More info at:
www.mission2sa.org or
caub@aworldaware.org
Dear Family and Friends
In Stu's diary he had written '44 years in
South Africa' on that tragic day of 5 May 2010. Under things to do, he
wrote, 'buy new Bible'. Marked in his old Bible was the number of times he
had read the Old Testament (111) and the New Testament (222), this excluded
the number of times he read just chapters or pages. This is an awesome
testimony of a man who absorbed the word of God and lived it. He stood
rooted like a tree planted by the river. He was immovable and only Christ
could move him. Forty-four years to the date of his first arriving in South
Africa, God called Stu home.
An amazing story of a servant who chose to
serve the Lord in a foreign land, far from the country he loved and
cherished. His commitment and faithfulness is unprecedented in Africa. Over
the years we have seen missionaries come and go, but Stu and Marilyn have
stayed. This speaks volumes of Stu's passion to leave no stone unturned in
the purpose God had for him in South Africa. I'm sure he had unfinished
business, but we know one thing is for sure, he exhausted all of his talents
and I guess God knew. The work he started still continues, the seeds that
were sown are still being reaped. His works will follow him eternally
according to the word he loved and trusted in.
Looking back, we see more clearly now how
Stu was preparing for something greater. Changes were made to ensure that
his ministry would continue to grow. God's timing was perfect
–
at just the right time (I'm sure the Apostle Paul had a say) God called him
home. America has lost a true son, South Africa had gained a giant, Heaven
received a great saint who was faithful to the end.
Besides the Bible Study he was to lead
that fateful night, he united people all over the world to prayer. The Bible
Study came to him and Marilyn, trapped in their vehicle for over one and a
half hours. The small congregation from 24 Rivers Church became united with
the body of Christ worldwide as they prayed around the vehicle, united
together in Him through Stu's death. A testimony Vaalwater will never ever
forget of death and victory. A sad earthly goodbye as angels ushered him
home in absolute glory. What remained was a heavenly peace in spite of the
tragedy. Rescue workers and police said they were amazed at the peace that
prevailed at the accident site.
Our hearts ache. The reality of our loss
is still to be realized. The focus on Marilyn has robbed us of the pending
grief of being able to comprehend a life without Stu. Marilyn's strength has
held back the tide of tears that need to flow. Our loss, but his victory
(emotions wage war). The reality is, his loss is our gain, as we have deep
footsteps to follow. He made the path for us to follow in. There is no
mountain high enough or sea deep enough. Only now do I realise just how far
we were behind him and the magnitude of just catching up to him. God sent a
man to Africa who was to change Africa forever. Some might say Livingstone,
but thousands will say Stu Cook. One of the things I appreciated the most is
that he was a true man's man – a cowboy, fighter and preacher, who showed no
fear or intimidation of any other man, who rolled up his sleeves at any hard
work that needed to be done. Hands on, robust, tanned by the African sun.
Men need to be men. Stu is our typical example of a man, and not just a man,
but a husband, father, brother and grandfather in the highest order of
example. Yes, we let go of our giant's hand. Something he always wanted us
to do as he pointed to the loving arms of Christ his saviour, our saviour,
now even in death strongly bonded together in Christ. How we long for that
day when we will meet again, no more tears, crying or dying, united together
forever.
As the world awoke at different times to
the tragic news, holy angels tended to Marilyn. Heaven was prepared – we
weren't I guess, but Stu was too. Marilyn's recovery has been miraculous.
God took care of the details in her remarkable healing process, physically,
spiritually and emotionally. The past three weeks have gone by on fleeting
wings and seem like a blimp in time. The amount of prayers worldwide gives
testimony of God's amazing love.
What I wanted to express in first writing
was our gratitude, appreciation and thankfulness for your support over the
past 44 years and for your love, prayers, messages and contributions
received over the last three weeks. I have written many thank you letters to
donors that know no boundaries in our appreciation. To write this letter on
behalf of the family – there are no words adequate enough. My skills in the
English language fail me. How does one say thank you for so much given, both
prayerfully and financially when we needed it most. The cry of our hearts
may be better understood in light of this verse from one of Stu's favourite
books in the Bible, Romans. "We do not know what we ought to pray, but the
Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And
He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit
intercedes for the saints according with God's will." May the Spirit express
our full appreciation to you where our words fail us, but where your spirit
may realize the depths of our gratitude, which goes beyond our vocabulary.
Your 44 years of support have been
justified, the books are closed, your rewards have been credited to your
account. In our praise of Stu, we realise that it's because of you. You are
all our heroes. Thank you for giving to the Lord. Stu's investment in us is
priceless. Your giving is priceless. May Stu's work continue through all of
us as we rise to the challenge Stu leaves us all with.
Malachi 3:11: "I will prevent pests from
devouring your crops, and the vines in your field will not cast their fruit,
says the Lord Almighty. Then all nations will call you blessed, for yours
will be a delightful land, say the Lord Almighty." Didn't Stu make it
delightful for all of us?
Love in Christ,
Billy (for Stu's family)
Billy
Wicks
Aletheia
International Ministries
Cell: 076
216 3618
