A Death and a Birth

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.  One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.  They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.”  Psalm 145:3-5

Part way through the extended trainings that we were involved in last week, in the early hours (my time) of Wed., Nov. 29, I received news from family via email that Aunt Mildred, my mother’s sister, had peacefully slipped into Heaven on the evening (NB time) of November 18 at Sussex Health Center in New Brunswick, Canada. Although I knew she had been admitted to the hospital a few days earlier, I still was not prepared for such a quick passing. Ruth knew her well also and together we cried and prayed. I decided not to join Ruth for breakfast with the other two trainers, Pat and Ingrid, who were staying in a different room. As only God could do it, following breakfast the first person to come to my door to express sympathy was Pat, an Indian woman from South Africa—Aunt Mildred served in India for 37 years as a missionary. Later that day I was able to be in touch by cell phone with my Mother, brother and sister and together we thanked God for her life and that God took her with minimal suffering. We all dearly loved and admired our missionary Aunt; she certainly was used of the Lord to interest me in cross cultural missions. The following day, while we were again involved in the ongoing trainings at the Scripture Union Camp which borders Lake Victoria, I took an opportunity to withdraw, sit quietly on the beautiful shore of the lake, process my loss a little bit more, and write some memories to be shared during the funeral. God used Psalm 145 to minister deeply to my heart…“one generation will commend Your works to another…” God also profoundly comforted me by the fact that virtually the very hour of her funeral service in Sussex (11:00 a.m. November 22)—Death—was the time we were launching VOICE Africa—Birth.  As Aunt Mildred’s life and ministry were remembered, God answered her and others’ prayer by launching VOICE Africa. Although God has taken one of His servants home, His work continues from one generation to another.  Praise Him!