Joan’s story – 9 July 2008
“I was in my early twenties about the time the Second World War was declared, and very frivolous and rebellious. I was quite flirtatious and thoroughly enjoyed life!” Joan became a Christian when her father asked if she would like to go to a mission meeting led by Rev. Alan Redpath.
“He was preaching about the Lamb’s book of Life, Revelation 22, and being cast into darkness if your name wasn’t there. I was really frightened, so I went forward. It sounds an awful thing to be frightened into the Kingdom! But I became a Christian that very night, and I felt it too.” After that her father suggested she join a Bible Study group, led by the vicar, David. “He was the only man, being wartime. I met him in the July and we were married in December, and very happily married too. After we’d been married some while he told me he wanted to be a missionary, which I thought was a bit mean. But the Lord had brought us together.”
Joan and David spent four years in Kenya, five in Tanzania and forty in Zimbabwe. She didn’t have a calling to be a missionary, so was supporting her husband’s work. “I did quite a bit of work as a missionary’s wife, and went into a women’s prison. I’d learnt Swahili, and had the Parables in picture form.”
Joan’s daughter was born in Nairobi, and then she had a son, but he died aged seven months. “That was very sad – it hit me pretty badly, and I became very nervy. I’ve had my share of grief and joy. We always believed that whatever happened to us was allowed by the Lord. I often wonder how people manage who don’t know the Lord.”
I asked if Joan had seen many people come to the Lord, especially being married to a missionary. “Yes, indeed. Africans are very easily moved; often they would all come out at a meeting. So, there was some sorting out of the genuine commitments, followed by a lot of teaching.” Joan was encouraged by seeing people mature into disciples. “One time we drove north to Rwanda, and there they had a Revival going on. That was exciting. Everyone was praising the Lord, so full of joy, people couldn’t help getting converted. “
“I often did half the driving, and now I’m too scared. As you get older you get more timid. Once I was so afraid, I said “Lord, you will never leave me, will you?” and He said “As if I ever would.” Five words – it’s been a great comfort to me.”
David died in 1995, and Joan settled in Rugby three years ago. “I feel so blessed by the Lord since coming to Rugby. I’ve had a wonderful welcome in St Matthew’s, and I felt the Lord was very close to me. I’m five minutes from Church and town, and have made so many friends since arriving here.”
“When you get to my age though, you often think about whether you’ll be here next year. I’m eighty-five now. I don’t like the thought of the physical act of dying, but I’m not at all afraid of dying, of being around afterwards.”
Thank you Lord that we have nothing ultimately to fear, because you have won the victory over sin and death. Amen | 