In honour of two wonderful people…Colleen Jack Pendleton & her Father Chief Jerry Jack Sr.

This weekend was the Memorial Potlatch for Chief Jerry Jack Sr. and his daughter (and my good friend) Colleen Jack Pendleton.  Their lives were cut short; Jerry in a First Nations Canoe Accident and Colleen with a Heart Virus; so this post is dedicated to my friend and my sister.

As their lives were celebrated this weekend in Port Alberni, I was remembering many gifted moments of friendship.  Colleen was a rare treasure indeed.  A beautiful First Nations woman who loved her family and the culture of her family, but who had openly received and shared the beautiful gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I remember many moments in time… 

I know she was one of those faithful Christians women who prayed everyone they knew into the Kingdom of God… myself and my two girls included.  She told me once, that even before she had met us, she would see us sitting by our patio window as she would go into her church.  When she saw us, she would lift us all before the LORD… and thankfully, God answered her prayers!!

I remember going with her to help serve at potlatches in Gold River, and she would always introduce us all as “Her Christian Brothers and Sisters.” She touched my heart and truly was one of our family.  I remember the Halibut Cheeks and the Hooligan Oil (that I never dared to try!), and the many hours in preparation for the parties.

I also recall Tetley Tea (in the circle bags) being the ONLY tea as far as Colleen was concerned.   And I remember teaching Colleen to drive an automobile.  She would practice on the roads on the Gold River reserve and of course, she would take every opportunity to pray as we did so.  We spent many a night there doing a Kids’ Club as well.

I remember tense moments running alongside her towards her burning trailer as we prayed “God, let nothing precious be destroyed”… and God answered our prayers in such a beautiful way.  No one was hurt, only one room in her home was damaged and a very special photograph, in the midst of the fire, remained undamaged.  God truly had protected all that was precious.

And, of course, there were the various trips down island for the Renewal Meetings, Retreats and Christian Fellowship.  We took part in Birthday Parties,  Baptisms, BBQs, Prayer Meetings, Kids’ Clubs, Potlatches, Shopping Trips (especially when it came time for one of the Jack Family parties!!) and much, much more.  I especially remember the joy of “Cleansing and Filling Prayers” while in Campbell River and Alexander’s “Gold fillings and no cavities” with all the Glory going to God.

I remember holding Colleen’s Wedding Shower at our home and finally meeting her long lost love, the elusive Steve Pendleton, for the first time.  What Steve must have thought about us crazy Christian women as we convinced them to don that new type of headdress!  (What great sports they both were.)    It was always a special time when her Father Jerry Jack Sr. would come along as well.  The conversation was always filled with questions and stories… and lots of laughter… and yes, even a few tears over the time, but Love was truly in the House.

Then when Colleen and Steve finally were able to tie the knot, I cried as I watched my girls standing alongside them as flower girls. She was finally able to share her Covenant Wedding Vows with her man Steve.  What a journey that was, but God brought honourable, true love to fruition and He was glorified through her faithfulness in the process.

We didn’t see as much of Colleen after her move with Steve to Neah Bay, but occasionally she would travel back up to visit her sons and her beautiful grandbabies!! Or we would get together for an occasional camping trip or another one of those parties.

Colleen was a true blessing to all who knew her and she is greatly missed by family and friends.  Fortunately, no one could doubt her faith in her LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ… We all know that we will meet again one day.  God just wanted her to join Him a little bit earlier than we had thought possible.  I am sure Colleen is there, alongside Jesus, interceding for all of us and, I suspect, even trying to convince God that Tetley Tea belongs in heaven too.

Thank you Colleen for touching our lives so completely. May your family and friends continue to be blessed by the prayers that you have raised and by the love that you have shared. God bless!