I first met June at a time of crisis in her life. Her husband was dying, and she faced the weighty prospect of being a widow with five children. A friend contacted me and asked if I would go with her to encourage “a friend whose husband is dying.” As a pastor, such calls are not uncommon.
June lived in a large, rundown home in an upscale area of town. A renovation project had clearly been started but had stalled. A thin, tired woman, grief and worry etched on her tear-stained face, answered the door and invited us into the living room. There she spilled out her sad predicament urged on by gentle encouragement from our mutual friend.
I listened without interruption. No words of mine could prevent her husband from dying. What I had to offer was the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God to salvation, assuring eternal life beyond the grave for the one who believes, a marvelous resurrection to a glorious eternity with Christ. This gospel had radically changed my life, as it does all who trust in it. So, with tenderness and compassion, I shared this promise-ladened good news and the unshakeable hope and circumstance-defying peace that trusting in Christ has brought to my life. By God’s grace, June put her trust in Christ.
I learned that, later that afternoon, June went upstairs to her husband’s bed and shared the good news with him. He, too, put his trust in Christ then died.
In the months that followed, June became a close friend to my wife and me. We were delighted at how, on learning a precept of God, she would live by that precept. On learning a promise of God, she trusted that promise. Her life began to transform so remarkably and beautifully that her children noticed and asked her what was happening. She shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with them, and to my knowledge, they all responded with faith.
After my wife and I left the area, June was diligent to stay in touch. I do not know of a phone call we shared that June did not give thanks to God for the salvation in Christ she now enjoyed. Through livestreaming, she participated in the worship services of the various churches I pastored and was always generous with her encouragement.
The last few years for June were difficult. Her health issues had become more aggressive, requiring hospitalization. Phone conversations with her were disjointed as her cognitive abilities faded. Nonetheless, she ended each one with thanksgiving to God. She died at home.
We mourn her death, but rejoice that June is finally home with Christ. We know that there will be a great resurrection some day and a glorious reunion. Lord, hasten the day.
