Maggie serves as the Assistant Coordinator for Childcare, North and recently reflected on the impact of one of our nursery care-givers who went to be with Jesus this past summer.—Pam Larson

How will you be remembered as bringing glory to God? North campus member, Marilyn Van Eerden will be remembered as one who lived the commands of Romans 12:11, “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit serve the Lord.”  Marilyn served many years mainly caring for our infants during MOMS (Making Our Mothering Significant), until about a year before she was diagnosed with cancer. I often heard her say, “Oh, I love those babies and I love to serve those mamas.”

While adjusting to life at a care facility, Marilyn was still zealous for the Lord. When I visited her, I foolishly thought I was going to comfort her. Instead, she served the Lord and taught me by praising God for anything and everything she could find to be thankful for. She knew Christ was with her, and she saw others through his eyes.

Marilyn was faithful as a mother to share Christ with her children, (her daughter, Lyndell Moberg, attends North Campus). She often shared with me her joy that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren know the Lord. As I witnessed them sending her songs, reading Scriptures, and praying with her during hospice, Psalm 145:4 came to mind: “One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.” She certainly passed on a godly heritage.  

I thank God for Marilyn’s life and the witness of 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace,” lived out in Marilyn’s life. The Lord called Marilyn home to see Jesus’ face to face on July 24. I believe a chorus of “Well done, good and faithful servant!” resounded, praising a life that brought glory to God.