Farewell
Juliana. She was my oldest sister; we were far apart in age. So she was like a mother to me. I lived in her house to attend the Adventist school, and our parents lived far from where we lived. She took care of me for most of my high school years, paid my school fees, bought my clothes, gave me pocket money, advised me if I did something wrong, and she loved me as much as a mother loves her kids. Hence, I consider her a mother and love her as much as I love my mother.
She was diagnosed with an 'incurable illness,' and we knew she would not be around for much longer. One family event I will never forget was her 80th birthday. We threw her a big birthday party attended by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. We all gathered to celebrate her birthday. We sang happy birthday and gave her a cake to cut. We did our best to make it a happy occasion for her—thinking it could be her last birthday with us.
My sister went through 'all' possible treatments for healing, but it seemed not to work for her. Unfortunately, her health was declining very quickly. She knew that her time was nearing, so in our telephone conversation, she said, "If God doesn't heal me, it is okay. I am ready to 'go' anytime." When her strength dwindled, we had a phone call, and it was the last time I heard her voice saying, "I am tired . . . I want to 'sleep'. . . until then, I'll see you again." While we were still on a flight headed for her place, my wife received a text message informing us of her passing. Sadly, she left us just three hours before we made it to see her alive. I was overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, but her FAREWELL: "Until then, I'll see you again," was truly reassuring.
Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He met with His disciples in Galilee and spoke His last words recorded in Matthew 28:20, ". . . And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (NIV). And John 14:1-4 is Jesus' FAREWELL to His disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." This FAREWELL was indeed reassuring for the disciples and His followers.
Now the time has come for me to bid you FAREWELL. For the last seven years, it has been a privilege for me to serve God and the world church through the GC Stewardship Ministries Department. I have experienced wonderful ministries during this time and wish to continue serving the Lord in this department. But Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:" I understand very well what this Bible text means; therefore, I have to refrain from wishing to continue in ministry in my retirement age.
As I retire from office work very soon, I have mixed emotions about my colleagues: Pastor Marcos Bomfim, Pastor Aniel Barbe, Johnetta Flomo, and Alan Hecht, and all my counterparts, the Division Stewardship Directors. I'm glad they have made me feel welcomed and valued, but I'm sad to say FAREWELL to them. FAREWELL, but not goodbye. It has been a pleasure to work by their side. I value their friendship and all the support they have given me over the years. Words may not express my true feelings of gratitude. All I can say is, "Thank you." Every journey must end, but memories and legacy live forever.
Ellen White's quotation helps summarize my FAREWELL, "I have the assurance that my work is not to close yet. My mind is clear, and I am able in words to make truth forcible because the Lord is my helper. These discourses are taken down in shorthand. Let us be of good courage in the Lord, lift up Jesus at all times, and grasp His might by faith; for He is our strength and our efficiency. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, praise His holy name."—EGW, Experiences in Australia, p. 47.
I am 'the old soldier' right now but as General Douglas MacArthur said, "The old soldiers never die; they simply fade away." So long, my friends!
Hiskia Missah
Editor
