HOMEGOING SERVICE FOR THE LIFE OF
SUNRISE: February 3, 1937 SUNSET: May 26, 2019 at the APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH (TRINITY) 7b Fourth Street, Greenwich Town Kingston 13 on Saturday, June 29, 2019 Commencing at 10:00 a.m. OFFICIATING MINISTERS Overseer Rohan Clough Overseer Hartnell Russell Pastor Carmen Simmonds INTERMENT Dovecot Memorial Park
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE LIFE OF
PASTOR RANSFORD BENJAMIN NELSON We are here today to pay our tribute and respect to a man of God, Pastor Ransford Benjamin Nelson. His book opened on February 3, 1937 and his chapter began in Warsop, Trelawny where he was the 6th of 14 children born to William and Estell Nelson. He attended the Warsop All-Age School and during his formative years, helped his father on the farm and in the boiling house making sugar. After the family migrated to Kingston, his father left for England and during that time he and his elder brothers joined him. While living in England, he attended the Lady Hopkins High School where he pursued studies in Barbering and Hairdressing and later gained employment at the Glasco Glass Company. Having spent ten (10) years in England, he acquired his citizenship and subsequently returned to Jamaica when his father passed away in 1969.
It was while back on home soil that he decided to make Jamaica his home, permanently, and worked at the Caribbean Construction Company until 1979 when the principals left for Trinidad. As he was not one to sit and twiddle his fingers, he became his own boss delivering goods from the Kingston Wharves Limited. Pastor Nelson served in various capacities‌ deacon, Sunday school teacher, musician, choir member, prayer band member, Pastor, and Assistant Overseer for our local churches. He retired from active ministerial service in February 2018. His final chapter ended on Sunday, May 26, 2019; the book might have closed but let today not be the end of his story because the memory of his life and the influence of his life should remain in the annals of time. We will cherish every memory of him. We will remember his godly examples. We will strive to emulate his story in some way and keep his legacy alive. But above all, we will praise the God of grace who saved him; and who will welcome him with the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant...â€?
Order of Service PRAISE & WORSHIP TEAM OPENING SENTENCES PRAYER Pastor Carmen Simmonds HYMN “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me” All the way my Saviour leads me; What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide? Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well, For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. All the way my Saviour leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread, Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living bread. Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be, Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see, Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see. All the way my Saviour leads me; Oh, the fullness of His grace! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s blest embrace. When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day, This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way, This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.
1ST READING Psalm 90: 1-12 Mrs. Francesca Nelson (Daughter-in-law) TRIBUTES FROM THE APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCHES Kingston Pastor Carmen Simmonds Albert Town/Sawyers Pastor Shelia Ricketts Castleton Pastor Delceta Claudius Christiana Pastor Shawn Barrett Crofts Hill Pastor Sharon McKenzie Pike Pastor Marjorie Griffiths Spanish Town Pastor Nerissa Henry Springvale Pastor Pauline Edwards Troy Pastor Edith White 2ND READING Proverbs 3: 1-6 Sis. Beverley Harris (Sister-in-law) TRIBUTE FROM THE NELSON FAMILY REMEMBRANCE Pastor Delroy Brady SELECTION Sis. Judith Hayden REFLECTION Apostle Fay Williams Ebenezer Deliverance Temple (Dania Beach, FL) TRIBUTES Faith Temple Apostolic Model Church of God Faith Baptist Church First Born Church of the Living God Full Gospel House of Prayer
OPEN TRIBUTES (2-minute allotment for each tribute) 3RD READING 1st Corinthians 15: 51-58 Ms. Felecia Nelson (Niece) HYMN “The Love of God” (An offering will be collected in aid of the Church building fund) The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell; The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin. Chorus: Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure— The saints’ and angels’ song. When hoary time shall pass away, EULOGY
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall, When men who here refuse to pray, On rocks and hills and mountains call, God’s love so sure, shall still endure, All measureless and strong; Redeeming grace to Adam’s race— The saints’ and angels’ song. Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.
Missionary Marcia Young Chong
MUSICAL SELECTION
National Choir
SERMON Overseer Hartnell Russell PRAYER FOR THE BEREAVED FAMILY
Pastor Delceta Claudius
FINAL INSTRUCTIONS RECESSIONAL HYMN
“Just Over in the Glory Land”
I’ve a home prepared where the saints abide, Just over in the glory land; And I long to be by my Saviour’s side, Just over in the glory land. Chorus: Just over in the glory land, I’ll join the happy angel band, Just over in the glory land; Just over in the glory land, There with the mighty host I’ll stand, Just over in the glory land. I am on my way to those mansions fair, Just over in the glory land;
There to sing God’s praise and His glory share, Just over in the glory land. What a joyful thought that my Lord I’ll see, Just over in the glory land; And with kindred saved, there forever be, Just over in the glory land. With the blood-washed throng I will shout and sing, Just over in the glory land; Glad hosannas to Christ, the Lord and King, Just over in the glory land.
A LIFE WELL LIVED On behalf of the Apostolic Faith church, I express sincere condolences to the immediate and extended families of Pastor Ransford Nelson. We share in grief with you today. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way” ‘Good’ may not be enough to describe our pastor but good is the word that God used when he finished creation. Hence, good suggests the level of perfection he had reached in kindness, love, devotion, righteous example, servanthood and character. He showed his love as a husband even when he became seemingly oblivious. He allowed us to know who Gloria is and celebrated the fact that she was his wife. When he called his children’s name you could feel the loving bond he had with them. The church suffered no loss of love as many times I could see the tears fall from his eyes allowing us to know how concerned and troubled he was about her. He would busily use every available resource to ensure cleanliness of surroundings, and even the chairs he would neatly arrange. Pastor Nelson preached the Word with passion and every fiber of his being as it was his intention to keep the members in order and to allow them to know the seriousness of living a Christian life. I must say, personally, that I am deeply saddened by his passing as I saw him as the last father of the church. Whenever I saw him I felt good that dad was home but he has left us to walk in his footsteps. Let us remember that we cannot “farm inna bush” and “lean not to your own understanding” for “God good!” Pastor Nelson has fought a good fight and has kept the course and I believe he has gained his crown. Sleep well my brother, we will meet in glory land someday. Overseer Rohan Clough District Superintendent, Jamaica
OUR PASTOR, OUR FRIEND Today we celebrate the life of Ransford B. Nelson. “Death is not extinguishing the light, it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” On behalf of the Kingston Apostolic Faith Church I eulogize a man who once quickly grasped the challenge as a Pastor facing an awesome responsibility on all accounts, with calmness! Pastor Nelson embraced every task with enthusiasm bringing “heart” to the ministry of the church through his hallmark compassionate listening presence and jovial spirit for over 40 years. The measure of who we are is what we do, with what we have. Pastor Nelson displayed his measure by giving his all to the church, and carried out his duties with great pride. Even with declining health, he ensured that everything was still running like a well-oiled machine. Pastor Nelson demonstrated well, the following statement, “No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.” He had a great love for the church and encouraged everyone to reach up to the standard of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He would often tell us about the goodness of God by saying, “God good u nuh. God good!”. That quiet, caring, loving, humble, God fearing man, was a phenomenal prayer warrior. Pastor Nelson was stern yet fair. He was friendly and well respected by all, especially by the children of the church; when they saw him coming, they would run inside out of respect for him. He had a big heart and even bigger smile that lit up every room. He greeted everyone with that huge smile, a hearty handshake and asked God’s richest blessing on each person. However, what members of this church were afraid of was when he started laughing hysterically and extended his hand that would automatically hit you.
The achievements of an organization are results of the combined effort of each individual. Pastor Nelson was the consummate team player who had an integral role in this church. He taught biblical principles; how to be disciplined, as well as how to develop good self-esteem, morals, values, and more so, how to acquire and keep a good relationship with God. He always emphasized that we should do our best, as we serve as members of the church. It was his ultimate wish for this church to be filled with members. His regular saying was “This church should be filled to capacity.” Under his watch, his dreams started when he expanded the church upstairs. We pray that his ultimate wish of this building being filled to capacity will come through. Pastor Nelson touched so many lives. He was that person who exuded love, care, warmth and commitment, as he looked after the affairs of many. To know him was certainly to love him. As the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over and his work on earth is done, we now commend him to God’s love and mercy. As we bid farewell to Rans, we offer condolences to his wife Gloria, children Veneshia, Dean, Oren and siblings. As you grieve this loss, we hope you will find solace in the fond memories. Rest well, our Brother and Pastor! You will be SORELY missed. Rest well, our Brother and Pastor! Pastor Carmen Simmonds and Brethren
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LADIES’ DEPARTMENT Pastor Nelson was a stern disciplinarian that believed in rules, his faith was a strong one, he believed that the name of God was a powerful weapon and should not be taken for granted. As our Pastor, he did exceptionally well. He ensured that the members were comfortable to come to him and talk when they feel like giving up. He never let his congregation felt unwanted or that he was too high to socialize with them. He was a warm hearted person, encouraging and dedicated man of God. When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the church stood by him always answering any question that he might have asked, even if it was already answered. In our 60th convention last year, during our concert on the Saturday night, it was the first time since I have been at the church that I saw my pastor dancing, laughing and having fun. He danced while he heard his daughter Veneshia singing - Tiamoyo. Pastor loved to give joke, once the laughter hits him, the closest person to him got a punch. He was indeed a true example of a man of God. On behalf of the Ladies’ Department, I can truly say he will be greatly missed. Missionary Linette Stephenson President
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MEN’S DEPARTMENT On behalf of the Men’s Department, we would like to express our sincerest condolences to the Nelson family, other relatives and friends. Our Pastor was a wonderful man of God who has left a significant impact on all the men in the church. He taught us so many things about our Creator and helped me and the brothers under my charge to be as radical Christian soldiers. One of the greatest gifts my father has left us is his godly example. His example of faithfulness is what we are all called to emulate in these last days. Two of his favourite quotes were “the soul of man never dies”; and “there are three things in life that we do not know (1) how you going to die (2) where you going to die and (3) when you going to die”. Pastor Nelson told us that his vision was to see the church filled to capacity - “upstairs and downstairs” and therefore, we think it is incumbent on the brothers to ensure that we work with the other departments of the church to see that his vision is fulfilled. We miss him but hope to see him again… may his soul rest in eternal peace. Bro. Omanzo Morgan
TRIBUTE
USHERS’ MINISTRY Pastor Nelson touched our lives – with his kindness, friendship and amazing sense of humour. He was always so enthusiastic about everything in life and a wonderful influence on the people of God. There was nothing that was too low or demeaning that he could not have been tasked with – from moving the chairs, to dusting the benches, closing the windows and doors, to sweeping the grounds, picking up and dropping off goods from Food For The Poor… to welcoming and greeting visitors. He has performed yeoman service and worked tirelessly to the end. Many of his traits we have had to adopt because he was an honourable and dedicated servant… how can we “farm in a bush” when he has taught us well on how to keep our “lands” clean and free of all “debris”. We will strive to keep Pastor Nelson’s memory alive and continue the “beat and foot” patrol that he began and was still a part of up to the end. We will miss him more than words can say… walk good our “Chief Usher”… walk good until we meet again. Missionary Marcia Young Chong Sis. Launa Dockery Sis. Clover Smith Sis. Juliet Stephenson
TRIBUTE
SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT In 1991, I gave my life to the Lord and became a member of the Apostolic Faith family. At that time, Bro. Carl was the Sunday school teacher. However, in the Search Class, Pastor Nelson was an extreme activist within the Sunday school. He was devoted to the work of God. His love for God reflects on his excellent work in the church. His dedication ripples through the different leadership position of the church. To emphasize Pastor Nelson’s effectiveness within the church, even after I became the Sunday school teacher of the Senior Class, Pastor was still very active. He and his wife would sit and revise the entire Sunday school lessons with us. I can truly say he was a tremendous man of God who was determined to see the work of God go on. Just by looking at Pastor Nelson, you could see that this man was a serious, no nonsense person. He was a very spiritual man, who was strict, powerful and strong. Neither sickness nor old age could conquer Pastor Nelson. He would always ensure that things were in order. As a church, we will never forget him. His words will always rest on our hearts; his word will not stop ringing in our ears. We can all testify, he ran his race well and we should take him as a motivation to stay strong in God. Rest in peace my beloved Pastor. We will meet again. Farewell from all of us. Missionary Juliet King Sunday School Superintendent
THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT
HAILS AN ASTOUNDING LEADER An astounding leader has gone home to glory. The Youth Department lauds and salutes our hero and legend, Pastor Ransford Nelson. He was our father, friend, confidante, disciplinarian, teacher and leader. He had a passion for souls and was devoted to the work of the Lord. His life was focused around the powerful values of honesty, integrity and trust. He was an exemplary leader who had charted the path for us to follow. His qualitative acumen of the Bible was quite pronounced. He was intimate with His Lord. Pastor Nelson’s life symbolized that the measure of a man’s life is not in its duration but in its donation. His work on earth was of eternal value; hence, an eternal
reward awaits him. We might say that Pastor Nelson has departed from us, but God says he has arrived at his ultimate destination. We are forever grateful to Pastor Nelson for his wise counsel; his legacy will live on. May God hold him in the palm of his hands as we say: ‘Ring out the welcome, swing wide the gates. Choirs of angels stand and sing ‘Amazing Grace’. There is one more soldier of the King, whose trials are past. Ring out the welcome loud and clear - He is home at last.’ – Tony Cooke Sis. Michelle Mais Cadenhead Youth President
ALL IS WELL To know Pastor Nelson was to love him! I have known him from childhood but since I accepted Christ, our relationship grew stronger. He has been a friend, a father and a mentor to me. I admired his love for God, family and his congregation. My Pastor was one of a kind. He was a man after God’s own heart.
Pastor Nelson was such a prominent figure in my upbringing; and I learnt so much from simple watching him. I remember when I felt like giving up he would remind me to “Trust in the Lord”. Words are insufficient to express how his passing has made me feel. I will forever cherish the many hours that I spent with him - that I was entrusted to take care of his immediate needs… it was a pleasure and I would do it all over again. Rest in peace daddy. I love you, Sis. Joy Lewis Caregiver
BEST GRANDPA It has been said that the best dads get promoted to grandpas. One thing is for sure, the love of a grandfather is a unique treasure that is never forgotten by his grandchildren. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and grace. We will always remember that special smile, caring heart, and all the wisdom that you passed down to us. Thank you for your guidance and love. Love you always and forever, Grandchildren
I
cannot help but reminisce on who Ransford Benjamin Nelson has been and what he continues to be to me, even in death. It has been thirty-nine (39) years, ten (10) months, three (3) weeks, four (4) days and one (1) hour of togetherness with my darling love, my husband, my confidant, my councilor. Today makes a glorious continuation of our undying love. Rans is not here but his warmth, caring, strength, passion, leadership and exceptional fortitude will forever flow through my being. The blessings of God Almighty flowed down to me and the family because Rans remained in submission to God’s will in our lives. God blessed us with three (3) children, all very unique in their own way. Together, we did our part as commanded by God to “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. Rans never missed a moment of his fatherly or husbandly duties. We will miss his early morning breakfast, his lovely fruit juice and his Sunday dinner as those were what he took pride in doing for his family. There was never a dull moment when he was with his family as he made sure that everybody was ready for church, school and any other social activity. Rans was the last to go to bed as he would ensure that everyone was in and locked all doors. I remain committed to God that has kept us firm in spite of the pitfalls; a God who held us solidly together as a family regardless of life’s occasional turmoil and unfortunate twists and turns.
Rans taught me how to stand as long as I stayed in the will of God. His encouragement to us all was to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding but in all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy path” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We prayed, cried, laughed, hurt and always won the victories together. There have been “ups and downs” but ours’ was a true covenant marriage. Our marriage was an invaluable relationship built through love and anchored in the Rock, Christ Jesus. He was honourable, secured, firm and deep to the very end. I am comforted by the words of the song “until then my heart will go on singing, until then with joy I’ll carry on, until the day my eyes behold the city until the day God calls me home.” I will continue to carry the baton Rans left with me and will see to it that my children and I live in God’s will. Sleep on my darling husband. Forever in my heart, Gloria
A LOVING AND DEDICATED DAD
I
t is with honour that I pay tribute to a man who has made such an impact on the lives of so many, especially ours’ – we call him “Daddy”. Daddy has been more than a father to us. He was a strong, assertive, and stalwart believer of the Word of God. A man of order, a man of much humour, a man of positive actions and thoughts. He has left an indelible mark on our lives. He was a family-oriented man, a friend, a confidante and truly our mentor. Our Dad was a tower strength and a pillar that emitted hope. He was a stern disciplinarian and yet, a man of love. He loved his children unconditionally. He helped us to understand the values of sharing, caring and stretching beyond circumstances. He taught us how to truly trust God with all our hearts and do not lean on our own understanding. He encouraged us that in all our ways we should acknowledge our Heavenly Father as He directs our paths.
We laughed and wept together. He taught us to PUSH (pray until something happens) and showed us how to ‘step up to the plate’, face our battles and take responsibility for our actions. Daddy was always concerned about our well-being not to mention our souls. Whatever we achieved today our Dad gave us the courage to begin and the encouragement to press through to the end. Thank you Daddy for never giving up hope even when we were at our worst. There is no doubt that Dad has positively affected the Apostolic Faith Churches; without Dad’s unlimited sacrifice so many would have been lost. Your name and legacy will live on forever in our family and all the other families and lives that you have touched. You will be greatly missed Daddy. We love you forever and always, Veneshia, Dean, Orren & Marlene (Adopted Daughter)
A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER-IN-LAW During my time of knowing Mr. Nelson he always had such a calm yet vibrant spirit. He was very proud of his family and often talked about his wife, Gloria, and his children with such a loving and pleased look on his face. He showed me the photographs of each of them which he kept in his wallet. In fact, all photographs - and I could tell how much they meant to him. In one brief visit after our wedding, Mr. Nelson sat outside with me and we talked. He said soon there should be a child here. The child would be a boy who would be running around. Three (3) years later Dean and I had Phoenix, a strong, lively boy just like he had said. And he is always running up and down just like he had said. Mr. Nelson had such a gentle manner and I will always remember the love and adoration he had for his family and God. With heartfelt sympathy, Francesca Nelson
UNCLE RANSE My mother Monica had 13 siblings, two sisters and eleven brothers. Ransford Nelson was brother number 4. My mom divorced my father when I was very young, so her 11 brothers were our male role models. As a child growing up my uncles were like gods to me because my father was not around so uncle Ranse and 2 of his other brothers were our surrogate fathers. Uncle Ranse was the extra special uncle, because he was a holy man, the Christian man, the uncle I tried not to disappoint because I thought that his principles and values were higher than any man that I know. He set a high bar, but he lived up to the lofty expectations I had of him. He was the true measure of a man, and if I lived to be half the man that he was, then I have truly lived. He was a wonderful husband to my aunt Gloria, great father to my cousins, Veneshia, Dean, and Orren. A wonderful brother to my mother and her siblings, and last but not least a great uncle to my sister Pauline and my brother Randy and myself. We love you uncle Ranse, Rest in Peace Paul, Pauline, Randy and Sister, Monica
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NELSON FAMILY IN LONDON We very much regret not being here to offer support to Sister Gloria and her family at this time but once again we are a family in grief, mourning the loss of Ransford often called Rans. A Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Uncle to many on this side of the Atlantic. Rans was a charismatic individual who when living in London could be relied upon to be supportive, reliable, caring and most importantly dependable.
then he had given himself to Christ, so the lessons we learnt from Rans were based on the Bible - in particular his favourite scripture; Proverbs 3 V 5 & 6
Although separated by a distance of approximately 170 miles between the family in Stoke-On-Trent and London, the line of communication between the two places was always very busy and comical. Rans was the ultimate comic, always making one joke or another which sometimes was not so funny - but he thought it was. And to most of us we could not help but laugh. His favourite act was to show how he could balance standing on one leg. He was indeed an uncomplicated man.
“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.”
After Rans left London to settle back in Jamaica, our communication was less regular, other than when the family would travel to Jamaica on holidays. By
Rans was exceptionally close to his late Brother Lenford (Lenny) and would always find the time to have long conversations with him. Each Nelson Brother had a nickname, I wouldn’t list them all but Rans was called ‘Scales’. This was because as a boy every meal time he would weigh how much food was on his plate compared to the others. He would always roar with laughter when we reminisce. Well ‘Scales’, you are unique in every way and you will be truly missed by us all. So we send you on your journey with the following scripture:
Rest in Peace Brother Rans Annette Nelson, Sister-in-Law (on behalf of the Nelson family)
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SISTER-IN-LAW IN FLORIDA Today we celebrate the homegoing of Brother Nelson and I want us to acknowledge and share both our joy in the gift that his life was to us, and the pain that his passing brings. In sharing the joy and pain together today, may we lessen the pain and remember more of the joy. Brother Nelson was a father to me for many years and his passing was a great shock to the entire family. There are no words that can express the sadness that we are feeling but although we feel grief, and a deep sense of loss, there is rejoicing in heaven. That celebration exceeds any party ever held on earth. Moreover, the greatest tribute we would ever pay to Brother Nelson is to meet him in heaven. Brother Nelson always encouraged everyone he met to “trust in the Lord…” so let us not grieve as others do who have no hope. We will always remember the things he used to do and say - when he would drive and someone tells him to slow down, his response was always “ A nuh black man give me mi licence” or “A chat you a chat” if anyone was talking foolishness. He always liked to stand up on one foot to prove that he is fit and strong or bend and touch his toes. He was very funny and full of jokes. He was a firm and disciplined man who loves to see things in order. Most importantly he loved the Lord dearly. Bro. Nelson you will be sadly missed but not forgotten. May his soul rest in peace Beverly and family
At the Graveside COMMITTAL SENTENCES PRAYER HYMN “In The Sweet By And By” There’s a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it afar; For the Father waits over the way To prepare us a dwelling place there.
We shall sing on that beautiful shore The melodious songs of the blessed; And our spirits shall sorrow no more, Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
Chorus: In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore; In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
To our bountiful Father above, We will offer our tribute of praise For the glorious gift of His love And the blessings that hallow our days.
HYMN “Farther Along” Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong.
Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer, Go in the rain, the cold, and the snow, When there are many living in comfort, Giving no heed to all I can do.
Chorus: Farther along we’ll know more about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
Tempted and tried, how often we question Why we must suffer year after year, Being accused by those of our loved ones, E’en though we’ve walked in God’s holy fear.
Often when death has taken our loved ones, Leaving our home so lone and so drear, Then do we wonder why others prosper, Living so wicked year after year. “Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master; Short is our time to labour and wait;
Then will our toiling seem to be nothing, When we shall pass the heavenly gate. Soon we will see our dear, loving Saviour, Hear the last trumpet sound through the sky; Then we will meet those gone on before us, Then we shall know and understand why.
HYMN “When They Ring the Golden Bells” There’s a land beyond the river, That we call the sweet forever, And we only reach that shore by faith’s decree; One by one we’ll gain the portals, There to dwell with the immortals, When they ring the golden bells for you and me.
We shall know no sin or sorrow, In that haven of tomorrow, When our barque shall sail beyond the silver sea; We shall only know the blessing Of our Father’s sweet caressing, When they ring the golden bells for you and me.
Chorus: Don’t you hear the bells now ringing? Don’t you hear the angels singing? ’Tis the glory hallelujah Jubilee. In that far-off sweet forever, Just beyond the shining river, When they ring the golden bells for you and me.
When our days shall know their number, And in death we sweetly slumber, When the King commands the spirit to be free; Nevermore with anguish laden, We shall reach that lovely Eden, When they ring the golden bells for you and me.
Choruses We shall have a grand time...up in heaven... we shall have a grand time up in heaven, have a grand time! Walking with the angels....singing glory Hallelujah! We shall have a grand time up in heaven, have a grand time No grave can hold my body down (repeat) When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound And the dead in Christ shall rise No grave, can hold my body down It will soon be done All my troubles and trials When I get home On the other side I’m going to shake my hands with the elders I’m going tell all the people good morning I’m going sit down beside my Jesus I’m going sit down and rest a little while
Better days are coming, by and by When we reach that city in the sky Sorrows will be over Joy will come at last Better days are coming, by and by Oh Lord, you know I have no friend like you If heaven’s not my home Then Lord what will I do The angels beckon me From heaven’s open door And I can’t feel at home In this world anymore
Acknowledgements Thank You
The Family of Pastor Ransford Nelson wishes to express our gratitude to all who have been on this difficult journey with us. We appreciate every kind thought, gesture, gift, and prayer. In all the various ways you have ministered to us, we want you to know that we are thankful to God for you. You have indeed been the hands of God extended, the heart of God in compassion, and the feet of God in journeying with us. May God bless you abundantly. The Nelson Family
PROFESSIONAL ARRANGEMENTS House of Tranquility Funeral Home
INTERMENT
Dovecot Memorial Park
REPAST
Apostolic Faith Church (Trinity) 7b Fourth Street, Greenwich Town Kingston 13
PALLBEARERS
Dean Nelson Robert Nelson Roy Nelson Winston Lynch Mark Nelson Gregory Nelson Patrick Cawley Omanzo Morgan
(Son) (Brother) (Brother) (Brother-in-law) (Nephew) (Nephew) (Spiritual Son) (Spiritual Son)
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
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