On Tuesday 22 August almost 500 people packed into a church in South Bristol. Was this for a person with an international ministry, or for someone well known within the Christian community? Well no, actually. The Thanksgiving service was for Elaine Todman, the wife of Neil, the lead pastor of Headley Park Church.
Elaine became a Christian at the age of 16 through the witness of a friend at school and through a Billy Graham campaign.
Passion for the church
I got to know Elaine when Linda and I moved to Bristol to work with the Todmans in re-energising Headley Park Church, which was facing imminent closure. For five years we observed Elaine’s love for the Lord, her dedicated support of her husband and passion for the church. Elaine was no ‘ordinary’ pastor’s wife. In fact she refused to be defined in that way. Highly intelligent, vivacious, with a wonderful sense of humour, she was also a highly qualified doctor, specialising in obstetrics. She was an extrovert, and I always regretted being part of any sketch or drama with her because she mercilessly upstaged me!
Loving God through cancer
Twenty-one months ago Elaine became ill and was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The shock to everyone who knew her was tremendous. Throughout those difficult months, Elaine’s faith in God’s love and purpose never wavered. Elaine and Neil bravely wrote blogs through each stage of the illness, honestly reporting what the family were going through, but consistently witnessing to the grace and goodness of the Lord. Typically Elaine planned the months she had left with care. She ensured that their sons, Isaac, 11, and Oscar, 9, enjoyed exciting and memorable times with their parents. Her great wish, to see Isaac begin secondary school, was sadly not realised.
The Thanksgiving Service celebrated a life well lived for Jesus. Elaine’s boss from her hospital spoke warmly of the deep respect and love staff and patients had for her, and for the delicious cakes she brought to work!
Fond remembrance
Andy Paterson, missions director for the FIEC, their former pastor and long-time friend, preached engagingly, powerfully and movingly from the story of the raising of Lazarus. The whole service was characterised by joy, humour and fond remembrance. Elaine, who had planned the day, would have been pleased, but most gratified that Jesus took all the glory.
