LIFElines Through Language Studies & Music

Lillie used her position as English professor at the university in Singapore to build relationships with her students.  The students admit that, at the beginning, they were only interested in learning English.  After all, mastering the English language would help them become more successful in their chosen careers.  So, they were hungry to learn English and learn it well.  But Lillie had more in mind than just teaching them English.  She made sure they were always welcome in her apartment.  Her door was always open for visits and "learning more English".  Lillie would use the Bible as the text for reading.  She took them to church and then held discussion sessions afterwards to see how much they had gleaned from the sermon.  This opened many doors for training hearts, not just minds, as they began to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  And then there is the Handbell Choir.  Lillie had purchased and taken to Singapore, four octaves of handbells.  A group of about 15 became Lillie's music students as they learned how to ring the handbells.  The goal was for all to attend each practice and performance.  No excuses.  If you attended, learned the music, then Lillie promised a trip to the United States.  Not one person missed.  Not for family events, school or any other reason.  They were motivated by the idea of traveling to the States.  They became proficient at the bells, even though they had never had any formal music training.  Lillie color coded the music for them and directed them as they played.  They performed on TV in Singapore and many other venues.  And then, the big trip to the States became a realization.  They performed at many churches and were able to stay at homes of the church members in the States.  This gave them the opportunity to practice their English and, more importantly, testify to how they came to know Christ.   Eventually, all of the handbell choir members came to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, confessing Him as Lord.  Once again, the LIFEline had been cast.  Cast among students eager to learn....and learn they did.

Having it all...

Let's continue this discussion of "LIFElines".  Lillie's influence is, and has been, far-reaching.  One lady shares that her mother was discipled by Lillie.  They met regularly for Bible study and prayer.  However, as a young, ambitious and very successful businesswoman, she didn't see any need to join them.  She was happy in her job and well on her way to making a lot of money.  She could go anywhere and do anything she wanted, so Bible study was not a priority.  In her view, she already "had it all".  But when things began to change, she started looking for answers.  She realized that she didn't have it all.  There was something missing, something that money and success could not buy.  She picked up her mother's Bible and began to read.  She read it cover to cover.  "Maybe the answers are here", she mused.  She met Lillie and began Bible study with her.....and she began to hunger for more.  She found that she enjoyed Bible study.  "The Bible is so interesting" and "Lillie was so full of knowledge", she said.  Lillie encouraged her to come and visit at any time.  She took this invitation seriously, and spent time discussing the Word with Lillie, asking her questions and discovering the way things work in God's economy.  Ultimately, she realized that the answers were found in the Bible....that Jesus was God's Son who came to pay the penalty for her sin, and that through His life, she could truly live.  She prayed to accept Christ and then experienced the most incredible peace she had ever known.  Even in the face of many troubles, she had "fantastic peace."  Today, she reflects on that time and gives praise to God that Lillie cast a LIFEline, through her mother, to her.....and beyond.