八月4日下午，舉行白加恩牧師 (Rick Beard) 安息禮拜，將近一千人到場弔唁，除了台南聖教會牧者團隊、英語牧區，OMS 同工團隊，還有許多弟兄姊妹、白牧師夫婦的好友們，一同參與其中。會眾紀念白牧師的生命故事，故人略歷和紀念影片，讓弟兄姊妹紅了眼眶，也再次因著白牧師的生命被激勵。在一般人可以退休的年紀，白牧師選擇了一條辛苦的道路，離開他的本地本族，走向宣教的道路，變賣了美國的一切家產，與師母來到台灣，適應台灣的天氣、語言、文化……雖然有種種不適，卻從未放棄這條道路的呼召。
高敏智牧師的信息主題「他是我的兄弟」，回顧白牧師來到台灣三年多一起經歷的點點滴滴：同工會議上他們合唱奇異恩典、同工就任式、一起到外蒙的訪宣工作、事奉道路上的彼此鼓勵代禱……短短幾年，已經留下了豐富的記憶。高牧師說：白牧師剛來到台灣，他問白牧師預計在台灣多久？白牧師回答：四年，但如果上帝允許，我願意留在這裡，直到死去。彷彿當時他所說的，他的生命終點在台灣，在他最後事奉的這群人中間，他息了地上的勞苦，回到上帝那裏。
白牧師是一位非常渴慕神話語的牧者，他每天靈修、親近神，讓他所分享的信息充滿深度和對上帝的信心，許多弟兄姊妹都接受過他話語的教導和安慰。英語牧區的獻詩《我靈鎮靜》，是白牧師非常喜愛得一首詩歌，詩歌的背後也有深刻的創作故事；牧者團隊獻詩《奉獻我所有》，正像一位神僕人的生命寫照，獻上一切，包括自己的生命都願意捨棄；OMS同工獻詩《唯獨基督》，涵蓋了基督信仰的真理與盼望，禮拜天的告別式，深觸弟兄姊妹的心，「一粒麥子落在地裡死了」的故事，將要繼續結出子粒，在基督裡「死亡」不是終點，而是滿有復活的盼望。
※白師母於八月6日返美，弟兄姊妹二週以來為他們的奉獻金額台幣1,029,532元，以及美金600元，求主繼續引導白師母未來的腳步。
▌本報訊
Memorial Service for Reverend Rick Beard
On the afternoon of August 4th, a memorial service was held for Pastor Rick Beard. Nearly a thousand people attended. The OMS team, English Zone, friends of the Beards and many other brothers and sisters joined the pastoral team of Tainan Holiness Church in attending this service. The congregation commemorated the life story of Pastor Rick. The eulogy and dedicatory film brought brothers and sisters to tears, and they were once again inspired by the life of Pastor Rick. At an age when most people retire, Pastor Rick and Barb chose to take a more challenging road by selling all their property in America, leaving their family and embarking on a mission to Taiwan, adapting to the local weather, language, and culture. Although there was much to adjust to, they never gave up on the calling of this road.
Pastor Rick was a pastor who truly thirsted for the Word of God. He spent time in God's Word every day, being close to God. May the messages he has shared be full of depth and faith in God. Many brothers and sisters were guided and comforted by his shepherding. The hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" is a hymn Pastor Rick loved very much. There is a profound story behind the origin of this hymn. The pastoral team sang the hymn, "Dedication to All," reflecting the life of a servant of God, portraying everything, including the willingness to deny oneself. OMS co-workers offered the song "In Christ Alone," covering the truth and hope of the Christian faith. Sunday's memorial service deeply touched the hearts of brothers and sisters. The story of "a kernel of wheat falling to the ground and dying" will continue to bear seeds. In Christ, "death" is not the end, but it is filled with the hope of resurrection.
※Barb returned to the United States on August 6. Her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ contributed NT$979,532 to them over two weeks’ time along with US$600. May the Lord continue to guide the future footsteps of dearest Barb.
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