From the editor

Andrew Smith

Dear Friends

“A person is as happy as they choose to
be.” And with Jesus in our lives, that incredible hope
– we are challenged to leave the place of ‘victim
status’ and choose today to have a new perspective, a new
song in our mouths.

June 27 marks the anniversary of a painful
date for the Smith Family. Oh there’s so much hope behind
it, but there’s also the sad reality that someone so close
is now separated from us for some time.

A small tribute to Dad

Barry & May Smith

We all knew Dad (Barry) was living on
miraculous time, and the idea of him dying and going on to his
reward was always expected, but when the time came, it took us
all by surprise. All I can say is – he was such a good man,
we’re all missing him greatly.

This morning, (May 31^st, 2003) I
sat with Mum and recounted the last day she spent with Dad a year
ago today. He was his usual perky self. He never looked forward
to travelling away again (he and Mum began travelling and
preaching in the 60’s, there was little to be excited about
now, other than the people they would encounter). This trip to
England felt different – uncharacteristically, Dad was to
travel without Mum, who was recovering from a recent knee
replacement operation. Mum lay on her bed with her knee extended,
packing Dad’s suitcase while friend Maureen Smith ironed
his clothes. Dad had mentioned earlier that he wanted to travel
light, “So don’t pack too much” he said.

He finished preparing his ‘meeting
bag’ and then came into his bedroom and went through his
wardrobe – picking out the suits he was not taking with
him. Throwing them across the bed he said to Mum “Give
these away dear, I don’t need them anymore.”

In hindsight, we know why – but at the
time Mum didn’t think anything of it, he gave lots
away.

And then he was gone – away to preach
the gospel one last time…

The last time Dad spoke with Mum over the
phone they sung together their favourite Psalm 17:15 “As
for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be
satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness”.

Barry preparing for one of his final meetings in Winsford, England

I know Dad would most probably have me edit
these comments out of this edition of Omega Times – he did
not ever want to be ‘honoured out of measure’. In
terms of his ministry His desire was to honour only his Lord and
Saviour – King Jesus. Luke 17:10 was a Scripture he taught
us: “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those
things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable
servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.”

I must say clearly, that I love and honour my
father for being a true man of God! I watched him ‘be a
Christian’ and therefore listened carefully to his
preaching, because he was authentic. We chose to disagree on
certain things – it made no difference, we agreed on the
important issues.

He remained a man with human imperfections,
once he had something in mind, it wasn’t worth bothering
trying get him to change what he felt to do (he pushed the
meaning of the word ‘determination’ to new heights) -
which is probably why he was able to continue preaching even
though he was actually very ill.

He showed me how to look after my darling wife
and how to ‘be a father to my children’ – I am
truly blessed: he was a great Dad, friend and teacher.

After we’ve finished our commission
here, I really can’t wait for our ‘Heavenly
Re-union’.

I must honour Mum too for continuing to be
strong in the Lord and yet allowing herself to be vulnerable and
always real. She often quotes King David’s words “Oh
that I had wings like a dove! For I would fly away, and be at
rest.” One day Mum, but there’s no rush!

I must say in closing my tribute – that
God is ‘very close to those in need’ and I am so
thankful.

Dad used to state: “The twenty third
Psalm is not just a psalm to die by, it is a Psalm to live
by.” I agree – and when a friend emailed me the
following, I thought I would present it to you for your
encouragement also.

Twenty-third Psalm, A New Perspective

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!

I shall not want
That's Supply

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters.
That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul
That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness.
That's Guidance!

For His Name sake.
That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death.
That's Testing!

I will fear no evil.
That's Protection!

For Thou art with me.
That's Faithfulness

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies.
That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil,
That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over.
That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life.
That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
That's Security!

Forever.
That's Eternity!

Face it, the Lord thinks you are special.

What is most valuable, is not what we have in
our lives,
but WHO we have in our lives!

 

Have a wonderful month – and if its dark
for you at this time, know “Because of Jesus, the sun will
come out to shine for you again.”

Andrew & Saskia, May and all of the Smith
family