This weekend, the Magic Valley Bible Church family remembers the homegoing of Taylor Summers one year ago. On July 22, 2021, Taylor and a few friends were swimming in the Snake River when she was pulled underwater by a current and did not resurface. Four days later, her body was recovered by the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue team.

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Taylor came to MVBC in 2021 when she was taken in by the Morton family. She was known for her bright and energetic personality as well as her care for those around her, and she always enjoyed spending time with friends and family. When she first arrived at MVBC, she realized that there was something different about the people here, namely that they loved Christ and glorified God. Little did she know, the Lord was working to soften her heart toward Him.

 

Just one week prior to her death, Taylor had attended Youth Camp, where she gave her life to the Lord. The theme of the camp was “today is the day of salvation,” taken from 2 Corinthians 6:2, and the focus was on the fact that we are not guaranteed another day, so we must repent of our sins and turn to Christ, who is faithful to forgive us of our sins (Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9).

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Having come to saving faith in Christ, Taylor’s life was transformed from spiritual darkness to spiritual life (Romans 12:1–2; 1 Peter 2:9), and she was no longer a slave to sin, but she was set free to become a slave of righteousness (Romans 6:18, 20). She became a child of God, and as such, she is now glorified with Christ in heaven (Romans 8:17). In this we can rejoice, knowing that her faith has become sight and that she is in the presence of God.

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While there may be sorrow that comes with loss, our hope and joy is ultimately in Christ who gives everlasting life (John 3:16). Without Christ, there would be no hope for Taylor, or for us. Therefore, we place our trust in Christ alone, knowing that our faith is not of our own doing, but it is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8–9).

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A huge "thank you" goes out the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue team for their efforts in finding Taylor, as well as to the families who provided meals, prayers, and comforting words during that difficult weekend and throughout this past year. All glory be to God.

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You can read Taylor's obituary below, as well as watch a short celebration of life slideshow.