David Losey Memorial

A Legacy of Eternal Investment: Honoring David Losey

I first met David and Karyl in 2001. I was a young man who was trying to adjust to a new church family. I remember having conversations early on with Karyl and David.

In 2003 I decided to move forward with getting my commercial driver’s license. David was a great teacher - encouraging but also could be firm with me. I enjoyed the many road trips we would go on - exploring the midwest, and southern states and of course many trips to Mexico and California.

David was a host dad for many years for many Master’s Commission students. He was always willing to take the more difficult ones.

I want to begin with,

Matthew 25:21 NLT

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Today we honor our brother David Losey, whose life embodied what it means to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. As we reflect on David's 86 years, we witness the profound impact of a life surrendered completely to Christ's kingdom purposes.

I have three thoughts for you around David’s life.

First thought, David decided long ago to invest in what lasts forever: Souls

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus asks,

Matthew 16:26 NLT

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

David understood this question's weight fully. He recognized that our most valuable investment is in the eternal souls of others.

For 16 years, David brought approximately 27 young people through the Grand Canyon, often paying entirely from his own pocket. David wanted them to each experience something that would bring young people closer to their Savior. David engaged these youth in conversations about faith, challenging them with questions that deepened their understanding.

This reflects Paul's words in:

1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT

We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.

David shared not just Scripture but his very life with these young people.

Several youth were baptized during these trips to Israel and Grand Canyon—physical demonstrations of the spiritual transformation taking place because one man decided their souls were worth investing in.

When David stood before the Lord on April 27th of this year, I have no doubt he heard those precious words: "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master."

Second thought, David Lived in Light of His Heavenly Home

David lived with his eyes fixed firmly on eternity. After his beloved wife Karyl went home to be with the Lord twenty years before him, David poured himself more fully into kingdom work, volunteering for Spokane County Sheriff Chaplaincy, using their savings to bring young people to places where they could encounter God, and investing in the many small groups and youth group. For years David volunteered at both kids camp and youth camp.

In Philippians, Paul reminds us, 

Philippians 3:20 NLT

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

David embodied this truth, living as a citizen of heaven temporarily stationed on earth.

This heavenly perspective transformed how he viewed his resources. In Matthew Jesus teaches;

Matthew 6:19–21 NLT

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

David understood that every dollar spent bringing young people to experience God's creation wasn't money wasted—it was treasure transferred to heaven's account. Even at 84, when his body was failing, his focus remained on how the young men he brought with him were growing spiritually.

This challenges us to examine our own lives. Does an eternal perspective shape how we use our time, talents, and treasure?

2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Third thought, David Embraced the Power of Sacrificial Love

Finally, we see in David's life the transformative power of sacrificial love. Though he and Karyl never had biological children, they adopted and became spiritual parents to countless young people. David demonstrated love through consistent, sacrificial action.

In John Jesus says,

John 15:13 NLT

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

David laid down his life day by day—giving his time, energy, wisdom, and resources to point youth toward Christ.

This sacrificial love reflected our Savior's heart, who

2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

David could pour himself out for others because he had personally experienced Christ's love.

Final thought, Who will carry the torch?

The impact of David's life cannot be fully calculated this side of eternity. But we can follow his example. In Hebrews 13:7, we're instructed: 

Hebrews 13:7 NIV

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Like the servants in the parable of the talents, David took what God entrusted to him and multiplied it for the kingdom.

Now it's our turn. What gifts and resources has God given you? How might you, like David, invest them in eternal things?

I encourage each of you to consider one specific way you can follow David's example—perhaps mentoring a young person, supporting missionary work, or using your unique gifts to share Christ's love.

May we all live in such a way that we too will hear those beautiful words: "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master."

David cared deeply about the eternal souls of people. Today, I must ask: How is your soul? Have you made a commitment to Christ, or are you still in a place of uncertainty? Do you know David's Savior—Jesus? You may be here today facing big questions about your life. If you're ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus, I invite you to pray with me.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, thank you for David Losey's life and legacy. As we honor his memory, we recognize that his greatest passion was seeing souls reconciled to You. For those here today who don't yet know You as Savior, I pray this would be their moment of decision. If anyone is ready to commit their life to You, Lord, may they pray in their heart: "Jesus, I acknowledge my need for salvation. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. Today, I choose to follow You as my Lord and Savior."

For those who already know You, help us follow David's example of investing in eternal things. May we, like him, use our resources to point others to salvation. May we store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. And when our time comes, may we too hear those precious words: "Well done, good and faithful servant." In Jesus' name, Amen.