I’ve been around many religious people and born-again Christians who profess that there is life after death.

To believe this, one must have faith. To talk about faith is one thing, but living it when we are tested is another.

In my lifetime, I haven’t known many people who passed the test. When God allows you to experience faith in action, it is the most beautiful and convincing witness that touches lives.

Over ten years ago, God allowed Jeanne and me to meet a group of ladies from Vacherie who started the St. Francis of Assisi prayer group. Their purpose was to pray for their families, support the church and reach out to people in need.

Lola Mahler is one of the ladies instrumental in getting it organized.

In the year 2000, Lola’s husband, Boyd, was killed in an industrial accident. The love of her life was taken prematurely, leaving her with three children – Kandi, age 11, who is now married to Blake Falgoust and has a 18-month-old son named Boyd; Matt, 8; and Cindi, 4, who is now a sophomore at Nicholls State.  

With the hedge of protection provided by the prayer group, the people of the community, and her faith and love for the Lord, she accepted Boyd’s death knowing that “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.” Job 1:21.

A couple of years after that, Jeanne and I were invited to attend one of the group meetings on a Sunday afternoon. That was the beginning of a treasured relationship with Lola and all the ladies in the group. They have played an important role in God’s ministry of Get High on Life and have encouraged us as much as anyone.

Saturday before last, Mrs. Corrine Breaud, one of the ladies in the group, called early and gave us the news that Lola’s son, Matt, was killed in an accident.

I thought, “How devastating for Lola to have lost her husband and now her only son.”

Jeanne and I went to the house Saturday morning and as we were greeted by Lola she wept and I asked, “Are you going to be OK?”

“Yes, Mr. Harold, I’ll be OK. I know that I love my God and He loves me. I thank Him for the wonderful 22-and-a-half years I had with Matt. He was a great son, had a good personality and was liked by everyone.”

In the course of our short conversation, she told me, “We all have a cross to carry. I know it will be hard, but I know God loves me and He didn’t send me more than I can handle.”

Our purpose in going to the house was to encourage our friend, but we were the ones encouraged and blessed to see unconditional faith in action.

During the days before the funeral, the outpouring of love and compassion by the Vacherie community was unbelievable.

The amount of people who lined up at the church the night of the wake was the most I’ve ever seen, and the funeral Mass Thursday morning was beautiful, with a “standing room only” crowd.

Kandi and Cindi each did the eulogy and Matt’s godmother, Sharon, also shared a eulogy.

After the burial, people were invited to the church hall for food and fellowship. Like everything else that week, you could feel the hand of God in charge. 

The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to serve God. Jeanne and I witnessed people who had earned the right, because of their faith, to serve God. What a blessing!

 

 If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.