THINK ABOUT IT           7-12-24

A PASTOR’S WIFE
A couple weeks ago I watched the funeral service of Gwen Oldenettel, a pastors wife. Watching the celebration of her life flooded my mind with precious memories. I remember when she was a teen. I remember when she, her parents, and siblings were charter members of the first church I started in 1970 she was the oldest of four children and very talented. Even at that young age she was a gifted singer and talented teacher of children.

I remember when she met her husband Greg in Bible college and was married. She devoted her life to being a preachers wife over 50 years ago and labored by his side through all these many years. My heart was blessed by hearing the testimonies during the funeral service, especially to hear from her children.

 I had contact with her on her and Greg’s 50th anniversary last year. I expressed my happiness for them being married so long and mentioned that it seldom happens in most cases. She responded by saying “ thank you so very much! Yes, we made it. We are often asked how do you make it to 50? Our answer: you must find someone who loves God more than they love you! You taught us that!”.

I don’t have words to express what I felt when I read that! It reminded me that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. We might sometimes wonder if what we do will make any difference in someone’s life. The answer is yes! living in the awareness of that fact will encourage us to keep serving God through the tough times. It’s true whether you are a pastor a parent, a teacher, or just a friend.

Please pray for Greg and the family. Gwen was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.i pray that God will use her example to inspire many to love God and serve others as she did. HDS
David Stone  
Lakeway Baptist Church  
Humble,TX