Dear Latika,
As you know, despite my long periods of working life away from Sri Lanka for over 40 years, it was always a joy for me to be in touch with you and Father James, however erratic that contact may have been.
Father James was my lifelong friend and faithful pastor of great wisdom and humility, not to mention wit and humour. He was a constant source of inspiration to me through time.
You and I have talked, more often in recent years, as well as when Father James was in hospital prior to his return home. We spoke on the day that you said your final farewell, the day after your 55th wedding anniversary, as you told me then. I appreciated your courage and will in talking to me that day, even as I marvelled at what was a testament to the beautiful partnership that had stood the test of time.
I keep many happy memories of a great man, loving husband, father and grandfather, and am thankful that I had the opportunity, however limited, of meeting all the family - not to mention your pet dogs! - when I visited your home on different occasions during my less frequent visits to Sri Lanka after the death of my mother. I am reminded of Father James' powerful choice of words, whether in conversation or in prayer, and I hold on to particular memory of his visit when my mother died in Colombo, as he voiced his words of assurance - for us all - that death was ‘only a horizon beyond which we cannot see’… My last trip to Sri Lanka was in July 2017, when I also brought dear Audrey Rebera along for a couple of visits and we were all able to ‘catch up’ as our memories allowed… Since then, each time I called on the telephone I was privileged to receive Father James’ blessing - sometimes with a reminder from you! - at the end of each conversation. This was of great importance to me, something that I already miss when I call your home… I hold to the joys of my youth and CCYM Conferences of which Father James was an indelible memory, not, in simple terms, for his theme song Oh Raja Ram but for his inspiring leadership and valued contribution to the success of all Christian fora in which he played a part.
Just two weeks ago, when a few friends paid me a ‘lockdown visit’ in my garden, I had the opportunity to talk to them about Father James and I actually taught them the tune and words of Oh Raja Ram! This song, as did the fine words and profound philosophy of Father James, has crossed many borders, I am sure…
Latika, even while I continue to pray for your good health and safety, I extend the promise of my continuing contact, to the extent that my own health and God allow.
I am secure in the knowledge that your lovely family watches over you during and after Lockdown, even as does your own personal guardian angel.
With my love and many blessings,
Ginny. (Ginny Rogers)
Dear Latika,
As you know, despite my long periods of working life away from Sri Lanka for over 40 years, it was always a joy for me to be in touch with you and Father James, however erratic that contact may have been.
Father James was my lifelong friend and faithful pastor of great wisdom and humility, not to mention wit and humour. He was a constant source of inspiration to me through time.
You and I have talked, more often in recent years, as well as when Father James was in hospital prior to his return home. We spoke on the day that you said your final farewell, the day after your 55th wedding anniversary, as you told me then. I appreciated your courage and will in talking to me that day, even as I marvelled at what was a testament to the beautiful partnership that had stood the test of time.
I keep many happy memories of a great man, loving husband, father and grandfather, and am thankful that I had the opportunity, however limited, of meeting all the family - not to mention your pet dogs! - when I visited your home on different occasions during my less frequent visits to Sri Lanka after the death of my mother. I am reminded of Father James' powerful choice of words, whether in conversation or in prayer, and I hold on to particular memory of his visit when my mother died in Colombo, as he voiced his words of assurance - for us all - that death was ‘only a horizon beyond which we cannot see’… My last trip to Sri Lanka was in July 2017, when I also brought dear Audrey Rebera along for a couple of visits and we were all able to ‘catch up’ as our memories allowed… Since then, each time I called on the telephone I was privileged to receive Father James’ blessing - sometimes with a reminder from you! - at the end of each conversation. This was of great importance to me, something that I already miss when I call your home… I hold to the joys of my youth and CCYM Conferences of which Father James was an indelible memory, not, in simple terms, for his theme song Oh Raja Ram but for his inspiring leadership and valued contribution to the success of all Christian fora in which he played a part.
Just two weeks ago, when a few friends paid me a ‘lockdown visit’ in my garden, I had the opportunity to talk to them about Father James and I actually taught them the tune and words of Oh Raja Ram! This song, as did the fine words and profound philosophy of Father James, has crossed many borders, I am sure…
Latika, even while I continue to pray for your good health and safety, I extend the promise of my continuing contact, to the extent that my own health and God allow.
I am secure in the knowledge that your lovely family watches over you during and after Lockdown, even as does your own personal guardian angel.
With my love and many blessings,
Ginny. (Ginny Rogers)
