"IN LOVING MEMORY OF A FAITHFUL LIFE"
by Jan Hernandez
Appeared in MVNC newspaper
Lora "Montana" Hernandez arrived on the MVNC campus in August 1998
full of enthusiasm and plans. She left family and friends 2,000 miles
behind in Helena, Montana to follow a dream planted in her heart by
God: a dream to make it on her own far from home, to learn to lean
on God more fully, and become a kindergarten teacher in the process.
After much prayer, she had chosen Mount Vernon Nazarene College as the
college to help her realize these dreams.
Lora had been a leader in her youth group back home at First Assembly
of God Church. Active in missions trips each summer, a regularly-featured
soloist in weekly church services, and regular member of the
youth group's praise and worship team, Lora's high school years
were spent incubated in the environment of the church. Most of her
fellow-graduates of 1998 went off to college in groups. Lora chose
another way. She told her mother she felt God wanted to wean her from
her dependence on friends and family. She admitted she was afraid of the
inevitable homesickness, but was encouraged by the example of her sister
Crystal who moved to Tennessee four years before her.
And so she came to Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Her first "family away from home" were her fellow-members of Collegian
Chorale. Lora's vocal gifts blossomed under the leadership of
"Brother Bob." However, in her efforts to establish new friendships, she
compromised the values she held so dear a bit at a time. The pursuit of
popularity eroded her former resolve to follow the Lord she loved. Her
mother, Jan, often reminded her, "Seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and
THEN all these other things will be added to you, Lora!" She listened, but
could not yet follow. She was still trying to walk with one foot in the
world, the other in the kingdom.
The Holy Spirit began dealing with Lora in a mighty way during Jan-term.
Miserable living contrary to the Lord's wishes, she surrendered
her life to Jesus once again. This meant making some decisions that would
anger old friends. She called her mother in tears one evening, agonizing
over a decision she had to make and the probable consequences. Jan
reminded her that she had to answer to the Lord for her decisions now,
even if those decisions came at a price. With a heavy heart, Lora made
her decision according to God's will, expecting to walk alone and
friendless for the remainder of spring semester. This she dreaded, as she
always was a social butterfly. However, the conviction of the Spirit
impelled her obedience.
As she expected, Lora encountered rejection and bitterness from some
former friends. Several times she called home, seeking comfort from her
mother. Jan encouraged her that she had been praying many times a day
that the Lord would send godly Christian friends into her life, to come
alongside and encourage her.
God heard and answered those prayers.
From her emails:
February 14, 1999: "..I had an awesome night last night..I went to a Bible
study at 11pm and it was neat. I'm doing pretty good, it varies on a
day-to-day basis and all. But I'm good today..."
February 25, 1999: "I'm doing good this week...Kelly [Walter] is really
keeping me accountable and I've been hanging out w/Jenny Walsh
(NJ girl) a lot more and just doing what I need to do whether I want to or
not."
February 25, 1999: "Tonight I have Bible study, Kelly will be there. I'll
make sure to give her a big hug for you! ... Amber Rice, another girl in the
Bible study that I'm going to tonight .. sent me a little card in the mail
w/an encouraging note on it. It was something to the effect of "...just
wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and I'm proud of the
improvement you've made. I just thought it might help you to know
someone is praying for you...I'm glad we've become friends, I hope we can
become better friends..." It was so sweet. Right after I read it, in the
cafeteria, I saw her standing in line to eat and I went up and plowed her
over w/a hug! I was like, THANKS SO MUCH! She was like, oh no
problem. She's a sweet heart too."
February 27, 1999: "..i love you and i'm doing awesome. i've gotten
discouraged but every time that happens someone always walks by or
stops me and they're like, "lora, your attitude has totally changed, i'm so
happy for you. i'm praying for you" so many ppl have told me my
attitude's changed so much. i can totally feel it too, i love it!"
And the Lord brought many more into her life to encourage and befriend
her. Dorm buddies Jesse Leonard and Janeen Griesinger, RA Emily
Rhoton, Bible study friends from both Monday and Thursday nights, and
faculty members have sent cards to Jan and Tony full of memories of
Lora's contagious smile, her compassionate heart,and her
faith. Kim Stivers, Amanda Lahrmer, Cara McNutt, Ben Van Alstine, and
Ryan Hofacre all spoke at Lora's memorial service on May 23. All
were friendships the Lord forged in Lora's life following her
recommitment to Him. All spoke of her renewed passion for Jesus Christ,
and the courage she showed in the face of opposition.
On Saturday, May 22, 1999 at 4:30 am, Lora was ushered into eternity
and the arms of her beloved, Jesus. Those who knew Lora will forever
miss her fun-loving spontaneity, her brilliant smile and soul-stirring
singing, and her unconditional love for others. At her funeral in Helena,
Montana, her youth pastor commented, "If there is one thing I can say
about Lora Hernandez, it's that she was pure in heart. Today I
know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she's in the very presence
of God, rejoicing around His throne."
Could the same be said for you today?
Pray: "Heavenly Father, I have no clue how to change my life; I have no
hope that I really CAN change; but I know You can change me if I let
You. I surrender to the Lord Jesus now, not only as my Saviour, but also
Boss. Let me have a fresh start--one that leads straight into Your arms in
Heaven one day. In the name of Your Son I pray..amen."
Lora Beth
Hernandez
"Li'l Bit"
Dec. 12, 1980 ~ May 22, 1999
Our Little Angel,
Forever Cherished
Precious daughter,
sister, friend
Safely in His arms of love.
Singing His praise,
Still be our sunshine.
Lead us to your Home Above.
Lora's main homepage.
TO LISA'S ARTICLE
"We'd..be pleased if you'd accept our
Courageous Spirit award.
Your daughter obviously had one!"
Thank you, Rev. Ed & Peggy!
