We want to take a moment to share the story of Timothy, known to many of us as “Grandfather,” whose life and faith deeply impacted our community.
Timothy was one of the very first people we had the joy of baptizing, and his story is one marked by sincerity, courage, and a lifelong pursuit of God. He grew up in the Catholic tradition, where he developed a deep respect for Scripture, theology, and the discipline of faith. His commitment was so strong that he even entered seminary, discerning a calling to the priesthood and dedicating himself to learning and studying God’s Word. Along the way, Timothy reached a turning point in his life when he met the woman he would one day marry, and he realized that the priesthood was not God’s path for him.
When we met Grandfather, he had been a widower for many years. Every Sunday, he faithfully walked two hours to attend the Catholic church, and during the week, he joined our Bible studies on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the village. We grew to love Grandfather, and he grew to love us. During this time, his faith journey continued to unfold in new and personal ways. What he already knew so well in his mind began to take deeper root in his heart. The Scripture he had studied for years became more than something he understood. It became something he experienced.
One of our favorite memories of Timothy was when Sharon’s parents came to visit us. Though he was in his 70s, Grandfather sang a Latin song entirely from memory, which he had learned in seminary. Sharon’s mom could tell you exactly which song it was. This moment was a beautiful reminder that Timothy’s baptism was not a rejection of his past but a continuation of it. It represented a fresh expression of a faith that had been forming throughout his entire life, now lived out with renewed intimacy, joy, devotion, and understanding.
Timothy joined our church family and was a faithful member for the past three years, up until he became ill. We are deeply grateful for Timothy, for his example, and for the way his story reminds us that faith is a journey, one that God faithfully walks with us throughout our lives.
He will be greatly missed, but we rejoice in his reunion with Christ. We take comfort in knowing that he is now enjoying a new heavenly body, free from pain and suffering.
We also want to sincerely thank you for the many prayers lifted up while Sharon has been back in the U.S., helping our family through a difficult season. Your prayers have truly been felt — bringing peace, strength, and comfort in moments when they were deeply needed. We are grateful for a church family that not only says they will pray but faithfully does so with love and consistency.
Thank you for standing with us from near and far. Your prayers are a gift, and we are reminded once again how God uses His people to carry one another through every season.
Prayer Requests
• Our family in the U.S.
• Mickeal and Sharon as they are separated in body but not in spirit.
• Our villages as they mourn this loss.
Prayer Praises
• The rains have been good. The small lake in Makunka is overflowing, as are the rivers.
• Our truck is almost here.
If you would like to support the Quillmans, you can do so through BMA Global’s secure giving platform at tiny.cc/QuillmanZambia. You can contact me at pastorquill@gmail.com.
