Mama Peggy with Jimmy (right) and their local studentA memorial Service was conducted on Wed 21st January at 7pm at Xita International Christian Fellowship. Almost 200 people who called Peggy as their mama, friend, role model, have gathered for the memorial service. Of these, about 70% were locals. We had translators who translated the messages at service from English to Chinese and vice versa. Franklins were members of the Shenyang International Fellowship.
Elder Dr. Emmanuel Decker served as MC during the service said; “it is natural thing to feel sad because we will miss Peggy. On the other hand however, we are comforted because she is with the Lord and those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus will see her again one day. We are here to remember Peggy and honor her service and commitment to the Lord in this harvest yard”.
A close friend of Franklins, Mrs. Sandi Shaffett said, “one of the Peggy’s favorite things to do is to share the love of God with others and because of that, we are all here today. Another favorite thing she does is to memorize scriptures even the entire Book or Chapter and read it out from the heart so we will read these scriptures now, John 14:1-4, 1Thes 4:13-18, Rev 21: 1-5”.
There were many people who have atleast something to say about Peggy’s life and how she had influenced and inspired their lives. On behalf of all this, only 3 local friends gave their testimonies.
Here is the first person. “2 years ago, I came to know Peggy and Jimmy Franklins. Their lives inspired me. I found something interesting in their lives. They led me to the Lord and I praise God for mama Peggy's life. Mama Peggy has laid her life down for this land. Her death in this land, instead of living in the US and die there, will force me to do more for the Lord so that my friends and people around me will come to know the Lord.
The second person Simeng said, she came to know Fanklins long time ago. Simeng has been with Peggy even from the first day she got ill. Peggy came to China to spread the love of God. IF she would still be in the United States, she would live this day (tears). Peggy laid down her life for this land. As you all know, Peggy is tolerant, she has a character that few people poses. When I go to Franklin's house, I feel loved. When Peggy first came to China, she always say, Shangdi ai ni (God loves you). China is Peggy's home and a fellowship that she started will grow by the grace of God”, Simeng said.
The last person testified that Peggy has won the race. She laid down her life for us. She is truly a hero. When I first meet her, I was not a believer. She was always positive and I admired her character and that led me to become a believer.
Jimmy Franklin thanked all for their support and even coming to the memorial service to show the love and care for his family. He appreciated you all encouragers, contributors, condolence message senders and friends. Peggy gave her life to the Lord when she was 9 years old. She then attended some missionary classes during her young years. Peggy was trained to be a nurse. Jimmy is an Engineer. “We worked in several countries in the Military and shared the love of God”, Jimmy recalled, while mentioning many places that they lived and worked for the Lord. He said China was in Peggy's heart. When we were on vacation, she would always ask, when are we going to China? Lord had a plan that Peggy's life would be taken back from the Nation of her heart. Franklins celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last summer.
Peggy and Jimmy with their beloved local friends
The message
Steve Lily shared the memorial service message. Steve said it was incredible to know how Lord used Peggy to transformed lives. Peggy's testimony is a life well lived. She had a life driven by purpose and had a purposeful life. He shared from Proverbs 31 and said; Peggy's life is wonderfully described by this. Death is an enemy but tomb is not the final word. Jesus conquered death and because He lives, we all shall live. Death is a process where Believers in the Lord are being transformed. We are not worthy to go to heaven because we are sinners and fall short of the glory of God. We cannot do anything to stop the judgment of God. But Jesus did it on the cross that we shall live with him in Heaven.
Condolence messages from all over the world.
The following are the condolence messages being received from people all over the world who know Franklins and in one way or another; Franklins have been a blessing to them.
1. From Bbandama & Olive
Dear beloved Shenyang Fellow, Please allow us to express our sincere and heart felt condolences over the passing away of our dear friend and mother in the Lord, Peggy Franklin. She was indeed a true light and source of comfort to many. The Lord allowed us to meet them last summer while they were in the States-how precious are the memories we have of her and Jimmy. We will miss her until we are able to meet again in Heaven. In Him, Bbandama & OliveTulsa, Oklahoma
2. From Agabu and Hellen,
Our deepest Condolences to Jimmy and Shenyang international fellowship. May the Lord be with you (Shenyang international fellowship), Jimmy and his family in this difficulty time. May her soul rest in peace. For we know that Peggy is a Child of God and she is God hands right now.
Regards, Agabu, Hellen, Kumbu, Sarah and Deborah, Kitwe, Zambi
3. From Carol and George
It is indeed sad to learn that such an inspirational child of God go to be with the Lord. We join everyone in wishing Jim God's comfort and strength is this trying moment, the SYICF and other family members. Over and above that, we draw comfort and assurance that she is indeed sitting next to Jesus in heaven because of what we experienced with her. May the Lord of all nations be with Jim and all of us forever and ever, AMEN!!! !
Carol & George, Zambia.
4. From Bro Solomon
Hi Shenyang brethren,
so sorry to know that we have lost such a wonderful woman of God, a mother and a friend.We shall indeed miss her fellowship but hope to see her some day at the Jesus' feet and fellowship again.My sincere heart felt condolences to Bro Jimmy and the rest of the family.I pray that the Lord will fill the gap that Sister Peggy left in the family.
We mourn but not as those who have no hope.We have a living hope in Christ and that we shall meet again on the other side.
We love her but God loves her most.
Solomon,
Freetown,Sierra leone.
5. From Mwenya,
Dear All,
I would like to convey my condolences to Jimmy. I remember Peggy as a somebody that was so friendly with everyone and also how she made everybody feel so welcome. May God give Jimmy and his family strength in this difficult period.
Mwenya,
Zambia
Mwenya
6. From Idem Lagos
Hi Brethren! Mama Peggy had won many souls for the Kingdom. She'd borne many spiritual sons and daughters. What a satisfying life of purpose!It's a challenge to me. She must be rejoicing with the saints who went before her.May her gentle soul rest in peace! May the Lord comfort Jimmy!Bassey IdemLagos, Nigeria
7. From Gilbert and Constance Mateeka,
Dear beloved Shenyang fellowship.
We share with you the grief of the loss of our sister friend and mum. Peggy was a lovely mother and friend of all; very freely interacting with every member of fellowship with an infectious smile. The memories of her smile and motherly concern are as fresh as though I saw her yesterday yet its now about six years since. She lived "heart prints" on every soul in her vicinity. It was a purpose driven life. She fought a good fight, run the race, kept the faith and has gone for her crown!! The only way to mourn her best is to emulate her example. We shall meet her in glory.God bless you. Gilbert and Constance Rugarama, Kabale Uganda
8. From Paul and Sue Lehmann, Australia (working in El Salvador)
Please pass on our love to Jim. Both he and Peggy will always be very dear to us. Whenever we mention the idea of true ev's, their names are first mentioned. Love, Paul and Sue
9. From Marcel
Hello Shenyang brethren! I am saddned to hear about the death of Mama Peggy. A spirtual mum.I could remember her. She was such a kind, a gentle soul. She was a big blessing to many. My sincere condoleances to Jimm and family. May God strengthen them during this difficult time. But I have a living hope that we shall meet in heaven. And God bless you all. Sincerely. Brother Marcel.
10. From Monica MbeweLusaka-Zambia
Hi to you all in Shenyang, I note the death of mama Peggy with sadness. Though we last had fellowship together some years back, l still remeber her for her ever gracious smile that gave comfort to many of us in the fellowship. Her dedication to the spiritual welfare of the the fellowship are virtues never forgotten She ran the race and the crown is hers, so we find comfort in that May God strengthen Jimmy and Family during this trying moment. Monica MbeweLusaka-Zambia
11. From Clarisse & Justin
Dear brethrens ,
We're sorry to hear the lost of Mama Peggy, our dear mum. We will miss her hugs and the love that she showed to those around her , but we are comforted because we know that she is with God , that we shall see her again . We're praying for brother Jimmy and family , we're praying for Shenyang fellowship as well that God will continue to comfort .
We love you
clarisse & Justin
12. From Christopher T
Dear Jimmy,
I will like to extend my heartfelt condolence to you and your family for the big lose. Mama Peggy was a light among the millions that God Has been using to change our world and in the small community where we worship in.I would like to say that you take heart and the Holy spirit will continue to strengthen you and feel you so that you don't get weary with the stress of Peggy's death. May her soul rest in the lord jesus Christ,.
Christopher T,
Cameroon
Note: Her photos are taken from peggyinchina.photo.163.com
Hi, thanks for asking. They have fellowship on Sundays from 10 am to 12 noon. U can ask leader Robin on rag_dei@hotmail.com, or call peter on 13199568773. Thanks and Lord bless. Jeffers
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