Yesterday Joshua went home to meet his Heavenly father and to embrace again his earthly father. We miss him with all of our hearts and every ounce of our beings. We cling to the promise that we will see him again. His body is healed and for that we rejoice.
When we finalize plans for his memorial service and celebration of his life we will post more information. Thank you all – Rebekah
I had the honor of being Joshua’s teacher at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids for a short period of time. I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing.
Even as a young man in high school, Josh had a curious intellect that, as his teacher, was both daunting and inspiring. I watched, from afar, as he followed his own path of discovery, getting periodic dispatches of his progress when we would bump into one another (almost always in the produce section of the New Pioneer Co-op in Iowa City). I was so proud to see him take not only a road less traveled, but to cut a new path out of the wilderness for others to follow.
He will be missed.
There is only pain and tears on this end, we Love all of You
I was a classmate of Josh’s in the summer of 2008 for The Iowa Writers Workshop. I am so sad to learn of his passing. He definitely stood out as a writer and as a classmate, sharing his thoughtful insights freely and passionately.
Joshua introduced me to the work of James David Duncan, in his comments on one of my stories, so I would like to quote him here in Josh’s honor:
“and God took his line in hand and drew him into Himself. That was fine with Hu. That is what a friend is for.”
– David James Duncan, The River Why
With deepest sympathy, Rose Eggert, classmate
My deepest sympathies to you. I first met Joshua at the Cedar Valley social justice retreat in 2009. I picked up his lenten reflection “The City of God.” I was very inspired by his talk and his writing. Even though it was a dated lenten reflection I have kept the booklet and have used it for further reflection. I also heard him speak this past spring in Cedar Rapids. I am deeply saddened by the passing of this great mind and person.
Deeply saddened to hear the news of Joshua’s passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I was deeply saddened to hear this news about Joshua. Although I never knew him personally, I came across his story this year through an academic research project I have been conducting at the London School of Economics on Conscientious Objection and Global Citizenship. Despite surveying many COs, Joshua really stood out- his deep faith, firm principles, integrity and moral courage were both humbling and inspiring. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Joshua’s friends and family.
I’m so very very sorry. The world needs people like Joshua and it’s a sadder place without him.
Joshua, thank you for being a part of our lives.
So sorry to hear the news. I have been greatly encouraged and inspired by Joshua’s life and his journey of faith. Wishing you grace for each day as you grieve, remember and celebrate.
I met Joshua when he was a student in my Greek class. He was a gifted language student, as we all know. He sent me regular updates (as he did for many of his friends and family) from Iraq, and we met again when he returned to the university to join the Writers’ Workshop. I was moved by his compassion and humanity, and I can’t believe that he is gone from this world. He touched the lives of many and will be missed. He will always remain in my heart and mind.
The words of B.B. Warfield powerfully reminded me of the essence of Joshua’s life:
“Self-sacrifice brought Christ into the world. And self-sacrifice will lead us, His followers, not away from but into the midst of men. Wherever men suffer, there will we be to comfort. Wherever men strive, there will we be to help. Wherever men fail, there will we be to uplift. Wherever men succeed, there we will be to to rejoice. Self-sacrifice means not indifference to out times and our fellows: it means ABSORPTION in them. It means forgetfulness of self in others. It means entering into every man’s hopes and fears, longings and despairs: it means many-sidedness of spirit, multiform activity, multiplicity of sympathies. It means richness of development. It means not that we should live one life, but a thousand lives–binding ourselves to a thousand souls by the filaments of so loving a sympathy that their lives become ours. It means that all the experiences of men shall smite our souls and shall beat and batter these stubborn hearts of ours into fitness for their heavenly home. It is, then, the path to the highest possible development, by which alone we can be made truly men.”
Joshua lived a thousand lives, with a beautiful, beaten and battered heart he was bound to a thousand hearts and was truly a man after God’s own.