Why Israel?

When asked what made her retire in Israel, Annie said, “When God called me to Israel in 1973, He spoke to me through Psalm 121:8.” Annie quoted the familiar passage by heart, “The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” “These words, like a compass, have guided my life in Israel, and I take them literally. Forevermore—this is a life commitment.” And it was. Annie passed away at the Ebenezer Home in July 2023.

Annie’s Faithfulness

It was amazing to listen to so many who gave testimony of Annie’s life. To hear of how she blessed and served others was truly humbling. Annie never wanted to speak much about what she did: It was simply between her and the Lord. But, one by one, people stood up at her funeral and shared about her life. I couldn’t help but marvel at this godly woman and the lives she touched. She truly lived out her faith in both the smallest and biggest of ways. For her, it wasn’t just about being a midwife (which she loved!) and delivering all those families’ children … it was about eternity. She cared most about where they would spend eternity.

But her compassion and love didn’t stop where most people’s does. If Annie knew someone needed something and she could provide it, she did just that, even if it meant she went without. She was always placing others’ needs above her own.
At the Ebenezer Home, Annie continued to live a life of faithfulness. She was blind, but that didn’t stop her. She almost never complained. Each day, she would gather with another resident and pray. Everyone knew that during certain hours, you just never bothered them. It was a sacred time.

As Minnie shared about the life lessons that Corrie ten Boom taught them, it was evident that Annie took these to heart. Like Corrie, Annie had compassion for those less fortunate than herself. During her younger years, she would often come home late. Some would wonder why, but then they soon found out. Annie wouldn’t just go home after her shifts at work; she would go visit others who were less fortunate or sick. Annie believed everyone was important, and wanted them to know that Someone greater than all loved them, regardless of the situation or who they were.

Continuing to Serve at Ebenezer

Once at the Ebenezer Home, Annie’s ministry of visiting people didn’t stop. Each day, she would make her way down to the first floor (Ebenezer’s medical floor) and sit with the residents. It didn’t matter to her if they knew who she was, or if they’d even remember that she came to visit them. She would simply come and sit with them, encourage them, pray with them, and sing to them … day after day. It wasn’t until she herself had a heart attack (days before her death) and physically could no longer go, that she stopped. She missed those visits, and continued to pray where she was.

Taking These Lessons to Heart

We can learn a lot from the dedication of the Father’s servants in different places. I am sure that each one of you has your own little secrets of serving ... moments between just you and the Master, serving and being poured out before Him like an offering. Paul reminds us of this in Philippians 2:17, “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” In this way, we too are consumed in His service wherever He places us.

We continually see the prayer warriors bowing before God’s throne. Annie especially would stand in the gap and pray together with others at the Home. Yes, she prayed for all those who were maybe unknown to her by name, but who stand in the gap for the Ebenezer Home—and this is you, my dear brothers and sisters. Thank you for standing in the gap for the Home! Sending you greetings from all residents and the team.