September-October 2010
ABSENT FROM THE BODY, PRESENT WITH THE LORD
Lizetta wrote her last newsletter article on September 1. She had three hospitalizations between the end of July and early August. After the last visit, she returned home with oxygen 24 hours a day. Honoring her desire to avoid going back to the hospital, we had home health care nurses for a couple of weeks. As her symptoms from congestive heart failure and severe aortic stenosis increased, we called Hospice of Kankakee Valley on Sept. 2. On September 2 and 3 she worked with Mary to get all of her birthday and anniversary cards ready for the month.
She was with the Lord within the first few minutes of September 10. Also as she requested, we buried her the next day in the camp cemetery here next to her beloved Marshall's grave. Many joined us for a memorial service on Sunday afternoon, September 12 as we celebrated her life lived fully for the Lord Jesus Christ. As we cared for her and watched her interaction with family and friends those last weeks and days, she faithfully obeyed the message of this article. What a legacy she leaves!
Lizetta Williams
11/16/15 - 9/10/10
OBEYING GOD IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS
GOD'S COMMANDS
"And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good." Deuteronomy 10:12-13
"Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes." Deuteronomy 10:20-21
"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today--to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul-- then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied." Deuteronomy 11:13-15
"You are about to cross the Jordan to enter and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you. When you have taken it over and are living there, be sure that you obey all the decrees and laws I am setting before you today." Deuteronomy 11:31-32
WHEN TRIALS CAME, THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL DID NOT OBEY GOD
Psalm 106:7b - They did not remember Your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the Red Sea.
106:13 - But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.
106:19-21 - They made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal.
106:24 - They despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His promise.
106:25 - They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the Lord.
106:34-39 - They mingled with the nations and adopted their customs and worshiped their idols.
WE CAN MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AS THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL
When trials come our way, we can be like the children of Israel and turn away from God. Or, like the Apostle Paul, we can choose to believe God and continue to obey Him. When Paul was faced with a difficult time in his life, he asked the Lord three times to take it away from him. But the Lord said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
James tells us, "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2)
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12, 13)
"So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (1 Peter 4:19)
WHEN TRIALS COME YOUR WAY, DON'T TURN AWAY FROM GOD!
BELIEVE HIS PROMISES AND KEEP ON OBEYING HIM!
Lizetta Williams
Thanks for all of the comfort and encouragement expressed to our family in cards and notes. Many have mentioned how much Lizetta’s life influenced theirs. Here is a sampling of the many greetings we have received.
Newsletter Articles
Her way of quoting scripture and explaining it in words we understood … helped me feel closer to God.
Two people that I know could write the gospel message and keep it simple and spiced with biblical footnotes were Lizetta Williams and Billy Graham.
She inspired us with her newsletter articles (we read everyone!)…
Teaching
I praise God that I was one of the campers over 50 years ago, who listened to the Bible stories that Mother Williams told. She always had the patience to deal with so many children at one time.
Mother Williams always taught God’s Word; that’s what changed my life—the pure Word of God; she didn’t turn to the left or to the right, but spoke it in spirit and in truth.
Grandma and Great Grandma and “Adopted Mom”
I have always remembered and cherished her gentle smile and firm but kind guidance as a second mother and beacon for Christ to me and other kids attending the camp.
Grandma Williams is the strongest woman I know. I once told her I enjoyed the poems she sent to the family periodically; she then started mailing me pages and pages of poems!
Great Grandma always smiled no matter how she felt; she told me to love Jesus always.
Mrs. Williams was like a mother to all of us growing up at BWC.
As you know, your parents were my “adopted parents.” I’m a life-long missionary because of their impact on me.
Having the late Rev. Williams and Mrs. Williams as my spiritual parents was indeed a blessing.
I have many fond memories of “Mom” Williams; I loved her smile and her sweet and quiet presence around and about the camp.
Example
I will always remember her great love for people, her genuine care for others, and her undying service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
We were looking for a church home; Bible Witness became our church home because of Mom’s loving spirit.
Her endurance will always be remembered.
I cannot think of anyone who had more faith than she had.
I know what love and understanding mean because of Mrs. Williams. She took a lot of time with us in our growing up years.
I have always appreciated her dedication, wisdom, graciousness, hospitality, and love for the Lord and for others.
She, like your father, made a wonderful impact on this fallen world.
Mom Williams was always an example, but I am convinced that she did not do it to be an example; she became the example.
I always looked forward to her big, comforting smile.
Her countenance was an undeniable testimony of the joy she had in the Lord.
I loved seeing her every Wednesday. I know she has made such a huge impact on so many lives, including mine. (I found my passion and calling during those Wednesdays at camp!)
Prayer Life
How encouraging and challenging her prayer life was—waking up early to pray for her family (over 100?) each by name was truly a commitment.
Continuing Witness
Family friends were talking about dying and going to heaven since Lizetta’s death. One of their children asked who went to heaven and why. In the process of the explanation and conversation, the young girl prayed for salvation! “You can tell Troy that his Grandma is still winning souls to the Lord even in her death!”
Several people indicated that they trusted Christ as their Savior at her memorial service.
BWC Fall Schedule:
Monday, October 4 - Boys AWANA Clubs begin
Wednesday, October 6 - Girls AWANA Clubs begin
Thursday, October 7 - High School TEEN CLUB begins
Please join us:
WOMEN'S FALL RETREAT
(high school girls and women)
Saturday, October 23
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Ms. Pearl Willis
of Roseland Community "Good News" Daycare
Dave and Becky McMillan; Lizetta, Mary, Mark and Karen
Williams; Joji Barredo, Philippines; Trudie Hayon,
Trinidad
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