A little over a decade ago, I wandered into the Student
Lounge at East Texas Baptist University for a little break. I was a newly
engaged college student and my upcoming new season of life was constantly on my
mind. I began to read over the bulletin board, filled with papers and
announcements, when a white sheet with black lettering caught my eye.
HOUSE FOR RENT
With excitement I grabbed the sheet before anyone else had the
chance to steal this deal! (You know people get married a lot at ETBU)! Married housing was an option, but not one we
were very excited about. We really wanted a dog and a yard, and they didn’t
allow pets.
I showed the paper to Jeremy, discussed with him if the
price would fit our very small budget, and he said let’s check it out!
I don’t know what I was expecting, but the kind, gentle
voice of an elderly woman on the other end of the phone surprised me. Her name
was Mrs. Vera Power and she was 86 years old.
I explained that I was an ETBU college student, newly
engaged, and we were looking to secure a house for when we were married and she
said she wanted to meet us.
Jeremy and I nervously went to meet Mrs. Power at her house.
I’m not sure why we were nervous, but as soon as we saw her our nerves flew out
the window. We instantly fell in love with her. Imagine the cutest, most
beautiful grey haired woman walking up to greet you with a big smile. She was
lively, witty, kind, graceful and to the point. She welcomed us with a firm handshake
and a heart that beamed the light of Jesus.
I’ll never forget her United States flag rhinestone pen she wore on her
shirt collar.
She was warm, friendly and almost immediately began to talk
about God. She loved Jesus and while she needed renters she also loved to
support the university and use her rent houses as a form of ministry.
If she only knew we would become a ministry that never left!
We rented the house for a whopping $325 a month. The Lord
was so faithful because we were seriously living off of love. Not only did we receive a house for $325 a
month, we received the friendship and mentor-ship of a godly lady who faithfully
served her Lord. She sat down with us and talked about how a cord of two
strands is easily broken, but three strands- husband, wife, and the Lord,
cannot be broken. She encouraged us to never let go of our call, she praised
my husband and challenged him to go after whatever God called him to do. She
helped me plant flowers and gave me wisdom, love, advice, and care. She was our
new precious friend.
We lived in her little rent house behind Lowes for two years
before moving. But she has remained a presence in our life ever since. We have
now been married eleven years and Mrs. Power is 97 years old. Around noon today she went
to be with Jesus and my heart already longs to see her again one day. I wouldn’t
dare selfishly keep her here on earth one extra second. She was ready to see
Jesus and her late husband who she affectionately told us about. I hugged her neck
about two weeks ago, kissed her cheek, told her we loved her and how much she
meant to us. She responded with love and tears, telling me how much she loved
us, even asked about our children. I told her that day I would see her again,
knowing the next time I saw her would be in heaven.
She was beautiful and brave! Unselfish, loving, and kind.
She was an adopted grandmother you might say, and friend I will never forget.
Every Christmas we received a card from her, and I received one this past
December. Knowing that is the last card breaks my heart, but also fills me with
joy knowing she will spend the next Christmas celebrating with her Savior.
You never know who God is going to weave into your life forever. I never would have guessed that our landlord would have become someone we loved so dearly and claimed as family. I pray to always be kind, open, and a light for Jesus like Mrs. Power, because she knew we were more than just renters, we were her ministry.
In Memory of Mrs. Vera Power
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