Harley's in Heaven

As many of you may have known by now, Dorothea Johnson, an 80 nurse from Overgaard, AZ who traveled with our Bibles For The World team passed away this evening in Manipur.  She never made it back to her home on earth, but, she is in heaven riding her Harley motorcycle with her husband on the golden streets--at least that's what I'd like to think she is doing right now.

Below is the latest release from my parents that I thought I would post for you all to read.  There will be more updates and pictures of the medical missions week along with more writings of the passing of Dorothea.


FROM THE DESK OF ROCHUNGA and MAWII PUDAITE:
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“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”  Ps. 116:15

Beloved ones,

We received the news that our precious sister, Dorothea Johnson, R.N., is with Lord.

We talked to John early this morning.  He and Lawm had gone to Imphal to see

Dorothea who was hospitalized and kept in the ICCU at RIMS Hospital in Imphal.  They gave us a good report that Dorothea had improved very much.  Her vital signs were up and she was cheerful. She even asked them how soon she would be discharged to return to USA.  They left her side, rejoicing and praising the Lord for answered prayers.

However, while they were still on the road, before reaching home in Sielmat, they received a call from Debory with the sad news that Dorothy suddenly took the turn for the worst and was gone!  As you can imagine, it was so shocking to Debory and Rachel who were with her.  They immediately called John and Lawm, who then immediately turned around and returned to the Hospital.

We feel everything, humanly possible, had been done by her beloved friend and roommate, Paula Bartels, R.N., our household members, the doctors, nurses and helpers at Sielmat and Imphal for Dorothea to try to save and lengthen her life on this earth and make her comfortable. Thousands of us - her brothers and sisters in Christ- in northeast India, Delhi and elsewhere were crying out loud, day and night, to the Lord for her recovery.  But, her times were in God’s hand and He has welcomed her into His arms, reunited with her beloved husband, Kenneth, in Heaven who passed away three years ago. Dorothea celebrated this year her 80^th year!

We will miss her, yes, we already do.  We thank God for the joy of knowing and loving her, and for the privilege of serving the Lord together in India.  She had come to northeast India, the second time, to give her volunteer service with JVMI & BFTW groups for the Medical Camp at Sielmat Christian Hospital. 

Her body has been brought to our home in Sielmat. Even though night had fallen, over 500 people received her at the entrance of Sielmat and from there the coffin was carried, as an honor and tribute to Dorothea, by the Youth of Sielmat and brought it to the house.  The youth - young men and women - are having a “Watch-Night” by her body, singing, praying and sharing all night long.  Her funeral will be at 10 A.M. India time.  There will be a farewell service at the house and a final Funeral Service by the grave. These services will be conducted by the leaders of our Partnership Mission and Church – the Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI).  Dorothea’s remains will be laid at rest at the Sielmat Cemetery.  Needless to say, we are grateful indeed to the Chief of Sielmat and the Authority of the Community of Sielmat. 

Our loss is Heaven’s Gain.  We watched her suffering with hope and prayer, and I must confess, with fear- fear of losing her, a beloved friend.   Dorothea is now beyond the pains and pangs of this our mortal life.  And someday, in God’s own good time, we shall see her again in Heaven, never more to say “Good Bye.” Oh, that will be glory!    With love, Ro and Mawii Pudaite