That’s what we did today. It was quite hard. It was Pastor John and Avril’s farewell service and lunch at the King of Kings Baptist church where they have lived and served for 30 years. Carol took some lovely family photos which she sent to me…
Mike knew John close to 40 years ago when they were both at Bible Institute in Kalk Bay, but our friendship with them really began when we joined the Baptist Church in Fish Hoek in 1993. That was just before Radio Fish Hoek was born. They have been great friends to us.
This morning many of John and Avril’s attributes and how they have influenced the church and wider community were mentioned. I think their caring hearts have been most obvious to those with whom they have come into contact.
For me personally, I remember Avril coming round when my Dad passed away. John phoned me when he heard my Mom had passed away. They came as soon as they heard that Granny had slipped into eternity. It was about 9pm when they arrived on our doorstep that night, just to commiserate, pray with us and comfort us. Important days that were made easier to cope with by their presence.
In Christian ministry working with John and Avril has been a lesson in love and integrity. From my earliest days at CCFm, I looked to Avril as an example to follow. She just knew how to lead with love, discipline gently, serve humbly and work by example. Such a wonderful teacher.
At times I saw the Thomas family vulnerable, especially through John’s major surgery and in his long and painful recovery period. They clung to God and His right hand upheld them. It has been amazing to see John resolutely keep going, keep serving, keep travelling, keep helping.
And now, after 30 years of serving and giving to the church, to the community and to the city, they are retiring. Retiring from regular work-days perhaps but certainly not retiring from life. I am sure their family will play a larger role in their lives; travelling will take up some time and serving in other capacities may be on the agenda. I think though for now, they willbe patient with themselves in this adjustment phase – enjoy waking a little later, forget what day it is and lap up the pleasure of saying, “tomorrow I don’t need to go to work!”
There is a degree of satisfaction when you get to the end of the major part of your work life and you can look back and say that by God’s grace you have done the best you can do. To Him be the glory.
Well done John. Well done Avril. We appreciate you and love you.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
#30 of my thousand thanks is for John and Avril Thomas. 🙂
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂