 Gail
Millman,
1947-2002,
a woman above rubies
By
Dorothy Nordstrom
GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alberta, Canada—You had only to enter Gail’s room to
see Jesus shining through her gorgeous smile and feel the joy that
erupted in her laugh. Gail lived each day to the fullest, and the
example she set the last few years of her life changed me forever.
Now, I embrace each day as a precious gift from God.
I
had known and loved Gail for almost 30 years, but God gifted us with a
very special relationship these last few years. After reading Anne
of Green Gables as a child, I prayed for a best friend like Anne’s
"forever friend." God answered that prayer in Gail, my "forever
friend." I thank God for allowing me to share Gail’s journey as she
struggled and triumphed over the trial she believed God had gifted her
with. Together we learned about God’s "perfect love"—her from her
chair, and I as I knelt on the floor beside her.
Gail’s deepest desire was to serve God and to tell others what Jesus
had done for her. When illness confined Gail to her home and chair she
felt discouraged and useless. That is, until God showed her he was
using her through her writing. Her joy then returned. Even in the
midst of this trial Gail felt a deep inner joy and peace knowing she
was held safely in God’s hands and that he was still using her to
further his kingdom work.
Gail loved her family and covered them in prayer. She received such
joy as she shared pictures of her children and grandchildren and
stories of their new achievements. She cherished every note, card and
picture that came her way.
So many memories, so many stories, we all have them. We shared
laughter and tears—sometimes we laughed so hard we cried. Even at the
worst of times she was thankful for everything. Her sense of humor and
joy in the simple things in life was reflected in her writing. Her
book (yet to be published) Move Over Job, You’ve Got Company is
the story of her journey.
Gail was the most real and loving person I have ever met. She loved to
challenge people to new depths. When she approached with that twinkle
in her eyes you knew you were in trouble. The next thing you knew you
were talked into doing something completely out of your comfort zone.
It was always good for you, and she received great pleasure in seeing
others develop the gifts God had given them.
Gail’s most precious gift was her ability to make each person she was
with feel special and loved. This gift came straight from the heart of
God.
My friendship with Gail wasn’t a coincidence. In Acts 17:26 God says
he determines the times and places we live. He has an eternal
friendship in mind. This friendship will be moved into the new heaven
and new earth. Together we will be crowned with life and meet and
worship our Savior.
Thank you God for my "forever friend."
As
editors of the Worldwide News for Africa, we have been privileged to
have access to Gail Millman's articles. We will miss her valued
contribution to our magazine.
Gail Louise Millman
MILLMAN, Gail Louise
(Duncan), was born June 9, 1947, in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada. She died Aug. 12 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, of liver
disease caused by Hepatitis C contracted from tainted blood 23 years
ago. The infection and resulting poor health did not stop Gail from
living a vibrant and productive life.
Gail is survived by her
husband, Pastor Bob Millman, her four children, Vittoria, Morgan,
Jennifer and Adam; her four granddaughters, Erynn, Brookelynn, Zoe and
Zara; her sisters, Diane Majerech and Nancy Newsom; and her mother,
Luella Barker.
Gail served with her
husband in congregations across Western Canada where she is fondly
remembered for her contribution to youth ministries and the social and
spiritual life of each congregation. She was active in women’s
ministry in Canada and the United States and served as women’s editor
for Northern Light magazine while also contributing to several
other Christian publications.
Funeral services were
conducted Aug. 16 at the WCG congregation’s building, with pastors Al
Nordstrom and George Patrickson officiating. |
