There is a cloud of witnesses, spoken of in the Bible.  "we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses."  Hebrews 11  What is this Cloud of Witnesses?  It seems that the great cloud of witnesses is a group not unlike ourselves.  The great cloud of witnesses are on the other side of the river, but not far away.  Incidentally, there are more references in the Bible to clouds of this sort than to the atmospheric variety of clouds.  Behold, He cometh with clouds, could well refer to the great cloud of witnesses.  

We received the following letter concerning this cloud of witnesses:  

Over the months many friends and loved ones have crossed the river.  They are not far away, this mighty cloud of witnesses, and they are cheering us on.  At the recent Duncan, Arizona meetings I was given the following song "received" by a sister in this Kingdom way.  It will bless and encourage you, especially if you are among those who in recent months have had to say good-by to a loved one or a brother or sister in the Church....  
 
CLOUD OF WITNESSES  
====================  
 
So great a cloud of witnesses,  
We're surrounded by their presence.  
They lived their lives, upon this earth  
For a purpose, but their time was served.  
But they're here with us now,  
And they're cheering us on,  
For without us they're not made perfect.  
Heaven and earth they are kissing each other,  
And the time is at hand we'll be united together.  
So let's all move ahead  
And let's press toward the calling,  
Until both sides become as one.  
 
- "Received" by Sis. Linda Musgrove  
Cunningham, Texas (USA)  
 
"And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise; God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.  Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a CLOUD OF WITNESSES, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."  Hebrews 11:39-40, 12:1.  
 
- Br. Terry Miller  
a servant of the Church,  
which is His Body.