OLIVE HALLIDAY CARMICHAEL

Condolences & Memories (1 entries)

• October 8, 2013 Reflecting on the life of Olive Carmichael: Late last week, my wife Natalie and I landed in Quebec – her homeland. Around that same time, our dear friend Olive Halliday Carmichael landed on Heaven’s bright shore – her eternal homeland. We arrived here for 10 days of rest, and visiting donors, fellow missionaries, family, friends and supporting churches. Olive arrived in Glory to an eternal rest, and a celebration that will have no end as, together with the Family of God, she worships at our Saviour’s feet. While we are saddened that we will not be in Manitoba to share in today’s celebration of her life, we rejoice in the times we had with her while she was still with us. Natalie fondly remembers Olive sharing at the 2006 Missionary Orientation, causing a roar of laughter as she timidly commented, “I’m just a green Olive!” I remember the many times we would visit with her, whether in her home or at a Mission event – Olive always maintained a cheery disposition, even when things became difficult in her life. In one visit a few years ago where, in an effort to compliment her, I said, “You don’t look 94!” She responded, clearly annoyed, “I’m 95!” Toward the end of her life, it became increasingly difficult to communicate with Olive, as she was barely able to speak even at a whisper. So, we would share with her stories of what God was doing through CSSM Ministries, and bring her updates and greetings of people she knew from many years ago. And, as we would visit other Mission supporters from that era, the question always inevitably came, “How’s Olive doing?” Our last visit with her, just a short time ago, made it clear that her time on this earth would soon be over. She was quite unresponsive as we tried to speak with her. However, when we started to sing the hymns of the faith, Olive suddenly came to life and sang along – every word! Olive was, to us, a connection with the roots of this ministry. Having served under the leadership of its founder, John Lloyd Hunter, she understood the passion that drove CSSM’s founding. She knew firsthand the hardships that missionaries faced as they took the Gospel to boys and girls across our vast land. Today, as we reflect on her life, we can only imagine the vast cloud of witnesses that surround her to welcome her in Glory – the many men and women who, years ago, heard of Christ through Olive, and are today enjoying eternal life because of her sacrifice and witness. May Olive’s life encourage and motivate each of us to live daily a life that is focused on bringing Jesus to a world that so desperately needs Him! Sincerely, Harold Giesbrecht Public Relations/Development Coordinator CSSM Ministries - Manitoba - Posted by: Harold Giesbrecht (Friend) on: Oct 08, 2013