I have only known Kathryn for less than a year and even in that short time, I have come to realise how special she is. I was learning to live in Malaysia again after spending 16 years in Africa - she took me shopping and even got me a good deal on a blender - she bought it for me! Whenever I preached, she would send me a text and told me what a good job I did. She was a great encourager.
Tonight as we gather here, the presence of so many friends, family and relatives is a testimony of kust how special Kathryn is.
I Cor 13:7 personifies Kathryn for me - Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, endures through every circumstance.
In the heat of the battle, Kathryn fought, bravely. She never for a moment lost her faith, is always hopeful and endured through every circumstance,
She was a brave soldier. The last time I saw her, my husband was ministering to her. As he sat beside her and worshipped the Lord, she quietly lifted her hands and worshipped with him. The song he sang was ;
Ascribe greatness to our God the Rock
His works are perfect and all His ways are just
A God of faithfulness and without injustice
Good and upright is He.
Even when the battle rages on, and the going is tough, when circumstances around her defies her understanding - she chose to worship the God she knows with all her strength. What an example she is to us today. Kathryn's message to us today, her fellow soldiers -
When the battle rages, fight with dignity, grace, courage, humility with a quiet confidence in a faithful God.
As much as we grieve our loss of her tonight, she is now with the Savior whom she loves and worshipped. Tonight, away from us in bod, but found in God's presence, I can imagine Kathryn singing and worshipping with the same song, no longer weak, breathless and frail, but with the loudest possible voice at the top of her lungs!
Kathryn also brought us the best in us - she brought out the best in Mark. In the days where marriages are challenged, Mark showed us what a committed marriage looked like. Mark is so faithful, committed and loving to Kathryn. She brought it out of Mark. She brought the best out of us as a church - as we learn to serve unconditionally, selflessly and sacrificially.
Finally,I will not do Kathryn or you justice, if I do not give you an opportunity to know this Jesus whom she loves so much. She would want me to tell you that He is real and you need to know him.
(Pastor Christine Phang is the wife of Pastor Tony Phang, the Senior Pastor of the church at Glad Tidings Assembly Klang, where Mark and Kathryn attend)
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