You are here
The Easter Man
When Val Anderton’s father died it began a journey to a new life for her to meeting ‘the Easter Man’.
On Sunday 27 April I went to the Easter service at the Salvation Army with my little dog Sophie. There were three dogs there—my own and two others, all well behaved. At church a friend gave me a new easy-to-read Bible as an Easter gift. The Val of 12 months ago would shake her head in disbelief at the Val who now goes to church.
In May 2014, my dad Joe, my best friend, my mentor and strength, passed away at 94. When he died, all I had believed in died with him. I was lost and alone. Sophie tried hard to help me, never leaving my side, but she could not talk to me as my dad did.
Feeling empty and alone, I started talking to Sharon, the manager at ‘Sallies on Wycola’, the Hornby Salvation Army Family Store. Sharon was always ready to listen. In time I became a shop volunteer. It was therapeutic and got me amongst people again, gave me something worthwhile to do.
When collectors were needed for the Red Shield Appeal I agreed to help with Sophie at my side. Sharon told me I needed to come to the following Sunday meeting to collect a certificate. She said it would look good in my CV. Sophie was given a certificate too.
From then on there was always another reason to attend. Before long I was attending regularly because I really loved the singing and the sermons and the way the officers were so in touch with people. And they were happy to have my wee mate attend as well. I was hooked!
When soldiership classes were held I attended and was enrolled as an adherent. It was my way of saying, ‘I belong here.’
Over Easter there were services relating to different aspects of the Easter story. On Good Friday, a wooden cross had been erected. At some point in the service I knelt before that cross and wept for Jesus who had been nailed there so long ago.
I shed tears of sorrow for the pain he suffered for my sins. The more I became aware of his suffering the taller he grew and the smaller I became until before that cross I felt like a child sitting at my Father’s feet gazing up at him.
I felt his presence touch me and I knew I was his. I knew I had to follow him. I left church that day a changed person.
On Easter Saturday there were prayer stations and more tears. At one station we were invited to pray and light a candle for someone we missed. I wept for my father who had died just two years earlier. I felt sad, but I knew he would be happy that I had found a way forward.
On Easter Sunday, church was a place of celebration for the resurrection of Jesus. For me, it was a personal celebration that I too was now one of Jesus’ many followers.
At Easter 2016, I met the Easter Man and he changed my life for good. I now have a relationship with God because of Jesus. I have given myself over, placed myself in his hands and now I trust him to guide me.
By Val Anderton (c) 'War Cry' magazine, 3 September 2016, pp 9
You can read 'War Cry' at your nearest Salvation Army church or centre, or subscribe through Salvationist Resources.