Many years ago I joined myself to the
Church of God of Prophecy, at the corner of Grant and Simmons St. in
Durham North Carolina. While there a sister in the church fell sick.
I was having a visiting service in her home one night with some of
the young people. I was Youth Life Team Director at the time. After
the service she said to me, “Sis Stewart (I was single then), would
you be my nurse?” I said nurse? I was startled because I was
somewhat new to the church and really didn't know her well at all.
She commenced to tell me how she needed me to stay with her certain
hours while her husband went to work, and until one of the children
would come and relieve me. I didn't feel to say no but couldn't see
how I could be much help. But I was wrong. Taking care of her those
months was one of the best things I've ever done in ministry, not
even realizing that was what I was doing. It was sometimes taxing,
however; working a full time job at night, coming home, catching a
little sleep, getting across town before 2:30 so her husband could be
at Duke for his 3:00 shift.
But God was with me, and I enjoyed
fixing her something to eat and tidying up and taken calls etc. It
was good for the both of us! I learned to be a nurse...
She passed away while I was in
Cleveland Tennessee, attending BTI (Bible Training Institute) with
our church. The Lord arranged for me to go back home for the
funeral..we buried her on Mother's Day 1983 or 84.
Some weeks after I had gotten back from
Tennessee and back to normal life again..something happened that
helped me to understand some things. Reading my bible one day..this
scripture. jumped off the page...I KNEW God was talking to me!...it
reads..
“For God is not unrighteous to
forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his
name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
Heb.6:10.
Studying the bible
tonight, I ran across this word again, and the memories, precious
memories flooded my soul. I thank God for that special opportunity
and the many others He has afforded me through the years...to
minister..to the saints and to evangelize...and to teach His
Word..which is my greatest joy!.I rejoice to know that God...will
never forget...our “labor of love”...
Rest Well Sister
Virginia Taylor
