Harold Lawrence Myra
Published: 1976
Total Pages: 164
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When David first met her, Elsbeth was a beautiful, vibrant missionary-nurse laboring in a remote African hospital. From the very beginning, the American doctor admired her gutsiness in working in this primitive outpost, so far from her native Switzerland, her marvelous gift of laughter, her openly-expressed affection for the African people, her strong commitment to the Lord. Elspeth, in turn, secretly enjoyed his attentions, yet there was a dark cloud hanging over her. Years ago, she had crossed romance out of her life when the only man she loved abruptly ended their relationship. There had been loves since then, but now her future belonged to God, to His people in Ngoshe who needed her help so desperately. And yet, here was this persistent doctor again, at her elbow like an eager, mooning schoolboy. Nevertheless, two people who love the Lord as deeply as David and Elsbeth did, cannot reject the earthly love He had place in their hearts. On the last day they spent together in Africa, David, acting on faith, proposed. Elsbeth accepted. Shortly after, they exchanged wedding vows amidst the storybook setting of the Swiss village where Elsbeth was born. Returning to a mission post in Nigeria, involved in the work they both loved, the Christensens welcomed two sons and an adopted African daughter into their lives. Their joy seemed exquisitely complete. Then, "Dave, I'm afraid it can't last," cried Elsbeth, prophetically. "Our marriage is almost to complete. We have it so good." On leave in America, Elsbeth suddenly, inexplicably fell ill. The diagnosis came back with brutal swiftness: acute leukemia. The reality of cancer is harsh and unyielding, and the human love David and Elsbeth shared could never be the cure-all for the daily pressures and pain they endured.