God has called home a special saint.

Guilf Pederson was a spiritual giant, although bodily weakened through his progressive rheumatic condition.

He wa a dear friend to all, who loved the Lord, and called on His name.

His faith in his Sovereign Lord never flinched; despite pain, discomfort, and limitation.

His wife ,Ruth, rose and rolled him over several times each night, to make him comfortable. He never complained over the long years of growing disability.

He witnessed to doctors of all specialities of his trust in their judgment; and of the Lord who was his Life. Eternity will reveal how God used his many visits to the Repatriation ( Veteran's ) hospital.

When friends visited, Guilf would suggest a round of prayer ( a powerful, forgotten tool ) which he always led. The presence of Christ was clearly felt during those hallowed moments.

He loved clean sports: knew the competitors whether AFL ( Australian football League ) or Australian Test cricket players. The Lord provided this for the many hours confined to that multipositional chair. Yet, the things of God always occupied first place with his servant.

Guilf had a profound grasp of the Holy Bible, which always rested alongside of him. His delight was to discipline many young people over the Word of God, insisting that they memorise many mighty verses of the Word. He followed the Navigators' directions, and families at his commemoration service spoke of the blessing of hiding Scripture in their heart.

Guilf prayed regularly and earnestly for missionaries, who were so dear to him. He kept a pile of missionary magazines and letters alongside, as fuel for prayer. Infinitely precious in the sight of Him , the Mediator at the throne. Understandably, three of their children served the Lord in Pakistan, Philippines, and Venuata.

For years they invited missionaries from Pakistan to live with them. Of course, they called them 'Father and Mother', so close was the oneness in Christ Jesus.

The missionary children found adopted grandparents in Guilf and Ruth.

Guilf loved the truth that our Lord Jesus Christ would come for His bride ( the Rapture ) and that the Lord would transform his grotesquely - deformed hands and feet when he received the resurrection body from his Lord.

On Christmas Day, he requested a few moments to preach the gospel of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, so dear to his heart, to all the members of his family, reminding them of the real heaven and hell, and pleading that he would meet them all in heaven. Prophetic? Rather! For within days he was in the immediate presence of his King.

Guilf adored his beloved wife, his life-partner, Ruth, and cherished her strongly. When he prayed, he anticipated that Ruth would follow him in prayer. They encouraged each othe marvellously.

He is absent from the body; but present with the Lord.