Mary Ann (Annie)....
“unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24)
It is hard to believe that it has been ten long years since she went to be with the Lord. Her life was simple, but lived wonderfully. Accepted the Lord in her teens, brought many of her friends and family members into Christ, many who are now ministering for the Lord and are even missionaries in far land. Went onto become a missionary herself in Bihar along with her friend Jemimah. All young ones whose lives she touched and changed still remember her for the seeds that she implanted in them.
To me personally she was more dearer than my own sister - she was my elder sister in Christ who really cared for me and was there for me always when I was discouraged, down and helpless.
I admired her knowledge and depth in The Bible, her intimate walk with the Lord and sensitiveness to God.
I came to GEMS English School and appointed in her place as an English teacher to the classes she taught, when she was transferred to another school. But never thought that we would be called at the same time to serve as pioneers in Urban Ministry in the same place, Patna.
All those who knew Annie, would remember her for her love for the Lord, passion to serve Him, sacrifices that she made and above all the attitude of giving.
Call it destiny, if you may, that she breathed her last in the same place where she received gold medal in Karate Black Belt. But it is not the end, because we have the assurance that we would see her in the Day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns -
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thess 4:14-16)
Until then we will miss you, Annie!