I'd like to write a short note to introduce you to a friend we got to know at Northwood Church where we attend. Debbie and I are coordinators for the Greeter Team and Welcome Center, so it's pretty easy for us to meet most of the people who come to worship each week. When the church moved to the Maple Grove Community Center last fall, we met a lady when she came in for the first time. Naini (pronounced 'nine-nee') Reddi came in wearing her traditional Indian attire (she's from northern India, born in Hyderabad in 1966 -- that was of interest to me since I have worked with several people in Hyderabad while still with GE). It was pretty easy to identify her as someone new to the church.
Naini was a delightful lady, always bubbling over with joy. Her family is Hindu, but she had become a follower of Jesus Christ and was absolutely excited about her relationship with Him. The main thing she was looking for was a place where she could worship, fellowship and grow. And she got actively involved doing just that. Last Christmas she was so excited when she told everyone that her parents, both Hindu, were coming to Christmas worship service with her. She introduced them to everyone.
She recently had back surgery and went to the doctor for a follow-up visit this past week after being in church last Sunday. While there she had an apparent seizure, fell, hit her head -- and did not recover. Her funeral service was this afternoon. Though her parents are Hindu, they honored her faith and had a Christian memorial service for her. Some of the Indian traditions were a real blessing. They had a bowel of rose petals and asked each person to place one on her pillow in her casket -- the fragrance of friends being buried with her.
In the south we were accustomed to friends (usually friends in the church) bringing in food to bless the family of the one who died. But in this case, the family brought food to bless the friends of Naini. Naini was a sweet friend for such a short time.
This really reaffirms what James said in his short letter in the New Testament when described life as being a vapor that disappears so quickly. No amount of theological debates or religious put-downs or arguments would do Naini (or anyone else) any good. Only one thing -- a personal relationship with Jesus. That's what inspired John to write in 1 John 5:13, "My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son wll know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion".
Naini had that assurance. Debbie and I do. I hope you do too.
Have a blessed week! My love to you all!
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2 comments:
What a wonderful story of a believer, Dad! Perhaps the Lord will bring the rest of her family from darkness of the Hindu world into His glorious light!
That's our hope and prayer. When she brought them to Northwood during the Christmas season she carefully introduced them to many Followers of Christ -- and most of us had the opportunity to visit with them at the memorial service, encouraging and praying with them. And they received it all so graciously. I hope for good days ahead for them.
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