Celebrating A Life

Celebrating A Life

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Heb 12:1

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36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 11:36-12:3 (NIV)

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I first met Elly at a summer camp for children with developmental disabilities.

Elly was a single mother with a huge heart to help others. During my first visit, a

young counselor was crying because of the deep scratches that she received from

one of the young female campers. Elly, in a quiet and understanding manner,

explained that this child probably lived life without the normal loving contact that

would be expected in a stable family. She went on to suggest that perhaps the

camper was reaching out the only way she knew because of her experience in a

large ward where she had to struggle for everything. She suggested that the young

counselor take the camper’s arms and place them around her, and that the counselor

should hug the camper while speaking gently to her. Such wise counsel impressed

me with its understanding and sensitivity towards those experiencing inner turmoil.

A short while later, Christian Horizons received a remarkable gift from a couple.

It was a small 30 acre farm just outside a town in southern Ontario. It had a three

bedroom home and a second building that had been a tobacco kiln, but which had

been converted into a little home. It became a faith mission which served five men

in the bungalow, while Elly and her three year old daughter lived next door.

Elly single-handedly undertook the project because of her love for Jesus

and because of her love for people. It was an enormous 24 hour a day

responsibility that would exhaust anyone.

Elly was my hero — she put her faith into action. Elly had sensed a call from God

and had responded to that call. Today the government has recognized that program

and regular funding has been granted. In addition, other programs were

welcomed into the region.

Elly passed away recently. I just took out my directory and discovered that

16 programs now exist between Windsor, Sarnia and Chatham. All of these are a

direct result of a pioneer who faced impossible circumstances to see the first home

established. Thank you Lord for blessing me with the example and friendship

of Elly during my early days of ministry within Christian Horizons.

Has God blessed you with a hero, an example, through a friendship in your life?

Maybe today is a good time to get in touch with him or her to say thank you.

You might not always have the opportunity. How about you? Does your life

exhibit the reality of your relationship with your Saviour? None of us are

perfect and we will never find or provide a perfect example; however,

we can, like Elly, do our best. That is enough.

 

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Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for bringing some wonderful people into my

life. When I watch friends who are devoted to You and to Your service, I sometimes

think I am watching life, as it must have been lived in Scripture. I have friends who

have remained faithful and joyful in the midst of some pretty heavy circumstances.

My life has been enriched because of some who have joined me during various

stages of my journey. Thank You for their company and example. Amen.

- Noel Churchman

Noel was the Executive Director of Christian Horizons form 1976 to 2001. The devotionals we will be using are from a book he wrote in 2005 called “Walking with God”. Noel’s reflections are grounded in his experiences as an educator, and provider of supports for individuals with exceptional needs as well as his life as a dedicated follower of Christ.