FAYETTE

Fayette was sitting in one of these seats in this sanctuary when she first heard an announcement for volunteers to go on short term-mission to Russia.

This is where is all began. Many others who are here today are among those like Fayette who signed up to give up two weeks of vacation to go to Russia after the the Iron Curtain was no more. Year after year, 9 years? That’s commitment.

We had no idea how that first step impacted so many of us who’s lives were changed and who changed lives. So simple. Serve.

This is how I define Fayette. She was a servant.

How does one get to know someone? How does ones heart get knitted to another?

Time spent, meals shared, endless chatter, blah blah blah but when one prays, that’s when you get a glimpse of ones heart.

9 years in Russia, every summer we were there, in former pioneer communist camps. Those years brought us the best memories and the best laughs. We had teams up to 300 volunteers taking turns sharing about the good news of Jesus Christ. Not in traditional ways that we often know, but through friendship evangelism which means, sports, arts and crafts, singing, dancing and all that fun stuff. Only heaven will declare what truly happened there, the seeds that were planted and Fayette was one of the most consistent farmer in that fertile land.

She went every single summer. We were all young then so we had the energy and the compunction to go for it.

I am simply a voice tonight of our “core team” who were quite tight as we gathered every Wednesday night at the Broadway Chapel for the Mission Night. We spent those nights training but really it was mostly praying and when we are not praying, we were eating and somewhere in between we were playing. 28 years and every single year, this group still meets for Missions BBQ.

When Earl asked me to share tonight I quietly panicked. Prayed that i would do justice and be able to articulate and honor Fayette. She is far more than words can say.

Last week I just found out that Sometime between 1992 and 1999. Fayette and Betty Ann were arrested in Russia. The Russian police officers didn’t speak English and Fayette and Betty Ann had limited Russian words like Slavo Bogu (God bless you! And all she can say is American Embassy.

Earl did you know about this?

I will need to find a special counsel for further investigation. I had to mention this as this is a rare view of Fayette who was a consummate professional, perfect as they come, ..... and yet there’s this adventure spirit in there that some of us here share.

Committed, serious, focused.

Lisa just read me your email... I didn’t receive one.

I chuckle thinking about her and Earl’s loving disagreements, smile when I remember how they cherish one another and thankful for her Godly council in Russia when times got tough. A special woman who has received the culmination of her faith.... beholding the Lamb of God in all His splendor

Sam Alderson

I remember our trips to Russia. Fayette’ relentless desire to reach those kids despite the language barrier. She used human touch, hugs and Gods love to break through the fear we all

Arnold

Hi Bettina,

I’m out of the country right now so I won’t be able to attend the memorial service.

My memory of Fayette was her prayerfulness. Our first trip in Russia attested to that when the director, counselors and kids were not receptive towards us to the point that the kids even threw water at us from the balcony and pretended that nothing happened; Fayette just told us to go back to our quarters to pray and fast. It worked! The next few days their attitude changed and they warmed towards us, praise the Lord!

Druanne

I always remember Fayette as a gentle, godly woman with a warm smile and encouraging spirit. She made whoever was in front of her feel loved and valued. She also had a great sense of humor! I remember the second year we went to Russia, she brought a whole case of cosmetics because the first year we were told not to bring any. She said, "This year I have enough make up to give all of St. Petersburg a makeover!" We had a good laugh about that.

Oh how nice! Yes! I remember being with her in Russia and she such a godly woman! Through the years she only became more beautiful in the Lord. I think I last time I saw her was @ Summit with Earl.

She was a lovely woman! Heavens gain our loss.

Hi Bettina,

Great, I am glad I haven't missed it.

Note about Fayette - she was my first Mission Leader on my first trip to Russia. I was a new baby believer in Christ and she discipled me and poured into my life. I matured so much and so fast through that first year of Mission training. She was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and a great role model for me.

Blessings,

Karen

What I remember most, which may not be appropriate to share, is how kind and supportive she was of me when I left tsc. She took time to host me at Pfizer and help me explore job opportunities. It was a kindness that strengthened and encouraged me at just the right time.

Hi Bettina,

YOU DON'T HAVE to SHARE THIS 😉 but do you remember.......?

The one Saturday in Russia when adventurous Fayette decided that we needed to see Pushkin(sp). So off the 2 of us went.. took a bus to Puskin and got arrested. All Fayette kept saying was American Embassy.. .we want to be taken to the American Embassy. We were more afraid of you and Harry finding out about our excursion. I never told Earl this....maybe Fayette did. We shared other stories.Love, Betty Ann

Harry

Great ! I remember Fayette staying at Junga in Russia she was the team leader they had problem after problem with the bathroom/showers the food and dealing with the camp administration

Joe

Fayette was a beautiful person inside and out when she walked into a room her smile would light the entire place up

Multitudes were impacted by Fayette,

I can only picture what heaven could be like -

When she was diagnosed with cancer, our hearts sank. It sank even deeper when it was the type of cancer that had no cure. That was heavy.

Barring from a miracle which is God’s speciality, her days were numbered. She knew it but she went on to live each day that was given her.

I would send her text messages from time to time to check up on her and often prayed for her. One day, I called Earl to ask if I can go and visit in Florida as I want to see her while she’s breathing. They both declined. I can understand. They felt the sentiment and I was fine with that.

A few months later, I asked again, and there’s no response and I was deeply concerned. Only to find out they went on a cruise. I love that.

The way we live day in and day out is preparation for an event such as this night when friends and family gather to say something about “Fayette” and one day it will be you.

I think she will be smiling from up there because she will say it is worth it all.

As I close, I do have a question for Fayette, when you left your failing earthly body, were there angels who carried you there? How many? Was there a carriage? Was it in a twinkle of an eye? Was it Jesus you first saw? What does His eyes look like?

I miss you and I’ll see you later.

Love

Bettina