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In the Arms of Jesus
Fran Lundquist (1926-2013)
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Where can I start, how can you share an extraordinary life in a few paragraphs. Fran is The Sheepfold to all of us, but she was a mother, grandmother, and friend to so many.
When Fran started the ministry in 1979 it was based on two foundational principles. The first is a relationship with Jesus and receiving Him as Savior. This is why daily Bible studies are the most important part of each day in our homes. The second principle and fruit of that relationship is loving others in Jesus' Name. She was an ambassador for God. She cared for everyone, but the widow and fatherless had a special place in her heart.
She was courageous and obedient to the Lord when she began the ministry living in the home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the first 3 years. It was even more courageous for our Founder to pass on this ministry and its daily operation 10 years ago. She continued writing her daily Bible studies for our moms and last year she finished #95. If you would like to know her heart toward Jesus, all those Bible studies are available on our website for you to read.
Like the Apostle Paul, her desire was to be with the Lord in Heaven, but she continued here so she could help lead people to the cross. Thousands of our brothers and sisters know Jesus as Savior because of Fran's dedication and love for the Lord. She loved you all and prayed specifically for our ministry partners. I know her desire for you is to know Jesus in a deep and meaningful way.
In her Bible she left this note to be read at her funeral, her final thoughts and desire for all of us.
In the event of my death, this is what I would have read to my family and friends who gather to remember me.
"Rejoice with me, my beloved, for I am with my Savior! My joy knows no bounds. Oh, believe, my beloved, in the Lord Jesus Christ. He lives! And because He lives, I live also, with Him and you too will have eternal life, if you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised Him from the dead.
All the troubles and tribulations of worldly life are nothing compared to the prize that awaits the believer. Jesus will meet your needs in the earthly life and will be waiting with pure love for you in the heavenly life. No more sorrow, no more sin, no more pain. Oh, my beloved, there is no other way – only Jesus!
Be of good cheer, I await the glorious day when we will all be gathered together in glory. Thanks be to God!
Fran's greatest desire was that this ministry would continue on after her death. She assured that The Sheepfold would continue by creating the leadership transition many years ago. She continued to be my support and number one prayer warrior. I will miss her friendship and our frequent conversations.
As we move forward we will always keep the two principles of knowing Jesus and serving others in His name.
God Bless You,
For I have said, 'Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.'
- Psalm 89:2
My Faithful Friend
I met Fran several years before I ever joined The Sheepfold. We met at a mutual friend's home for a party of some kind. Fran wasn't in the livingroom "wowing" the guests with her accomplishments as the Founder of The Sheepfold. No, she was in the kitchen with dishwasing soap up to her elbows.
I remember Fran, always setting the example of a servant; always putting this ministry ahead of anything else in her life. She served others and in doing so, served Christ. Many times I accompanied her on speaking engagements. That was a priviledge I'll never forget.
FRAN:
F - Faithful, fun, friendly
R - Reverent — always, when speaking about the Word, Jesus, God the Father
A - Accountable — to the ministry, to her Lord
N - Natural - What an amazing gift she had for working with hurting and lost women
The Bible studies Fran wrote inspired by the Holy Spirit changed my life. She was an impactful woman. I am so thankful God brought her into my life!
- Mandy Garcia, House Manager
Andrea's Story...
Hi, my name is Andrea Springer. I'm the office manager here at The Sheepfold. I wanted to tell you how Fran changed my life. I met her 19 years ago when we attended church together. She was just the sweetest person that always sat behind me at church. We would hug each other in a greeting but I never had a chance to really know her personally. I was a brand new Christian and trying to figure out everything. I was in a marriage with a very abusive and dangerous man who controlled me mentally, even though he was in prison. My mind was so beaten down that I believed I was no good and that he was the only one that loved me. I pushed my family away and lived my life for this man for 4 years.
I was only able to go to church on Wednesday nights because every weekend I had to go to the prison to be with him. One day I finally had the courage to talk to the Pastor about my situation. The Pastor introduced me to Fran. I'll never forget this day. She gave me so much love, compassion and wisdom. I was instantly drawn to her. She went through 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 verse by verse and explained to me what love was. I explained how scared I was to leave him because he had always threatened to kill me. She told me that the Lord had an umbrella of protection around me and that I should not be afraid anymore. I know that day God used Fran to save my life.
Fran became my personal mentor treating me like her daughter. She loved on me and prayed with me and I always felt the Holy Spirit through her. I loved her so much! I wanted to be around her all the time. Then an office job opened up at The Sheepfold where I have enjoyed working ever since.
Fran was an amazing woman of God. I'm just one life that she helped save and I know there have been so many more. Today I am the mother of three beautiful children and married to a wonderful Christian man. The Lord Jesus used Fran's love and guidance to lead me to new life in Christ. I am forever grateful to her and her obedience to God.
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