Tribute to my Grandma - Tina Loewen, (Mrs. Cornie B. Loewen)

          My Grandma. Gardener, Storyteller, Prayer Warrior and Missionary

     (This tribute was written for our family service held the morning of the funeral.) 

"You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith." 

2 Timothy 4:7

Farewell Grandma. You have impacted me in so many ways. Gardening consultant, storyteller, prayer warrior, missions advisor. You taught me how to begin sowing indoors in order to raise abundant crops of tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers necessary for salsa and pickling. Your tomatoes were always the first to ripen and the most productive of anyone I knew.

I never left your house without receiving gardening, medical and spiritual advice. I am still utterly amazed at your wide range of knowledge, your boldness in sharing the gospel and your faithful prayer life.

I was intrigued by your stories of adventure and miracles from your years of missionary work in Mexico. Who will forget your tales of those that came to the clinic with knife and gunshot wounds, miraculous births and your waiting for grandpa to return after fording the river to save someone's life? Grandma, you knew the hardship of missionary life and you warned me of the challenges I would one day face. You were my inspiration. You taught me the power of a story and the power of prayer. You taught me the beautiful balance of feeding the body and the soul; physically helping those in need but teaching that true healing comes through salvation.

Grandma, you never chose the painful parts in your life – losing your husband, your soul-mate, 21 years ago, 2 hip surgeries, minor stroke, and various aches and pains. Yet you chose to persevere and believed that God still had a purpose for your life. Prayer. Each and every one of your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been prayed for 1000s of times by name. Grandma, you passed on a legacy of faith.

When I read the Bible, I cannot help but see your life and your character reflected in these lives.

Eve – She was placed with Adam, her soul-mate, in the garden of Eden to care for it. Grandma, you remind me of Eve. You cared for your garden, making it a place of wonder and beauty. I have so many memories of walking with you through your garden and giving me gardening advice.

Sarah – She was the wife of Abraham who was called to leave her home country and go to a new land that God would show to her. She was the mother of nations. The matriarch of Israel. Grandma, you remind me of Sarah. You faithfully followed grandpa to Mexico and served in the land God brought you to. You set an example of faithfulness and perseverance. You have been the matriarch of our Loewen clan.

The Midwives of the Israelites in Egypt. They saved babies lives by putting their trust in God. Grandma, you remind me of the midwives because you poured your life into helping the Mexican women deliver their babies. I remember many stories that you told of babies born safely not by your skill but by the power of God.

Deborah – She was a judge and prophet of Israel, counselor and warrior. She was a strong independent married woman. Grandma, you remind me of Deborah for obvious reasons. Your strength and wisdom seem unmatched and you have given each of us countless counsel for our lives.

Proverbs 31 woman -

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. she provides food for her family
16 She considers a field and buys it; 

17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 

20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

You are a proverbs 31 woman, grandma.

Anna, a widow for most of her life, who spent her days praying and fasting. Grandma. you remind me of Anna. You were a widow for 21 years and your calling in life – especially these last years - was prayer. Grandma, you have prayed without ceasing for your family, for our safety and our salvation. For 20 years you have covered me in prayer in Ethiopia.

You are both a Martha who has hosted and worked without rest and a Mary, who has sat at the feet of Jesus – listening to His words and calling Him Lord.

Paul. Grandma, you remind me of Paul. He was passionate for the gospel. Highly controversial and spoke out against false teachers. He had strong opinions that often got him into a lot of trouble. Grandma, you were never afraid to state your opinions but you always reprimanded in love.

Grandma, you understood me. You were my inspiration, my personal prayer warrior and enthusiastic supporter. I sat at your feet so many times listening to your stories, hearing your laughter and seeing that twinkle in your eye. Who will pray for me like you grandma? I still have so many questions to ask, so many stories to hear, so much advice to receive.

I cannot imagine life without you but I see you running, climbing trees, picking the fruit from a dozen trees, tending a garden, walking the streets of gold, admiring birds, grasping grandpa's hand, telling stories, sitting at the feet of Jesus, eyes sparkling, praising God. How can I wish you back even for a moment? Grandma I love you. Thank you for fanning the flame in each of us and leaving us with a legacy so few on earth can boast of.