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I was born in a small country town called Collie, in Western Australia, to loving Christian parents. I have two brothers, one older, and one younger.
When I was six months old, my father was injured in a timber mill when a kangaroo jack slipped, which caused a five ton log to hit my father in his back, fracturing many bones. Thankfully, his spinal cord was not broken but he was unable to return to full time employment, because of his injuries. After recovering from his accident, he tried to do the right thing by his boss, going to work several days a week, spending the rest of the week in bed in severe pain. Because he did this, he was unable to get compensation from the insurance company The doctors eventually decided he was unfit to work and he became an invalid pensioner.
Life was not easy for my parents bringing up three young children on an invalid pension. In earthly terms our family was poor. We never had a car and often walked three to four miles to town or Church. Sometimes we were able to get a taxi home when they did their weekly shopping. We were able to go to school by bus.
My father often walked all over Collie, teaching Scripture in three schools. He was a lay preacher in our Church and also a circuit preacher. Our parents had a strong faith in God and trusted God to provide for our needs. When we grew out of our clothes they would pack them up and send them to the missions. They often said, “You can’t out give God.” He always provided. We never went with out food or clothes. Every time within a week some one would say would give us some clothes their children had grown out of, and no longer needed. God also provided us with some lovely people, who were willing provide us with transport to Church for a few years.
My mother suffered a lot from migraines and also ill health, but with God’s help they helped each other and were able to cope. Over the years their health became worse to include Angina, Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, for my dad and Osteoporosis for my mother. They never blamed God and were willing to accept His Will for their life. My parents both went to be with the Lord, at age 59.
In worldly terms our parents had very little and suffered a lot, but their faith in God never failed. I believe God would say, “Well done good and faithful servants.” I am sure they will receive their rewards in heaven. They had a strong and loving marriage and gave us riches beyond compare by the finest example of real Christian living. As a result of the strong foundations they laid and the influence of their lives, I too know and love the Lord. Together with my husband Ian, we serve the Lord. I thank God for giving me such fine parents and for the love and testimony of their lives. I know I will see them in heaven.
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