In memory...

We lost a saint today. (Saturday December 13, 2008) Yet this faithful servant of Jesus gained her reward today: meeting her Saviour face to face.

( taken at Helene's 90'th birthday party, Calvary Baptist Church, Oshawa, ON, December 8, 2008)

Helene Connaty. (Always Mrs. Connaty to me!) December 6, 1918 - December 14, 2008. "Prayer Warrior" extraordinaire.

I have been blessed to be raised in a church community where the older generation were (and still are) committed, faithful prayer warriors. I am indebted to them for their support over the years.

My first memory of Mrs. Connaty praying for us was in her kindergarten Sunday School class. We would sit cross -legged on the floor, eagerly anticipating the flannelgraph Bible story about to be told!

Over the years, I knew Mrs. Connaty and the others were faithfully praying for us young people. I didn't fully appreciate the ramifications until I was a missionary with Youth For Christ in Edmonton, Alberta - a LONG way from home!


Mrs. Connaty headed up the "Ladies Mission Circle" at the church. This little group of dedicated ladies would meet weekly to make practical gifts for all the missionaries our church supported. In addition, they would write letters to the missionaries and most importantly, would take the time to pray for us. Those letters and prayers were cherished more than they probably realized. These prayer warriors played a key role in the ongoing relationship I still continue to have with some of those high school students I worked with at Youth For Christ back in the '90's. TOGETHER we made a difference!

One thing Mrs. Connaty is known for is her quilt making. She had the "Ladies Mission Circle" make a quilt for every missionary. I was the proud recipient of one of these beautiful quilts. You can see it in the picture below. (Unfortunately, it is the only picture I have of the quilt as it is tucked away in my cedar chest!) Every stitch was crafted with love, tears, age-old wisdom, strength, sacrifice, laughter and prayer. It is a poignant reminder to me of their faithful devotion to Jesus. Shamefully, I am not as consistent in my prayers and encouragement for the younger generation at my church. A New Year's resolution? Definitely! I do hope the younger generation sees Jesus reflected in my life.

(circa, 1997, Edmonton, AB. One of my YFC students and I sitting on Mrs. Connaty and the Ladies Mission Circle's quilt)

What will happen when these prayer warriors are gone? Who will take their place?

I had the privilege of attending Mrs. Connaty's 90th birthday celebration, six days before she died. Surrounded by these prayer warriors, I decided I better capture the moment on film.

Here are some of the remarkable men and women who helped shape me into the woman I am today...

Mrs. Nanckievill, a precious gem, singing and playing her accordion at Mrs. Connaty's 90th birthday - another favourite childhood memory of mine - it was a treat! Mr. and Mrs. Nanckievill hosted many a youth event at their home. They were always so gracious!


Mrs. Connaty enjoying every moment of her celebration!

She always had to have the last word!! Here she is cutting her cake.

Mrs. Connaty's daughter Joanne. My former babysitter:)

Mrs. Lambshed, one of our Pastor's wives, befriended me. Pastor Wally Mills. Pastor Wally was one of the chaplains at our local hospital, so one summer I was his "assistant." What an incredible learning experience!

Mabel Matheson. She was our church secretary for YEARS!

Mrs. Santos, another one of my Sunday School teachers.

Mrs. Grant was one of my Pioneer Girls Club leaders.

Mrs. Bykiv was one of my Vacation Bible School teachers.

Mary Bond (left) was one of my Day Camp Directors when I was a camper and a staff member. Mrs. Hooper (right) was my Sunday School teacher and Pioneer Girl's Club leader.

Thank You

(Words and Music by Ray Boltz)

I dreamed I went to heaven

And you were there with me

We walked upon the streets of gold

Beside the crystal sea

We heard the angels singing

Then someone called your name

You turned and saw this young man

And he was smiling as he came

And he said, Friend

You may not know me now

And then he said, But wait

You used to teach my Sunday School

When I was only eight

And every week you would say a prayer

Before the class would start

And one day when you said that prayer

I asked Jesus in my heart

CHORUS:

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am a life that was changed

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave

Then another man stood before you

And said remember the time

A missionary came to your church

And his pictures made you cry

You didn't have much money

But you gave it anyway

Jesus took the gift you gave

And that's why I am here today

CHORUS

One by one they came

Far as the eye could see

Each life somehow touched

By your generosity

Little things that you had done

Sacrifices made

Unnoticed on the earth

In heaven now proclaimed

And I know up in heaven

You're not supposed to cry

But I am almost sure

There were tears in your eyes

As Jesus took your hand

And you stood before the Lord

He said, My child look around you

Great is your reward

CHORUS

I am so glad you gave

Thank You my faithful prayer warriors!