For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith

— 2 Timothy 4:6-7

These words of the Apostle Paul came to my mind as soon as the news of the death of an elder in the Zimbabwe Harare Mission was given to me. He had died in a car accident, the day before he was to be released as a missionary to go back and be reunited with his family in the United States.

I reflected over these words the whole of that night as memories of this missionary flooded back to me. He was a smiling missionary so full of laughter, joy and spirit. He was a missionary who brought happiness to the many he came in contact with. I pictured him at the pulpit bearing his testimony, always with a smile. All who listened forgot their worries and problems. He always made us appear to be so special as Heavenly Father's children who could be happy to be here on earth.

He was indeed a missionary who made music mean so much to us. He loved music and he mobilized missionaries and the young men and women to sing in the chapel and at firesides. He had time to practice music with whoever wanted to sing. He sang with missionaries.

I was, therefore, not surprised that the Lord presented this verse to me that day. I knew that this elder had fought a good fight and that his smile was needed to cheer some spirit elsewhere. I felt for his family, for their loss and I could feel this elder so close to them, feeling their sadness but at the same time happy that he is continuing his missionary work in the spirit world, bringing many souls to Christ.

This scripture has always encouraged me to do God's will as much as I can while here on earth for I do not know the day when I will depart from it, and whether I will be able to say what Paul said as he completed his mission.

— Florence Nkowane, Lusaka, Zambia

"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you. Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax No. (801) 237-2524. Internet E-mail: churchnews@desnews.com