On Thursday I attended the Memorial Service for Neill Robinson, who ministered here at DMC from 2008-2011. Neill’s son, Andrew, gave the most moving, beautiful and captivating tribute I have yet heard at a memorial service. His honesty had us in tears and his humour had us in stitches of laughter. Neill’s final moments were agonising and traumatic for the family and yet I came away agreeing with John Wesley’s belief: “Our people die well”.
Neill died well. His final days were spent at AMCARE’s hospice. AMCARE[1] is an organisation Neil started during his time in Alberton. He’d seen the ministry bear fruit, and at the end, enjoyed that fruit in a very personal way.
Colleen, who also spoke beautifully at the service, described a recent conversation. Neill had said to her, “I am dying you know”. “Yes, I know” she replied. “But we have lived and loved well”, said Neill. Neill died well because he had lived well – his life was characterised by grace and love.
In the final hour Colleen prayed for a sign that God was with them. Soon afterward their family doctor arrived unexpectedly saying: “I’m not sure why I am here but I felt I must come right away”. Five minutes later he was able to pronounce that Neill’s earthly life had come to an end.
Remembering Neill’s ministry we hear Paul’s words, that we read on Sunday, more clearly: “the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest…”(Gal. 6:8b-9).
God Bless, Sean
[1] You can read more about the AMCARE here. Donations to AMCARE, in lieu of flowers, can be made here