Patricia and I have just returned from Memphis where we participated in the “Service of Thanksgiving” for the life of Heather Olford. Saturday morning, December 21, she joined the love of her life, Stephen Olford, who preceded her to heaven nine years ago, and with whom she shared 56 years of marriage and ministry on this earth.

Hundreds, from as far away as Japan, were there to pay honor to this very special lady whose friendship and godly influence touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands. We will miss her greatly. She’s gone, well, not really. She has but joined that cloud of witnesses that one day we’ll all be part of. The separation from this precious friend is but temporary because, as Henri Malan, the Swiss hymn writer reminds us:

It is not death to die,
To leave this weary road,
And midst the brotherhood on high
To be at home with God.

It is not death to close
The eye long dimmed by tears,
And wake in glorious repose
To spend eternal years.

It is not death to fling
Aside this sinful dust,
And rise toward heav’n on eagle’s wings
To live among the just.

Jesus, Thou Prince of Life!
Thy chosen cannot die;
Like Thee, they conquer in the strife,
To reign with Thee on high.

Hallelujah!