Written by Eng Kim Leng
It was only a week earlier that sis Margaret and I met in Malacca during the CABL lectureship. We were so glad to see each other, and I had a few photos of her taken along with her granddaughter Meera.
We spoke fondly about her plans to relocate to KL and her assembling with us once a month. On the day of 16th June, I received word from bro CK Lee from JB church that sis Margaret had passed on. I was heartbroken and unsure, thus asked him whether it was Margaret Kumari, that he was referring, just to reconfirm. He informed that she had succumbed to a massive heart attack. It was such a sad news. Sis Margaret is very dear to me, and we communicate regularly. Each morning, she would send a message of encouragement from God’s word. One the fateful day, her morning greeting was, ‘May the Love of God walk with you and comfort you with Strength, Peace and Joy.’ Sis Emily also called me shortly after. I happened to be traveling, in Europe, and would not be able support in the funeral services or send her off.
I will always cherish the time we shared together, her cheerful and good natured character, beautiful smile, and fervency to the Lord. Always mindful of others, and especially of her family, she never failed to encourage and inspire those around her by her warmth, kindness and love for the church. Even when she relocated to JB from KK, her concern for KK church did not diminish. In JB, she was mindful of the brethren there as well. Whenever I was in Skudai church to preach, she would be there to support. We were talking about her participation in our upcoming church camp this September, but alas, it was not to be.
Sis Margaret had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, assuring herself of a place in heaven. In this we rejoice, as her pain has ended and she is in God’s presence.
Her desire was for us all to enjoy His mercy and the hope of spending eternity in heaven as well. And not only for us, but also for her family. We can take her good example as our motivation. Although we will miss her, we can look forward to seeing her again when it is our time to bid farewell to the world. She is away from us but not forgotten. May memories of her continue to bring warmth and cheer to our hearts. And may her family return to the church, be strong in the Lord and keep serving faithfully.
