In the summer of 1953 our family of four left Germany to find a new home in Winnipeg. It was during an evangelistic meeting at the age of 11, that I realized my need of a Saviour. Shortly thereafter, I was baptized at McDermot Ave. Baptist Church. Even though I grew up in a Christian home I thought I needed to earn God’s love by obeying the rules and trying to please others.
It was in our youth group that I met Gerhard and we were married on Oct. 29, 1960. In May, 1968 we moved to Kelowna with our two young daughters and our third daughter was born here. We considered ourselves blessed having found a new church home, being able to work and raise our girls.
However, on Aug. 15, 1980, our life changed drastically when my husband suffered a major heart attack. We were not prepared for a shock like this. We wondered what to do and how do we carry on? Trips to Vancouver for tests, medical procedures and surgeries followed. These were very stressful years but through them we learned to lean more on God. On Aug. 6, 2010, my husband was called to his heavenly home.
The GriefShare program offered here at KGF last fall was a special gift. Being able to share our loss with one another and receiving counsel from those who have walked this road, was very comforting. It was during these months that I felt the Lord inviting me to come and worship here with you.
As I look back on my spiritual journey, I can testify that God has been faithful all along the way. Especially through the difficulties He has shown himself trustworthy. I am so grateful that now I know without a doubt that Jesus loves me!
The following verse has become very meaningful to me:
“The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’”
Lamentations 2:22,23 NLT
