She Was A Missionary In The Truest Form

Today's post in our “Honoring Martha” series comes from Amie Fallon Bushnell. If you'd like to participate, please email your tribute to Grandma to me at staciemknapp@gmail.com. Also, if you have any pictures you'd like to contribute, please email them to me as well.

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After reading all that everyone wrote, the thing that keeps popping into my mind, is Grams' devotion to God. She was a missionary in the truest form. Grams never went all that far from home, with the exception of her trip to Israel. Even there, she was in awe of her God. She kept saying that she could not believe she was walking where Jesus had walked...I pray she does so again soon.

Grandma in Israel

Grams' mission field was her small sphere of influence in Unadilla NY, and the heart of every child she had contact with. We have all remembered the car loads of children she carted to Sunday school. When we stayed with her we always had to leave early so she could make her stops, picking up children all over town. She worked tirelessly as a Sunday school teacher. Though she worked full-time during the week, she found time to prepare her lessons and spend her Sunday serving and teaching others about her Jesus. Sacrifice seemed an easy thing for her. She gave up her time for so many over the years.

Left to right....Stacie, Eric, Amie, Grandma, Mike, and Aunt Betty's arm.

Left to Right....Heather, Madi, Grandma, Terry, and Bella

She was a missionary also in spirit, not just the physical. Her example was the beacon that drew others to her, and in turn, to Jesus. She loved, unconditionally. She loved those whom seemed difficult to love. She was the most patient person I knew of. She would avoid a fight at all costs. She was a peace lover, and oh so gentle. She was happiest when everyone else was happy and content. Kindness and Grams are synonymous in my mind. She was kind to all, even when they were not kind to her or others. And even when she wanted to let loose on someone, she didn't. Now there may have been times that she did, but not to my knowledge. She not only walked where Jesus walked in Israel, she followed his footsteps and his example each day, showing us all that it can in fact be done.

Grandma and Shannon

Grandma and Genna

Grams was a missionary, leading children to Jesus and showing other adults how to do the same thing. She didn't live in a foreign land but instead she focused her talents right here at home. Children flocked to her and she used that to show them her Jesus. I am one of those children (as are my sisters). I love her so deeply, and it was through her teaching and example, that I saw Jesus. And I continued to see Him through her and hope to pass those lessons on to my own daughter. Grams wanted that legacy to pass down through her family. She prayed that those she loved would find Jesus and the peace that He brings. She said so many times after I entered adulthood, that she was so happy that I married a Christian man and we were teaching our daughter to love Jesus too. I loved hearing her excitement when someone she had been praying for, found Jesus too. She was thrilled and always said with her sweet smile, "Praise the Lord."

Grandma, Bella, Madi and Aunt Lorraine

Thank you Grams for being a missionary to me and all those that you have touched. Thank you Grams for living your life for others and enriching all of ours. I know beyond any doubt that you will hear Jesus say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I love you so much!

Grandma cleaning the church

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Simply beautiful, Amie! I wish could be there when Jesus says those words to her!