Families, students and members of the community flooded into the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock on Wednesday to celebrate the life of Anabel Reid.
Reid died Friday while on the way to serve at Medina Children’s Home. An ACU owned bus carrying 16 passengers lost control, hitting a concrete culvert.
The ceremony reflected the life of Reid. Pictures chronicling her life were shown as Hanson’s “MMMBop” and Rascal Flatt’s “Life is a Highway” played along in the background.
Bill Starcher, Broadway church minister, told attendees Reid served a life of Christian service and that the memorial service would reflect that.
“We will laugh, cry and we’ll be inspired by the stories we share this evening,” Starcher said. “The good news of Jesus will be proclaimed because Anabel’s life was a reflection of the kingdom of God.”
Starcher said Reid’s life reflected the truths found in Col. 3, in which the Apostle Paul tells Christians, “you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
“She understood what life was about,” he said.
Anabel’s father, Ron Reid, said even during her time on Earth, she was not of this world. And Anabel touched the hearts of many, friends said. Emily Sims, a Broadway member, said Reid was one of her closest mentors.
“There are not enough words to thank God for the blessing Anabel was in my life,” Sims said. “I met her at a time when I was trying to figuring out what it means to be a disciple. She was one of the closest reflections of God’s love, service and purpose that I ever found.”
Stories of Anabel’s spirit were shared by readings from her friends, family and ministers.
All who spoke remembered Anabel by her readiness to serve, friendly demeanor and Godly attitude. One participant read portions of Reid’s personal journal, emphasizing that Christian commitment.
“I pray that I learn, grow, experience, gain wisdom, love, serve and give glory to God in all that I do,” Reid wrote in a journal entry on Aug. 23, 2010. “My prayer is simple, yet has an unmatched desire to me, that I may live and do great things for God and his kingdom all to his glory. I can’t wait to see God one day, to hear him say, ‘Well done, good and faithful child.’”
To watch Reid’s celebration of life, visit http://blogs.acu.edu/iwanttohelp/.
