling. Markus would often sit inside during the heat of summer and read articles by Johan O. Smith from Skjulte Skatter. Other young people asked him if he couldn’t come outside with them into the nice sum­mer weather. “No,” he answered, “I have to lay hold of this.” “Well, can’t we carry the desk outside into the sun?” Yes, that was alright. So he sat outside in the sun and continued to study the writings of the church. This says something about his whole­heartedness! He led an intensely zealous life during the years that God gave him on earth.

He wanted to speak with me often, that is, as often as he had an opportunity. He always had his heavenly calling on his heart. The last time was in Israel about one month before he died. He asked me again if we couldn’t speak together a little bit; he wanted to do a better job of working with the young people in Hessenhöfe.

He was very gifted; he also had a special goodness and friendliness toward people that opened their hearts. As a result he was also highly regarded in his earthly work. Over one hundred of his co-workers were present at his funeral.

Paul writes, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. But indeed I also count all things as loss for the excel­lence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” Phil. 3:7-8.

This was also Markus’ testimony. The knowledge of Jesus Christ was worth so much more to him. Paul met Jesus outside Damascus in a brilliant light, and he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you per­secuting Me?” Paul answered, “Who are You, Lord?” It was this knowl­edge and learning to know Him more—He who is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep—which Markus sought so zealously. The firstfruits are of the same sort as the second fruits; Jesus was the first One of those who have fallen asleep who had overcome death. We don’t have a better indication of the fact that Jesus was a true Man. He became our forerunner, and thus He became a powerful anchor for our soul which enters the Presence behind the veil. A Man had conquered death, and on the day of Pentecost He gave us the Spirit in which He had offered Himself so that we, too, can march victoriously through life. This and much more is what apprehended Markus right from his youth. He was apprehended of this knowledge of Christ right until he finished his course and God took him home.

May this encourage all of us, and especially the very young, to seek God and use the day, Today! “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Ps. 90:12.

May God be especially with his wife, Tabea, and the three children: Leon, Ben Markus, and David with whom God has blessed them! Tabea is truly a shining light and a woman of faith!