Remembering Mom and honoring God

My sister wrote Mom’s obituary which will appear in the local Muskegon and Grand Haven papers today. What a great tribute to her, one that highlights what she strove to be, a woman of faith in God.

Julius and Arlene Ackerman
Taken to celebrate Mom’s 89th birthday.

Arlene Mildred (White) Ackerman heard Jesus call her name on October 1, 2013. Leaving behind her life of chronic pain, she stepped quietly into her heavenly home. Arlene was born on July 18, 1924, to Fanny (Boozer) and Samuel Edward White. As a teenager, Arlene trusted Christ as her Savior and lived a life committed to him. In 1946, at Curve Crest Roller Rink, Arlene met and fell in love with Julius Ackerman of Muskegon. After their marriage in 1947, they settled in Fruitport and raised their family. Arlene worked for Fruitport Public Schools for seventeen years, first as secretary to the high school principal and later in adult education. Arlene loved God, loved her family, and loved people. She was selfless in service, kind to all, and an encourager to everyone she met. Like the woman in Proverbs 31, she was always doing something with her hands. Whether she was knitting or sewing, cooking or cleaning, typing or playing the piano, she was making the world a more beautiful place.

Arlene is survived by Julius, her loving husband of 66 years; their children, Julie (Jay) Link and Jim (Denise) Ackerman; two grandchildren, Craig (Lindsay) Ackerman and Peter (Emilia) Ackerman; three great granddaughters, and one brother, Jack (Marian) White. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ruth and Lillian, and her brother Bill. Although Arlene had only two children, she was “mom” to many, including Carl-Heinz Fischer of Germany, who lived in their home as an exchange student in 1969–70 and who has visited many times since with his wife Jutta and daughters Christine and Julia.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 4, from 5:30–8 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 213 Oak Street, Fruitport, MI 49415. A memorial service will be held the following day, Saturday, October 5, at 2:00, also at Bethel Baptist Church, with Pastor Paul Lamberson officiating. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution is encouraged to consider Bethel Baptist Church or Harbor Hospice, Poppen Residence.

At the end it gives a couple of suggestions of how you can remember Mom through a gift to either their church (which was also my church while growing up and remains a wonderful, caring church, faithfully preaching the Word of God) or Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence, where Mom spent her last days. At the risk of complicating things, I would like to offer some other ways you can remember Mom and honor God.

We (Denise and I) actively support Mission India. Their mission is to provide materials for local Indian Christians to use to spread the Gospel in India through church planting, children’s clubs and literacy classes. If you would like to give to Mission India, simple instructions follow.

You can give by mail to Mission India, PO Box 141312, Grand Rapids, MI 49514-1312. Just include a note that it is in memory of Arlene Ackerman. If you want a gift acknowledgement sent from our office to Dad (please do), include that in the note and just say to talk to Lindsay (our daughter-in-law) about it.

You can donate online at www.missionindia.org/give and put a note in the comments that it is in memory of Arlene Ackerman and if you want the gift acknowledgement sent (and Lindsay’s name for details).

You can give specifically to one of their programs (Adult Literacy Classes, Children’s Bible Clubs, or Church Planter Training) or if you don’t specify they will use it as needed.

Another way to remember Mom’s life and honor God is to become a prayer warrior. Pray regularly for those around you in need. Many are struggling with sickness or other issues in their life and are strengthened by your prayers. I can think of at least three men my age who are struggling with life-threatening illnesses, for whom I pray regularly. I always knew and never doubted that Mom was praying for me, along with many others.

The best way to remember Mom’s life and honor God, though, is to believe in the saving work of Jesus’ life, sacrificial death and victory over death through His resurrection: God’s plan of salvation. Pick up a Bible, God’s written Word, and read. Start with John’s gospel. Ask questions. Believe. Follow. Start to live. Tell someone.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

 

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