By: Tim Price
My Granny passed away last month (my mom’s mom). She was 94 years old and passed away at home, just liked she wanted to. Until just a few weeks before her death, she did everything she wanted. She lived on her own, cooked and baked, went to church (most often more than one worship service a week) and loved her family.
I was the oldest grandchild of 30 Grandchildren and 48 Great Grandchildren. A big chunk of these cousins sang a couple of hymns during the funeral service. I was also honored to share the message during her funeral, which was attended by most everyone in the family. Here’s a video of the service here. I also thought her obituary was interesting.
Being nearly 50 years old, I was grateful to have known my granny for so long. She was a part of our lives on a regular basis – coming to many parties and events, having family reunions and visits in her hometown of Mulberry Grove, IL.
Harvest Ministry was named a recipient of her funeral memorial gifts and she’s the third person who has done that over the years. (The first two were my Grandma Agnes Hembrough and long time Troy UMC member, Darrell Burnett). In addition to Harvest Ministry as one of the memorial recipients, my Granny also wanted to name two other missions in which grandkids are currently serving.
Upon reflecting on the three ministries, I realized there was a connection. My cousin Wendy and her husband, Noah, are missionaries in New Zealand and Wendy was on the first ever Harvest Ministry Team back in 1996. The other ministry was Wycliffe, which my cousins, Rachel and Jay Gunn are a part of. Rachel met Jay one summer when she traveled on Harvest Ministry (or somewhere around there, the memories are fuzzy that far back:)!
I know lots of people give part of their estate or memorials to ministries, churches and other causes, but it’s been pretty rare for Harvest up to this point. So as part of our Harvest Ministry Blog, I wanted to honor my Granny and thank God for her and faith. She left (and is leaving) a legacy.
I’m trusting that Harvest Ministry will continue in that line of faith legacy for as long as the Lord leads us to continue.
Granny knew about Harvest from the very beginning. Several family members have been a part of Harvest Ministry, she attended several events and worship services where we served, and various teams stopped by her home on trips we’d take up I-70. She often had team photos on her fridge and she prayed for us.
She also liked to tell stories of me playing guitar and singing – even as a little kid. The famous story, I’ve heard so many times I feel like I remember it, was when Uncle Zack wanted me to sing a song about Kissybabe Scrub. I guess I replied, “I need a book.” So they gave me a hymnal and I turned it upside down, propped it up and started singing.” It must have made an impact for some reason. I just heard the story told again the other day.
All that to say, Granny has been supporting our ministry since before it was even official. Her memorial gives me inspiration to keep investing, keep serving and keep going.
Thanks to all who gave during her funeral service.
