A fine example

Yesterday I conducted a memorial service for an old saint from St Augustine's Moreland - Dorothy Duver. I remember meeting this tiny old lady about 6 years ago when St Jude's was in partnership with Moreland. She was a faithful attender, quite hard of hearing, unobtrusive, and at first glance not particularly outstanding. How wrong appearances can be.

It was wonderful yesterday to hear story after story of Dorothy's influence in people's lives. She was born up near Ararat and came to Melbourne in 1950's to become a Deaconess. We don't know if she ever did the study, but she soon started work for the Bush Church Aid society ending up cooking for the hospital in Ceduna. She as a great cook (never cooking the same dessert twice in a year!). Later she cooked and kept house for CMS at St Andrew's Hall.

But what is most remarkable was her diligence in ministering to people's spiritual needs. A faithful pray-er, she never missed her quiet time. She would counsel people on the telephone and was a tireless visitor. We know that she pounded the pavements throughout Coburg, telling people about her church - just knocking on door after door, greeting, praying and inviting people to church.

I met one lady at the service who counts Dorothy as the one who led her to Christ, by visiting her when she moved into the area, and continuing to do so, showing care when her mother had died, and praying for her to come to faith. She did. Today she loves the Lord because of Dorothy's unassuming faithfulness.

Once she was visiting relatives on her annual visit to the country. After the visit she left behind her shoes and her Bible. When she realised she rang the family and said - "please post my Bible to me, I'll get the shoes next year". And she did.

I came away, so encouraged and uplifted having learned more about this great saint. How just like God to use a quirky, forthright, tiny slip of an old lady, to bless his people and grow his kingdom. Thanks be to God for Dorothy Duver.