Time flies...two months have passed by so quickly..in a 'blink of an eye' and how much has changed.

A good friend said once and I'll remember it forever..on sharing...that not sharing what is happening in our lives is robbing God of His glory. In the same way that I'd like to share about how Jesus Christ impacted and changed my life, I'd like to share how Cindy was a part in that - someone whom God placed in my life at the most perfect times. Without her impact on my life, I wouldn't be who I am today.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bearfruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. " John 15-16

Because of Cindy's faithfulness and obedience to God, I am a Christian today. From my perspective, I know that God had put her on this Earth, albeit a short time in our view, to bear fruit-fruit that will last. I first met Cindy at Tyrrell - a school I really disliked because I thought people were really snotty. But admist the snots and snobs of the 'cool' gang, I met Cindy and her sister Wendy; two people who truly were genuine and nice. Though I didn't know Cindy very well at that time, I was always more at ease when she was there and when she took the time to see what was up with me; it was a real encouragement. After grade 8 graduation, we never kept in touch because we went to different high schools.

About 2 years later, Amy asked if I wanted to go with her to church fellowship. I had no idea what that was - in fact, I thought it was a carnival night or something. People getting together at church on a Friday night was really weird to me. I didn't want to go; but after a few times that Amy asked, I finally said ok. Church was really foreign to me; I had never been in one and these were all new people...so I stuck with Amy where ever she went (like a 3rd arm..for like 3 years!). It was intimidating walking into the room where the teens fellowship was being held, not knowing anyone and not knowing what to expect. But at the first sight when I walked in to my bewilderment, I met Cindy there! Dorkily I asked her what she was doing there - meanwhile I was the newcomer. There was that instant comfort again; just like at Tyrell; that I knew someone there that was genuine and who cared about me being comfortable. The first day there was really cool; the people were different and there was unashamed joy in singing together; something that seemed so uncool for teens to do. So I continued to go..

Cindy gave me my first Bible. It was the Good News Bible in everyday English. She was kinda embarrassed giving it to me cuz it was Wendy's old kid bible and had her stickers all in it. She didn't want to patronize me, but explained that it was easier to understand in everyday English. I learned about who Jesus was from that Bible and how much I was loved by God. And after two years, I knew that I understood enough; that I knew that Jesus wanted me to know Him dearly; and that I needed Him to redeem me.

Over the next 2 years, Cindy was also my cell group leader, who encouraged me to ask questions and answer during bible studies, who encouraged me to go up with her to help lead singspiration, who was also the one who suggested that I become a cell group leader as well, which was the first time I formally served in the church. We got to know each other on a much deeper level; we shared spiritually and she was amongst one of the people who discipled me. After two years though, we said goodbye again - she fast-tracked and went to Laurier a year earlier.

After a year, God placed Cindy in my life again at a critical life point- going to Waterloo was again a new experience - being away from home for the first time and trying to live off-campus was a big deal for me. It was during the 5 years in Waterloo that Cindy and I got to know each other very well; to fellowship; and there we formed amongs the sistas in Christ, the OMC - in the basement of our ghetto 2nd year house; over drinks and late night eats; and sharing war stories and glory stories and praying together.

Cindy, most famous for her smile and the joy that radiates from her, which is only from Christ in her life was called by God, obedient and faithful to His calling, borne fruit eternal, and called home. So many lives have been touched, mine is one amongts hundreds. I thank God for her - that He chose her specifically to be a part of my life. Because she was faithful in her walk with Christ, I know that I can now meet her again in Heaven in the pressence of our Lord.

For now, Cindy, we miss you lots and the OMC won't be the same without you.

OMC Christmas 2003
(Cindy - Front & Centre)
Celebration of Life