Servanthood

[demonhunterfan]

Ever since I posted up 'The Joy of time in Prayer', talking about my friend Karen who is with Jesus now, I've been pestered to share a little more about her.

As I said in 'The Joy of time in Prayer', I came to see Karen as the consumate servant. She had had a short miserable marriage and so she was very able to minister to me as I went thru my first, and second, divorce. More importantly than her being 'able' was the fact that she was 'willing' to do so. Those are the effective servants, those who are willing.

As is my nature, I fell in love with Karen, and she helped me to love as Christ loves. We did spend a lot of time together, at work, and even saw each other socially a bit. The last 17 years of her life on earth, she had a companion named Dennis. They went on vacations together, etc. I was very jealous of Dennis, and when she told me that he was (is?) agnostic, I couldn't understand, at first, why she would stay with him. Especially when she told me about the times that he would make fun of her faith. She said she told him one time "I'd like to just slap you for saying things like that about my Jesus". I started to get a little bolder, simply telling her that I was jealous of Dennis, and even did some praying that GOD would seperate them so I could be with her instead.

One day in the midst of this, while at church where I ran the sound, I saw on a table at the entrance, a small book written by the pastor of the church about 'How to deal with agnostics'. This new heart that GOD created in me moved me to take the book and give it to Karen for Dennis's sake. Started dawning on me why she stayed 'with' him-- serving GOD as best she could.

I was honored to be one of Karen's pallbearers. I had simply expressed my desire to do so to her daughter Amy, and had to leave it in HIS hands, and 'it' just happened. Karen had prearranged her funeral, and it was soooooooo Karen, with white doves being released and flying (sorry....... ) over the hillsides of the cemetary. Dave, a fellow coworker, and I just stood there and cried our eyes out.
Saddest part of that was that Dennis was not there. I know the impact Karen had on my life--- I simply pray that Dennis will let all she shared with him, JESUS, impact his life as well.

Later and God bless

[Fletch]

John, you are continuing to serve Karen with this post. By your bringing the story of Dennis and Karen before a group of believers you are continuing the work that she started. God has been working on Dennis' heart since the day he was born. He will continue to work toward reaching Dennis until he takes his final breath. Even on his death bed Dennis can accept God's plan of Salvation and receive eternal life.

Every one of us will someday cross paths with a non-believer who we can't seem to reach. But, God can and will use those seeds that we've planted to change their heart. I am fond of the second part of Acts 1:8. Jesus tells the disciples that they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. The same thing applies to us today. The difference is our Jerusalem may be the work place, over the back fence, at the grocery store, perhaps your Local Hobby Shop.

Karen's Jerusalem was in the work place and in her own home. Sometimes Jerusalem is that close.

After all if you can't witness to your Jerusalem it's doubtful you can witness to Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the world.

You honor Karen's memory and you are continuing her work, I have no doubt she is smiling down upon you today for the simple act of this post.



Go forth and preach the Gospel, if necessary use words! St Francis of Assisi

[demonhunterfan]

Thanks Dave..........appreciate it. I have sensed her smiling down on me at times. She has a beautiful smile.

Thanks too, for the encouraging words about Dennis. Hopefuellie we shall see him there.

Later and God bless.