TRIBUTE TO SISTER ZOYA GRAVESANDY
“Sister Zoya Gravesandy, though deceased yet speaketh.” This has been one of the popular sayings here at The Sanctuary since it has only now come to our attention, after the passing of our dear sister, that many of the Bibles provided for our congregants bear markings beside several Scripture verses. These markings done by her, are now a source of blessing and serve as a reminder that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Passion, dedication, zeal are just a few adjectives which describe Sister Zoya’s love for the word of God. It has not only been discovered through the markings but witnessed through the life she lived – an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (Timothy 4:12), and in particular during her latter days.
Surrounded by her children, Ann and Omar, and Pastor Williams, the tears welded in Sister Zoya’s eyes when she saw the excruciating pain that gripped her children when the fatal news arrived – Stage Four Cancer. Instantly, Pastor Williams began to pour into her the very Scriptures that she had often shared at The Sanctuary. As faith spoke louder and louder, fear shrinked smaller and smaller and Sis Zoya found the strength that she needed to trust the God that she often testified about, introduced to others and praised with loud hallelujahs.
As the weeks passed and ongoing treatments failed, Sister Zoya became unwavering in her faith. She stood on the promised word of God and exuded an aura of blissful expectation. She continued her usual endearing praise sessions wherever she was, at home, at church, on the streets or at the hospital. In fact, when the doctor announced that she had mere months to live, Sister Zoya ruptured into peels of hallelujahs and spoke in unknown tongues. This sacrifice of praise, in response to such sordid news, gripped the attention of the doctor and he was moved to declare that he wanted what she had.
Our God is faithful and has made known his character of faithfulness to Sister Zoya. God took special care of her. On one occasion she flew first class, courtesy of the airline for her treatment, she got the best rooms in the hospital and received royal treatment from her nurses, doctors, and family members. In fact, when she passed, the attendants gave special attention to the body, gingerly carrying out their duties because they wanted to honour her for the exemplary life she portrayed. God has been faithful to Sister Zoya and her affliction was also a part of his great faithfulness on display (Psalm 119:75). She won the ultimate prize as she has gained a crown of righteousness because she fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
Let us endeavour to trust and worship the Lord God Almighty, as our sister and friend did while she sojourned here on earth.