Dear Friends

Yesterday, (August 13) at about 9:30 am, Bill went to be with the Lord.

Yes, we are so very, very sad, but we are also filled to overflowing with gratitude. My daughter Gracie and I were with him for that beautiful last hour, a quiet, peaceful time spent holding his hand, talking to him about his "walk with Jesus through the valley" and expressing so many loving, tender things. After a long struggle with metastatic cancer, through many defeating moments and with so much pain to suffer, he passed ever so gently and sweetly. We can now rejoice in our relief that Bill is in Heaven; picturing him there has given me so much peace.

As always, Bill wanted things to be simple. We will have a private family burial at Ft. Bliss Memorial Cemetery. Then, we will celebrate a memorial service at Grace Chapel, where our friends and family can join us for songs, prayer, a message and some simple remembrance of Bill's life. The date, time and information about that service are listed below.

Bill's life of service to Jesus was important to him to the last. Instead of flowers, food, gifts or the countless thoughtful things that are done in times like these, he asked only that those who are desiring to commemorate him might instead send a donation to Avant Ministries in support of the missionaries we have committed to support over the years.

I am held up during this time by the Grace of the Lord. Your prayers and expressions of love and support are so greatly appreciated, and I know I will be supported in the coming months by continuing work with "The Jesus Team" at the Village Oaks Assisted Living Home, our Tuesday bible class, my nursing duty at the Baptist Clinic, my ministry of cards and letters, and any other opportunity that presents itself to continue the work we were first called to do so many years ago. Please know that I am so very comforted by the love that sustained me and Bill together these past sixty years.

With this letter, you will find one of Bill's messages, (read it here), transcribed faithfully and lovingly by my daughter Shirley who is now on her way to El Paso. I am pleased to be able to share it with you all. God bless you all and thank you for your prayers.

Gladis

Memorial Service for Bill Gibson
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Grace Chapel
7601 Wilcox, El Paso, Texas 79915