Hanson's Happenings!: Hasta Luego!

Last month we said goodbye to our good friends George and Evie. They moved to the east coast to live with their daughter. George was the pastor of our church back in the 70's. They were one of the few people at the church when we got here and have been a constant encouragement to Gunnar and I.

I don't know that I can properly verbalize the impact that this godly couple has made on our lives, but I will try.

One of the things that has made a profound impact on both Gunnar and I is their perseverance in the ministry. George lead the singing at the church when we got here. In his 80's and with asthma, it wasn't always easy for him, but he was so faithful. He had a Bible study in his home every Sunday night. Even the last day they were here, he took Gunnar over to meet neighbor who needs to know to the Lord. He officially "retired" in the early 90's, but he has kept on serving the Lord to this day. I honestly believe that this perseverance is in large part why Valley Baptist is still here.

A story Gunnar often tells about Evie is from when we first moved here. During one of the meetings talking about the new plans for the church Gunnar was saying how he wanted to take things slowly as to make it an easier adjustment. Evie looked at him earnestly from across the table and told him not to take his time. He needed to hurry. They were dying and wanted to see what the Lord was going to do. This made a huge impact on Gunnar. Her plea was not taken lightly by Gunnar, but more importantly, I think God blessed their faithfulness and their heart of service. Praise God that on their last Sunday at Valley Baptist there were 90some people there, the church has grown and reached new people and people have come to know the Lord.

One thing I have loved about George and Evie is how sweet they have always been to Grace. "Evie" was one of the first words Grace learned. At the Sunday evening Bible study, Evie would insist we sang "The Lords Army" for Grace. It was always funny to see all the adults singing and doing the hand motions together. The last day at their house, we all sang it together with their daughters in the empty livingroom with scattered boxes. I teared up and had a hard time singing. Grace, trying to be such a mature 4 year old, just looked at us like we were crazy.

Through the years, George has supported and encouraged and prayed for Gunnar as the up and coming young pastor. I have no doubt that Gunnar wouldn't have been able to accomplish all that he has done without George. George needed Gunnar's youth and strength to carry on the ministry. Gunnar needed Georges wisdom and support and experience. And so they developed a special bond. This is such a rare thing between retired pastors and young pastors. Rare, but so incredibly special.

I can remember so many stories Evie told me of her younger days. Stories of God's provision, stories of church functions and of her and George's courtship. She has a great sense of humor and always made me laugh. Her eye sight was failing and I know she had other health problems, but she never complained and always has such a good adtitude.

Lastly, one of the things that made an impact on us was that George and Evie had been married for 61 years. They have been faithful not only to the Lord, but to each other. In today's day and age, that isn't something that we should take lightly. Gunnar and I hope to follow in their Godly legacy, although Gunnar got married a little later in life, we might have trouble making it to 61. :)

Here are a couple pictures that I love from their going away of Grace and Evie playing the piano.