Mary Gardner

I've just heard the terrible news that the person killed in the bomb attack in Jerusalem yesterday was one of the missionaries we've partnered with for many years, Mary Gardner, who served with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Togo. Mary was studying at the Hebrew University. Please pray for her parents, Tony and Jean, in their loss.

We had a wonderful time with Mary when she was back on furlough in 2009. I was privileged to be involved in her debrief with Wycliffe and many folk got to know her better. She was a quiet and faithful servant of the Lord. Words fail me at the moment, save for the following:

"¹ As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. ² And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. ⁴ We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance" 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

May Mary rest in peace and rise in glory.

Comments

[Steve]

Saying one for you and the peeps at St Silas :(

[s.n.]

deeply moved to read the life of this remarkable women in today's Guardian, which noted, in closing, among other things:

"She was very frugal and she is the only person I know who bought the material to make her own tent. She used to take turns cooking with her room-mate and disapproved of extravagant deserts. She had just made nettle soup for all residents of the dormitory"

i am sorry that i never got a chance to meet this very special person and humbled at her life of devotion and self sacrifice. All religions are one. God is great. My prayers are with her and her family

[Pam Richmond]

I am so, so sorry to hear this news. Mary was such a lovely person, a brilliant linguist and translator and so dedicated to the vision of providing the Bible for the Ife people of Togo to read in their own language. She lived in sometimes very isolated and difficult conditions for many years, and although appearing very gentle, was strong and courageous and determined. I was glad to read that she was so happy living and studying in Jerusalem in the last few months. She is enfolded now in the arms of God, but oh, it is much too soon.