Dear Lizzie Mae,

February 25, 2012. Eva passed into the presence of Jesus, and joined her husband, John. Unaware of this, on that morning I wrote these words in my journal . . .

Discovering a new way to reach out to others through social media. May your love, and your grace use this, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, touch the hearts of those who need it.

One may rightly ask, "What is remarkable about this prayer?" In and of themselves, these words are somewhat less than stirring . . . were it not for the event that occurred in the home of John and Eva Suiter, 6201 California Avenue, Long Beach, California, on June 12, 1957.

On that night, at approximately 9 p.m., I was saved. Yes, saved! I don't use that word much anymore, but that is what happened; saved from a life of depression, saved from a life of profligacy, saved from myself, and saved to a life of ministry and service to God. That was 67 years ago. Sixty-seven years of living a life in intimacy with Jesus, all because of this dear woman whose smile could light up a room. To say that her influence changed my life is a staggering understatement.

A quick caveat: Lest you think I think I walk on water regarding my engagement with God, please know that my life has enough hiccups to give Godzilla indigestion. During these times, I fail to appreciate or even realize the nearness of the love and peace Jesus provides. But as I have said so many times, I may hold onto his finger, but He is holding my hand and doesn't let go.

However one might describe the event that night, there can be no debate about its legitimacy, its efficacy, or its durability. I know Jesus today, and know him well, because he found a way for me to feel loved through Eva. At age twenty, it was the first time I had ever felt loved by another human being. When I turned twenty-one, Eva gave me my first birthday party. There must have been 30 or 40 kids my age there. My birthday gift was a money-tree. $1, $5, $10 and $20, amounting to over $100 all taped to a tiny tree. I was blown away.

Two weeks after that wondrous hour of salvation and the forgiveness of sins, I felt God calling me into ministry. Such a calling would have been an absurdity had I never showed up on Eva's radar.

In the months that followed, it seemed I was on the phone with Eva constantly. Through those hours of conversation, I was nourished spiritually and psychologically to the point where my ears hurt from holding the phone to my head. Her voice carried comfort and encouragement. She came to call me her "son." Her daughter, Leemay, became my "sister," and John became my "Dad." I lived with them for awhile in the little apartment behind their home.

I went to college because of Eva. I was the only one of five brothers and sisters who did; and then to seminary, and then to graduate school. The force of her generous life where I am concerned, was and is, incalculable.

As anyone who knows Eva is aware, I wasn't the only one. I was one among dozens. What an impact this wonderful woman had on the world! What I could tell of how this beautiful lady influenced my life would fill several books. Perhaps someday, if the Lord continues my life on this earth, I'll try writing it all down. (I'm 87 now. I'll need to get to work.)

Want to know what I believe? You may think it an exaggeration, but I believe that God put Eva on this earth for her ninety-five years, just to make it a better place for the rest of us. That the world is immensely better because she lived (and how she lived!), is not only a fait accompli, it is a slam-dunk!

So long for now, Eva. I'll see you again soon. I have a few things to wrap up here and then I'll join you, and Jesus and John, and . . .

-- PDM

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