Women's Ministries

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Mission Statement: The women's ministries at First Baptist Church of  Elyria, Ohio, seeks  to win  women to Christ and encourage them to grow in  their relationships with God and others by providing opportunities for spiritual growth, close fellowship, meaningful service, and effective outreach.

A DAUGHTER'S TRIBUTE

By Kim Quick Kerr

Two years ago, my grandmother passed away, and I knew my dad was struggling with preaching her service.  I hugged him and said, "Dad, there are so many men in your church that would do this for you."  He said, "No one knows her here.  I cannot give up a chance to tell everyone who my mom was one more time."  When he told Kevin and me that he wanted us to talk at his memorial, this came to mind.  The difference is that you sit here tonight because you did know and love my dad.  In the past few weeks, everyone has told me a story of how they had a personal moment with my dad.  He did not stoicly stand behind this pulpit….he joked with you, he laughed with you, he cried with you, he served you and most importantly he made it very clear he loved you.

I cannot thank you enough for serving him in the past year.  How comforting it has been from out of town to know that he was surrounded by his church family that was serving him in amazing ways!  Thank you.

In my last real conversation with my dad, he said that I think like him.  He told me I was his clone…so I thought, "What would he want you to hear tonight?  What did he live that he would want you to follow?"   I know he would hope you would convert to Michigan fans, but I am not sure that is realistic.

First, he loved life.  Everyone has a funny story of dad doing something with gusto.  He walked fast and loud.  He competed hard at sports including golf, tennis, racquet ball, ping-pong.  My mom used to joke if he could, he would compete at tiddly winks.  He wrestled with all five grandkids at once.  Even when Kevin and I were young and we went with him to grocery store, he would time us to see if we could beat our last time.  He rooted for Michigan with enthusiasm.  My favorite day of the year with dad was the day after Thanksgiving when we would always get up at 4 and bargain shop.  I remember one time there was a huge crowd in front of a store.  We didn't even know what the store was, but we decided we should just run through the store for the thrill of it.  He used every moment to do something with enthusiasm.

Second, he loved his family.  He sacrificially loved my mom, and she loved him.  Growing up, I remember leaving the room many times because he was kissing mom.  Never once did I wonder if they were happily married.  What an example of how to love your spouse!  He loved his children.  He always made time for us when we climbed the tree outside his office in Blanchester or walked in his office during school.  He led us to Christ and taught us what it meant to live for Christ.  Anyone who has seen my dad with his grandkids knows he loved his grandkids.  They could get him to do anything.  They knew that he always wanted to play with them.  He always wanted to talk to them.  Not only that, he loved his church family.  He sincerely did love you, and he hurt with you and he rejoiced with you.

Third, he loved God's Word.  He believed the truth that God's Word has everything we need for life.  He has told me countless times how the Bible is not to be used to support your thoughts instead let the Bible teach you.  Let that be your outline.  When you teach God's Word, let the text teach!  Growing up, he challenged me to read through the Bible with him several times.  What a special time discussing those passages.  Even in his final days, it was God's Word that comforted him.  I know he would want you to spend time reading the Bible.  Let it be your guide to life.

Fourth, he loved His Savior and God.  As a young man he put his faith for his eternal destiny on Christ's resurrection.  He had a relationship with God and decided that he wanted his life to be used to serve God.  My dad started as a CPA at the University of Michigan.  He joined a Gospel quartet where he was able to preach.  He realized that was his joy.  That sharing His Savior was where he wanted to give his life.  He lived this in front of you, but he also lived it in front of us at home.  Tonight, I know he would beg with you to make God your personal friend and use your life to serve Him.

Written by Kim and read at her father's memorial service.