Miguel and I just came back from the funeral of Teddy Cantrell, the perkiest, most lovable, cheerful, funny, energetic, sweet, Christian, old man I have ever met! He was 91 years old. He is survived by his wife Frankie Cantrell, a wonderful family, and many dear friends that loved him very much. Teddy and Frankie became some of our favorite friends at the Loganville SDA Church, where we taught the adult Sabbath School Class. They were enthusiastic, Bible students full of interesting comments and insights.
Teddy wore a smile wherever he went. His presence alone filled the atmosphere when he walked into any room. You couldn't be near Teddy and not be laughing, because he loved to joke around. He was a natural at making people laugh. His sweet personality was contagious, which is no wonder he swept Frankie off her feet in her young years. Until the day he died, Franki and Teddy were inseparable. They were the epitome of the saying, "I want to grow old with you."
More than just being a fun person was the amazing legacy Teddy left behind, which lead me to reflect on my own life and write this blog today. Through his service in the mission field in Africa, with his wife Frankie, Ted touched many lives. Among much of his work working for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the USA and abroad, Ted sponsored a young man's college education, who is now a doctor and who spoke today at Ted's funeral. Ted established the C100 Organization at Oakwood College, which has made huge contributions to the master's program, the college's facility, and which has provided scholarships to many students in need. In deed, there is no doubt that Ted above all was a man of God, that like the Pathfinder Law says, "went on God's errands."
Many times I have asked myself, what will be my legacy? How will others remember me when I am gone? How will others know that I have existed? Today I reflect on these questions once more. It is not how much we own, what model cars we drive, or how big of a house we had that will matter when we are gone, but what will really matter is the impact we make in people's lives. Because of our great love for Jesus and our grateful hearts for what He did to save us, we choose not once a year on Christmas or Thanksgiving Day to do things for others, but we choose DAILY to reflect His character by "serving" others. Wherever we go, with each look, with each thought, with each smile, with each action, with our time, and with our money, we leave our stamp witnessing that Jesus lives in our hearts. Our life is evidence that this world is not our home. DAILY we CHOOSE to love others, because Jesus first loved us.
Today when reflecting on the life of Teddy Cantrell, the many, many, lives that he touched, through ministries, such as the C100 at Oakwood College (that still continue to produce fruit for God's Kingdom), and the young doctor, who Teddy sponsored through college, I am reminded of my very favorite saying, "People are more important than things!" The life that I now live should be one that will serve others and produce fruits for eternity, because when it is all said and done, when we are gone, that is all we will leave behind here on earth. Our legacy should be that which will honor our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for all eternity. Only in heaven will Teddy see the full impact of his work and dedication to our Saviour Jesus Christ through serving others.
When Teddy was opening up the Chaplaincy work in non Adventist Universities in Africa, a difficult task to accomplish, he said to his colleagues, "We must use new language, to do new things, in new places." Today those words resound in my heart knowing that there are millions of broken people just waiting for someone to listen and give them hope! I echo those words. Thank you Teddy for sharing your amazing life with us, and still now while you sleep, you continue to inspire me, you continue to inspire us, to live a life of service. I will see you see soon my brother and dear friend. In the mean time, I hold on to your words, as I strive,like you did, to fulfill the great commission, to leave a legacy that will impact the lives of many people, and that will honor and glory my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity. I hold on to your preciou swords, "We must use new language, to do new things, in new places."
"16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
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