Meet Maivereen Bowlen
Most likely, only readers from the Bloomington, IN, area will recognize her name, but all of you could delight in knowing something about her. At the age of 89, Maivereen departed from this earthly realm. It has been my pleasure to have known her for many years. Her parents were the late Ralph and Mildred Knapp. Ralph once served as an elder in the Lord’s church, and Mildred was the sister of another fine lady, Mable Coulson. Mable and her husband, Tom, became close friends of my parents in 1947 when they came to Bloomington for dad’s graduate studies and for mom to teach in the county system. Tom and Mable’s son, Bob, was born with spina bifida, making it impossible for him to attend public school. Mom became his teacher, and thus the friendship with this entire family lasted throughout their lives!
When the West Second Street church of Christ in Bloomington asked me to begin working with them in 1997, Maivereen was a part of that group. It didn’t take long to form a great friendship, one containing every righteous aspect of Christians being good friends. She was a good bible student, although she remained quiet during our public studies. She frequently sat with the other women without husbands, and collectively, they comprised quite a lively bunch! With an affectionate tease, I called that pew “the buzzard bench” and loved the retort from these keen-witted ladies. “We’re the best doves you’ll ever see sitting here!” Their smiles proved they had peace and joy in their hearts!
Maivereen’s faith was challenged in so many ways, yet she never crumbled beneath the weight of those trials. While she became proficient in several hobbies and was quite successful in every employment she engaged in, her devotion to Christ and His church received preeminence in her life. Though her mind was ravaged with dementia these past several months, she could still reflect on those she loved most, including her family and those of the Lord’s church!
Maivereen endured breast cancer, the life of a single mother with a meager income to support two children, and countless other challenges. But through them all, she trusted in God (Hebrews 13:5-6). There was no greater strength for her; no better Comforter! Thus, to know Maivereen was to know a courageous mindset. She desired heaven and lived to receive it when this life ended. Now, she awaits that judgment!
“I Want to Go to Work”
As I write this article, he still lives. His life is nearing its end, and he knows it; he lies on a hospital bed in hospice care. His body is unable to regain the vibrancy it once exhibited vigorously. Medical science has not surpassed the appointment of death (Hebrews 9:27), and so when all that can be done has been done, loved ones can only wait on the Lord to care for His own. This is the condition of Don Lee and his family.
Don and his family met us in June 1988 when we moved to work with the Pinhook church of Christ, southeast of Bedford, IN. They waited for our arrival, which came several hours later than we had planned, and helped us unload two large truckloads of household goods. Don, his wife, Mary, and their three children, Brian, Stephanie, and Patty, were all dedicated members of the Lord’s church and have remained extremely dedicated Christians.
A few years ago, Don brought his wife to Orleans, and they asked to be identified with us in the work of our Lord. We were delighted to have them join us and take part in this work! Immediately, Don was wording prayers, presiding at the Lord’s table, and even preached a few times! He was eager to participate and, without fail, gave strict attention to the lessons he heard from the pulpit. He told us, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do my best. I want to work for the Lord in this place!” He was serious about that request and fulfilled it with every opportunity.
Alas, for the past several weeks and months, Don’s health has prohibited attendance. But when he was here, he was fully engaged in worship. We saw his physical weakness, and once we had to attend to his unexpected collapse. It was his emphatic determination to be at work for the Master! The last coherent conversation we shared (he was hospitalized at the time) contained his request, “I want to go to work.”
Physically, Don will work no more. His family and all who knew and loved this man as he once was grieve this reality. How blessed we’ve been, however, to have benefited from his labors! And frankly, even after he departs from this time world, Don will teach us, just as faithful Abel speaks (Hebrews 11:4). Somehow, that reality is comforting to me, and I pray it is comforting to all who have been blessed to sit at Don’s feet as he taught us.
