Monday 22 February 2010

Leaving the Tent behind

On Monday 22 February at 6h30 Elmien left her tent behind and went on to be in the presence of the Lord with Jesus.

During her final hours I was sharing with her with encouragement: "The Lord is waiting for you, you will soon be with him and with your Mom and Dad; be able to speak to Abraham and Moses, and sit with Paul". She whispered: "I love you", and then after a while uttered her final words: "I am coming, I am coming...."

Shortly thereafter she breathed her last earthly breath and quietly moved on to be with the Lord. God's peace is tangible in our home and we praise Him for His goodness and mercy.

Elbrie shared this scripture with her last night: Isaiah 57:1-2 "Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths with rest in peace when they die."

As a family we have experienced such support from the cloud of witnesses that surround us. We thank everyone of you for every contribution you have made to Elmien's life.

This will be the last entry on this "Miracle Journey". Thank you for walking it with us - Elmien has truly received her miracle in the Glory of our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. I would think Elmien would close in saying..... Jesus IS enough!
Tribute from le Roux:

MONUMENTS (poem written by le Roux)


Barely 20 our passion bloom

Sparkling love to light our way

She brought resolve to set the sights

On clear objectives to reach the goal


Through nights of books and heavy toil

Prepare exams and studies deep

My heavy eyes that seek some sleep

Alert my love to prod my side

To keep active and engaged with every page.

Sweet day when reward was there

The cap of credit to say ‘Achieved’

Her monument of support rise up

For my achievement is for her to fame.


With child on arm, in hand, on breast

She ventured on a plane alone

To join me in a land, uncertain on what it holds.

God’s Spirit touched our hearts and set our aim

To reach out to the lost.

I preach at night and work the day

She practices the Word through faith

Her message cleared the way.

A church established in this wake

With souls that count 5000 in this day.

Inscripted on this monument: ‘Obey’


Through thick and thin she takes the hand

Of three young toddlers every day.

Her heart and soul, faith and daily prayer

Guide their steps and sets their way.

When darkness brings a frightful day

She seeks the Father’s mercy clear

And show her love and great resolve

To let their hearts not fall.

These monuments that stand today

Declare to all of her resolve that none shall tear her children away.


In walks of life we seek to find

A friend to ask, to tell, to share

How blessed we are when friendship is

So combined with love and unselfishness

When chips are down and pressures on

Her friendship blooms, her wisdom shines

Inspire to push on and to resolve

The toughest challenge of them all.

The friend she is, will always be

The Monument in my heart.


No other monument stands as tall

No other desire is more dear

To serve the Lord with all she knows

To bring Him Glory

And shine His light

Her eyes so soft

Her mind is clear to live the Word

And practice what she preach.

And now we know that she reflects

The love of God, declared!


How great it is to have her monuments

Deeply etched into our hearts

For us to hold and cherish

Until we meet again.



Tribute from Elmien's children:

If one word could describe Mom it would be ‘selfless’. She was someone amazing. From the day we were born we were lavished with such unconditional love and care, forming us into the people we are today.

Through times of joy and happiness she rejoiced with us making those times so much more special. Through times of sadness and pain she comforted us, always sharing God’s promises to encourage and give us hope. She gave us space to be ourselves, in our own unique way, always providing the heavenly roadmap, to guide our way.

She didn’t just share her life with us, her unconditional compassion was shown and actively given to all those around her.

Mom’s life was all about selfless giving. She gave her all for us during our forming years and even as adults she still abundantly gave of herself without ever asking for anything in return.

This is the love she gave us. A lantern of love passed from her to light the way into our lives and those who cross our path.



5 comments:

Steven Halford said...

This is beautiful Leroux. My prayers are earnestly with your family. I know I didn't know her all that well, not as well as I would have liked, or should have known, but she was/is an awesome woman. I guess God wanted her more than anyone here. He is a jealous God after all :)
I lost my mom when I was 20 and although it was hard I know that out of her death came so much life. I know the same for the Cillers. Out of death (which is really not death, since we don't die) comes much life. Be blessed Cilliers family, and you will be missed Elmien, until I see you in eternity!

Steven Halford.

Unknown said...

Nothing can separate us from Him and His incredible love.. Your guys are in our prayers.

Unknown said...

Dearest Leroux and family,
You have all been such an encouragement and inspiration to Tony and I - in standing firmly on His promises no matter what your circumstances are. We pray that our Lord will continue to give you all that you need in the coming hours, days, weeks and months. We love you and we are with you in spirit. Lots of love Tony and Terry

Heidi said...

Thank you for letting us know. Elmien is truly home and healed now. I loved reading your tributes to her. We grieve, but not as those without hope. In Him, Heidi Hendricks

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful women! Such a beautiful family!

Our hearts are with you all!

Blessings
Ross x