Malc's mum Jean
Both Malc's parents and mine lived in the same area of Romford, so our time used to be shared between them when we visited them.
In those days Malc and I were responsible for producing our church magazine, which we used to distribute to the local community around the church. The magazine was full of great testimonies and lots of other Christian articles, as well as useful and helpful resources, including games for the children and some quick and easy recipes.
Malc and I were baptized in 1985 by full immersion (as described in the Bible), the same year in which we both became Christians. Malc's mum and my mum were both keen to come to our baptismal service. My mum was a lovely Christian lady and was planning to be baptized at her church. And after hearing our testimonies, Malc's mum wanted to know more of what we believed. She loved reading the magazines and always requested a copy as each edition was published.
Sadly in 1993 she became very ill and was admitted to the London Hospital (the same hospital where, in the 19th century, John Merrick who was cruelly known as the elephant man, lived for a time.)
It was discovered, that the cancer she was suffering from was at a stage where it was untreatable. Years of working in an asbestos factory had certainly taken their toll on her lungs and her liver was also damaged.
The doctors caring for her advised the family that she would probably not last long and she was transferred nearer to home in to Oldchurch Hospital in Romford. Of course, it was also now much easier for the family to visit her.
We had been visiting her regularly but one afternoon, one of Malc's sisters rang him and told him that their Mum had asked to see him. So we left our three children with a friend and rushed over to the hospital. Almost as soon as we opened the door and walked into the room Malc's mum said to Malc "I want to accept Jesus into my heart and life."
Malc took his mum's hand and explained the Gospel message clearly to her and made sure she understood. She did and had realised that she was a sinner that needed forgiveness. Malc prayed with her and encouraged her to repeat the words of that prayer of repentance and to invite the Lord into her heart and her life.
Later, as we left the room we left with some rejoicing, knowing that if she died she would certainly be with the Lord. The very next morning we received the sad news that she had indeed passed away during the night. Sad, because we would see her no more in this life, but glad that we knew she was now with her Saviour, Jesus.
The Bible makes it clear in (2 Peter 3:9) that the Lord is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
And we can trust in the Lord whose Word says:
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Do you have that assurance for when your time comes to face death? You can have!