The LORD is righteous and loves all the beautiful children that he has made. This weekend I had the privilege of celebrating and honoring the life and faithfulness of an amazing women of God. A celebration of life for Lisa K Kozak; after a 21 years of defying doctors prognosis about her cancer, Lisa was called home to live life eternal with Jesus. Lisa`s small and delicate body was finally overcome by cancer, however her faith in God and the power prayer extended her earthly life beyond belief! Diagnosed with breast cancer when her two children where very young Lisa`s desire was to live long enough to see them through school. By the grace of God, faith and prayers, granddaughter Tatiyanna (6ish), sang, "In The Garden," in tribute to her grandmother. There was not a dry eye in the room, Holy Spirit goosebumbs covered my entire body!
I first met Lisa through The Walk To Emmaus, I didn`t really know her, I just knew of her and the courage with which she battled cancer. Several years ago when she served as lay director for a weekend, I recall thinking, this woman is so sick with cancer how could she possibly do the job required of her? I am now convinced that her amazing strength and desire to please the LORD drove her beyond what most people could endure. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Lisa was very active at Connections Community Church, that I am attending. Several months ago, I joined a Friday night prayer group, I found myself praying right beside Lisa. It had been several years since I had seen her, it was quite noticeable that her cancer had progressed. Despite her frail and pale stature her spirit and desire for praying was gigantic! Selflessly she prayed, her true passion and ministry was prayer.
The day that she and her husband received the news that there was no more doctors could do and Hospice was the next step, Bruce drove Lisa to Boscov`s for a beauty makeover. This outing produced the very photo to be used on her memorial bulletin. What courage! Pastors, Alan, Kari and Lori battled tears as they delivered Lisa`s eulogy. Much of the scriptures were highlighted and read from Lisa`s bible. Kari, shared Lisa`s concern for "all to be prepared to meet Jesus."
Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, "declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.......John 14: 18-19 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. Revelation 21:6-7 He said to me; "It is done, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
In true Emmaus style, the ceremony ended with all present, hand in hand singing "The LORD`S Prayer." I left the service in silence, thinking what an amazing woman.
Even though I never got to personally know Lisa, I knew her very well. I knew her spirit and her love for our savior JESUS CHRIST. I thank God for the life of such a faithful servant and prayer warrior! I was so blessed, I prayed with Bruce at church the day before Lisa passed, thank you God for directing my steps to Connections Community Church. What an incredible church family! Blessing and peace, for husband Bruce, son John, daughter Lesley, granddaughter Tatiyanna and Lisa`s entire family and many beloved friends. Amen
LISA K. KOZAK OCTOBER 26, 1956 - JUNE 18, 2012
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