"Live each day as if it were your last."

(posted above Abner's bed at TSC)

I remember Abner being one of the most cheerful and positive people I'd ever met. I always looked forward to him teaching a Bible class as it was never boring. He was a bouncy, bubbly person with an instant smile and when he told you he loved you, you knew he meant it.

One of his routines was to share with all of us how to take a "bath" in a cup of water. Anything and everything to make our lives easier, if Abner knew a way, he would always share it with us.

He wasn't one for quitting easily. Once at TSC, he was burning up with fever. As he sat in the dining hall, several of the brethren gathered around and prayed for him. When the prayer was done, though he still looked very weak, Abner got up and continued what he was doing. Never once complaining or making a big show of his faith.

A few years later, after his graduation, I was going through a terrible trial. My husband had suddenly become very sick and no-one knew what the problem was. We all had desperate prayer, but there wasn't an immediate change. Afterwards, when everyone had left, I felt so alone and so worried. I couldn't get my anxiety under control and a terrible fear was creeping into my heart. As I prayed I happened to look up. There on the wall was a photograph of Abner giving the familiar 3 finger salute of the Family. Suddenly, it wasn't just a photograph, but Abner was there smiling out of that picture and I could hear him say, "Don't worry, Gabriella, everything is going to be alright." Instantly, my fear and worry vanished and my mate was healed.

Abner's graduation:

There had been a long draught at the ranch and Abner and another brother had gone out on motorcycles to find water. His motorcycle slid from underneath him and Abner's head hit a rock. A few hours later, he was with his Lord.

David had a beautiful vision of Abner after his home-going which you can read about in "He Stands in the Gap".

Abner was only 22 when he went to be with the Lord, but he had been one of the most trusted of all of the Lord's laborers.