These two members of the body of Christ going to be with the Lord within a day of each other is somewhat fitting. Those of us who knew Frank and Linda knew that they were very close friends for the past several years. In fact, their friendship was about as close as two people could be without being married. They talked with each other on the phone almost daily while their health allowed, even from hospital beds on two different floors of the same hospital at the same time! Frank and some of his family members, through associations with his doctor's office, were instrumental in bringing Linda to Christ.

Frank Batchelor

Frank was baptized into Christ on December 1, 1946, by Lonnie Polk, and, as best our limited judgment can tell, was faithful to the Lord until his passing last Tuesday, May 15, 2007. As long as I knew Frank, he loved being at church services and studying the Bible in the atmosphere of fellowship with God and His people. When his health would not allow him to attend, he would often say, "I can't wait until I can get better so I can come to church again." Truly, he was an example to us all.

Hands of Commitment

During the last few days of Frank's life on this earth, one physical feature that stood out as I observed was his hands. While the rest of his body grew weaker in strength and appearance, his hands maintained their size, which actually made them look large compared to the rest of his body. As I looked at his hands, I thought of the commitment those hands symbolized.

Frank was committed to his country. During World War II, he was not accepted into the military because of a bad leg. However, he helped save our country by building fighter plane engines. Though each was rigorously tested, not a single engine that his hands built was recalled.

Frank was committed to his family. He often talked about the love of his life, Thelma, and her tremendous faith in God. Together, they had three lovely daughters. Their second daughter died at a young age. Through all the ups and downs, Frank's hands cradled his family with loving support.

Frank was committed to the Lord. He showed his love for God in many ways. The two most obvious were the love he showed for his family (Eph. 6:4) and his love for the word of God. He was an encourager to those who labored in the Lord, and he appreciated sound preaching and Bible studies. This last commitment of Frank's gives us comfort, assurance, and greater motivation to serve God.

Linda Storey

Linda was baptized into Christ on November 14, 2001, by Gene Elmore, and, as best our limited judgment can tell, was faithful to the Lord until her passing last Wednesday, May 16, 2007. As long as I knew Linda, she loved the Eagle Lake church of Christ. She often struggled with health problems but always could not wait to get better again so she could attend services. If every member of the church desired to be at services as much as she did, churches would not have attendance problems!

A Heart of Perseverance

Linda was originally from Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. She came to this area over twenty-one years ago. In many ways Linda's life was characterized by adversity, yet she had a tremendous heart of perseverance from which we all can learn.

Linda worked as a nurse for much of her working life, which shows that she liked to help people. She was well liked by her coworkers wherever she worked, especially the "gang" at Gessler Clinic, where she worked for twenty years.

Linda faced many challenges to her physical and mental health over the last couple of years. She suffered outwardly and inwardly in ways we may never know. However, through all this she kept a cheerful attitude and longed for the day she could once again consistently attend church services.

Linda truly loved her church family at Eagle Lake. Whenever I would visit her, I could count on two things. First, she would always ask how certain church members were doing whom she knew suffered illness. She had a genuine concern for the health and well being of others. Must have been the nurse in her! Second, she would always express her appreciation for the Eagle Lake church of Christ. She was especially thankful for Jerry and Faye's visits during her many hospital stays. Linda was not perfect, for none of us are, but she loved the Lord and His people and served Him the best she knew.

We will miss Frank and Linda. We are thankful they both obeyed the Gospel and lived for the Lord. Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled...In my Father's house are many mansions....I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (Jn. 14:1-3). Let us live that we may enjoy that home with them forever.

- Brian Kenyon