Tribute to Pastor June Austin

   Today there was an ending and a passing of a baton.  A wave goodbye to one thing and hello to a whole new one.  New, but not really so new, for an entire lifetime had been spent in preparation for this moment.  This shedding of the earth earthly and those things physical and tangible and a reaching for and embracing of Eternity and things not seen.

   Indeed by faith we do this every day as we live for Christ.  We should be constantly reaching for those things not seen!  When Abraham answered the call that God put forth-he went searching for a city whose Maker and Builder was God.

   Today, that search is over for Pastor June Austin.  Beloved Pastor, Mentor, Teacher, Friend, Encourager and "Mother" to me. Not just to me alone, but indeed to an untold number, both stateside and around the globe!  She has graduated and stepped into Glory to view HIM face to face.  To know and be known fully, to see no longer through a glass darkly.

   To be honest, I've shed tears, albeit selfish ones, in that I've "lost" someone so dear to my own heart  and in my life.  Selfish tears for me, but happy ones for her.

   See, I've not "lost" her really- only the earthly connection. The Spiritual and heart connection remains and indeed grows stronger as she now encompasses me and all of us, around about with cheers and encouragements from the Heavenly Portal as she has joined that "great cloud of witnesses" that Hebrews talks about.  

   She is now abiding in Heavenly "Son"light surrounded by the light of His Glory and living in the depths of His Love as no mortal can ever do!

   So, for us down here, still upon the Earth, but not of this world, we continue the race set before us.  May we run with steady hearts and Grace upon our feet.  We must finish the journey begun, so that we too the Master can meet and hear "well done."

   Pastor June Austin, we your brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and family- both blood and spiritual, salute you!  We love you Mother dear!  No longer will we hear your lovely voice and that phrase, "now dear hearts..."  but we carry it and you close in our hearts.  

   You are "Home" at last, the baton of your life passed.  We shall carry the flame- our lives a burning torch- all for the Glory of His Name: Jesus- King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

   Thank you Lord for the Gift and love you gave us in and through the life of your daughter and handmaiden!  We are forever grateful for how she showed us more of You and opened unto us Your Word.  How she nurtured and encouraged us to follow You and the dreams You gave to us.  It was a privilege Sir, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  

   Now Abba, help us to "go forth!" into the fields that are ripe unto harvest.  Help us to live our lives with Eternity in view. Help us to walk with footsteps that lead others to You.  To love and be loved as we journey towards that Heavenly City whose builder and maker is You God!  Help us to be Lively stones, living Epistles read of all men-fitly joined together to create a habitation in which You can live, here upon Earth.  Truly, let others find that our hearts, are Your home, until we all reach "Home" together.  Amen.

P.S. Tell Mother, I'll see her there.
Love, Nancy

Pastor June Edith Austin

Born May 4, 1924

Graduated to Glory April 22, 2012 12:09 pm

Tribute Service : 
Sunday May 27th 3pm at Main Church
Victory Christian Fellowship
100 Wilton Blvd.
New Castle De.19720
302-324-5400
(details of tribute Service to be announced by Pastor Faye Whetstone)