My Grandmother Maye Ellen Coates was a born again; spirit filled Christian and had been a member of First Assembly of God in West Memphis, Arkansas for many years. She went home to be with the Lord Wednesday morning March 9^th, 2011 at the age of 93. We had her funeral in West Memphis, Arkansas where she lived for some time.

Grandma’s touch upon my life is beyond words. She was already a Christian when I came into the world. Grandma’s faith was real 24/7, there was no time out from the faith and there were never any excuses for the faith. Her faith was a relationship not a practiced religion.

When my father died in 1976, I became bitter towards God and I developed a deep-seated hatred for religion (all religions). I believed Christians to be at the front of the pack for their hypocrisy. The only trouble I had keeping myself convinced I was right was my Grandmother and my mother. Both were genuine in their faith 24/7.

One time while running from God and hating church and all the people in them. I visited my Grandmother, we were sitting in her kitchen, and she looked at me with disappointment and rebuke because she knew how I was living. In that same moment, I could see her consistent love for me. She was dissappointed not because it went against her doctrine and her rebuke was not for religious zeal. It was because she wanted more, she wanted better for me and she knew it could only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

My grandmother continued to love me and she contiued to look to God to save me.

I am so glad that grandma was able to see the day when I gave my life to Christ.

When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV)

When I read this scripture, I often think that if Paul had been writing to me it would read

When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Maye and your mother Dora, and I am persuaded is in you also.

Like my grandmother and mother, my faith is not a practiced religion but a personal relationship with Christ Jesus.

If you have family members or friends that are running from God take a pointer from my grandmother who never quit believing God for my salvation.

 

You can listen to or download our sermons at http://sermon.net/AllenRunyonMinistries If you would like an audio CD just send us a note with the title and an offering to cover the expense and we will send it to you.

 

We look forward to the opportunities to teach the word of God and to help usher in the Great Revival.

 

Blessings to one and all,

Allen & Lisa Runyon

 

PO Box 225

Superior, NE 68978