Pastor Nancy Scott: A deep touch...

That is how I will remember my pastor Nancy, "a deep touch".
Nothing skin-deep about her life.
Her 'reach' was as wide as it was deep.

One theme repeated in tribute after tribute, "devoted to her Lord", and devoted to leading others to freedom in Christ, teaching, equipping, training. First to students at Ontario Bible College including many international students, and then to local church ministry. Her last missions stint was in Cambodia this summer where she held workshops for member care for former child sex slaves and those who cared for them. Many experienced healing freedom under her care.

Her memorial service today was packed out, but in any case would never be able to contain the thousands of people who have been affected by her ministry via the ripple effect of passing on her teaching. The closest picture I can give of her to fellow bloggers would be someone like Lidj of Crown of Beauty. Amazingly gifted with discernment, she spoke with the peace and authority of one who knew her identity in Christ, who knew her Christ. My husband said that when Nancy prayed, you knew something was happening in the spiritual realm.

In fact, I am testimony to that. Almost 12 years ago, while in the grip of post-partum depression and with a 6-mth-old and 5-yr-old, I had been hospitalized with stomach pains. It was one of the most horrible experiences I can remember. I was sent home without surgery. When I got home, the pain returned along with a horrible fear. I called Nancy. She asked me what my greatest fear was. I told her. She asked, "So what if it did happen?" "Well", I replied, "I guess I would just go through it." "Yes", she said, "you would". Then she said, "let us pray". As she prayed with authority against any weapon formed against me, the pain disappeared completely. I held my breath for quite a while, wondering if it would return. It did not. Instead, a peace came.

Again and again, I heard her say in the midst of terrible circumstances, "So what?"

Here is an excerpt from the memorial service:
"...There is not enough paper nor enough  ink to tell of her deep love for and trust of her Heavenly Father, her commitment to be obedient to Him, and to do and say whatever He appointed her to do and say. Nancy had a deep well of prayer which grew from her life commitment of listening and being obedient to her God. Prayer was an ordinary everyday thing for Nancy. On her recent mission trip to Cambodia, her word of advice was to be prepared to preach or pray at a moment's notice...."

Do we still need her 'giftedness' in our church? Absolutely! But she has been passing on her eternal legacy for years, equipping, training, leading, freeing our women at RAC. God has determined her work was done. I cannot help but look forward to the fruit of her obedience. Today, I sensed that people were profoundly moved to make each day count, to live their lives fully for Him, in His Word, in prayer, and in service.

Finally, the day we heard she was hospitalized, as I prayed, I saw Nancy's face in my 'mind's eye'. There was the softest, most radiant glow, and her eyes were shining as she beheld the Sun of Righteousness. Always bringing joy to all she encountered, her joy is now complete.

Thank you, Nancy. I wish you could have been my mentor. I wish I could feel your touch on my arm once more as you walk through the sanctuary or foyer proclaiming blessings on my week. Your look and touch always made me feel valuable.
Goodbye for now.

Proverbs 31...(excerpts-Amplified Bible)

¹⁰A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.

¹²She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.

¹⁷She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.

    ¹⁸She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].

²⁰She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].

²⁵Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!

    ²⁶She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

    ²⁷She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.

    ²⁸Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],

²⁹Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.

    ³⁰Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting],

but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!