Remembering the Friend Who Welcomed Us All TR
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ZER Quinton Packer
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THE DIVINE NUDGE:
JOINING THIS WITH THAT What compels coaches to combine faith with sport and creatively minister through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes? What moves passionate motorcyclists to “rumble around the world” as Bikers for Christ? Probably the same inspiration that moves ministry major and recent graduate Quinton Packer ’21 to meld his love for Jesus Christ with his love for anime. As a student, Quinton created and shared devotions that drew from the popular Japanese-based animation. He also used anime to support a Vespers message that he delivered last spring. “We are given different gifts and called in different ways,” he reminded his peers. The words proved poignant in part because Quinton—widely known for welcoming others, including them, and making them feel heard—has a condition that puts him on the autism spectrum. He is the grateful recipient of the donor-funded Panther Preferred and Full Salvation Union Scholarships. Thank you for giving.
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GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY | GREENVILLE.EDU
Lori (Nielsen ’83) Gaffner (March 11, 1961 - June 4, 2021) I Corinthians 15 assures us of Lori’s victory over death: “Death has been swallowed up in victory! Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?” For more than 33 years, Lori served the GU community with grace as an instructor, chaplain, counselor, friend, and the warm voice that welcomed us all to worship. Lori placed her hope completely in the Lord Jesus Christ. Although we miss her deeply, we rest assured that she has heard the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
strengths through a “strengths finder” assessment. I envied Lori’s strengths. She seemed to possess all the good ones— the ones that sounded like versions of the fruits of the spirit.
When I returned to GU in 2012, Lori and I taught a course together that called us to identify our
Adapted from remarks made by GU President Suzanne Davis at Lori’s memorial service.
Though we struggle now with a life cut too short, we can follow Lori’s lead and sing in our hearts, “It is well with our souls.” That bit of Lori in each of us reflects her remarkable legacy. I say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, beloved professor, and welcoming friend. Well done, indeed.”
