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Jasmine, daughter of David and Sarah, was visiting us at this time. Talk about the Lord's set-ups! She helped plan all the funeral arrangements, taking care of the many details. People were flabbergasted that this young pretty lady was taking charge of much of the event and she "Wasn't even a relative." I don't think the funeral and reception could have been better.
We sent the funeral program to many people in India and all over who could not attend.
Bill and Judy did all the printing for the order of the service and were so, so helpful with all the details, printing photos of Joy to give the relatives, etc. Peter of Rose did the ceremony as the pastor. The Lord really anointed him.
About 100 people came to the simple ceremony at a very nice cemetery with Cyprus trees and a lovely Welsh chapel and a big cross at the entrance. People, from farmer Allan and his sister, to computer expert David, the head master, teachers from the Catholic school (Which 2 of our daughters attend) were there to see her off along with the relatives. Last, but not least, our precious family from all over England.
A lot of people commented on the sweetness of the service, including the under-takers who had previously performed Mary's (of Martin) funeral here. One of them shook Tabitha's hand and said he and his staff were "Privileged to be part of such a beautiful service."
We just received a letter from Helen, our sister in law, who is an airline stewardess. "I have never been to a funeral with so much love, one that said so many wonderful things about a wonderful person. It was wonderful that people wanted to speak out and talk about their feelings for Joy." So, even in her death Joy has been a witness and a huge testimony.
For the reception afterwards, the Lord raised up a nice place, a big pub with a large hall upstairs. Pierre and Cedar had the food all under control. GB them! Cedar provisioned the works including lovely cakes.
We had a time of eulogy and it was really so nice. It was a chance for people to get to know her better. Her relatives were so shocked to see how much people really love Joy. Ruth gave a testimony of how Joy had cared for her when she was a girl of only 9 and her parents were trapped in the world of drugs (opium), "I shudder to think what might have become of our family if Joy had not met us then."
Her brother and Mother also got up, and said things, as did Rose of Peter who talked about Joy as a teenager teaching her how to teach her own children. Her tears added to the love expressed for Joy who's done so much for others.
It was all powerful. In all, the whole experience was a huge witness to relatives, outsiders and all. The Lord's spirit was there, and a powerful witness was taking place.
