After God placed on a burden on our heart to support the work in Nigeria financially and with prayer several years ago, we were able to get to know Sis. Darla more personally. I remember praying for her and Rev. McLean when they would be home visiting and her praying for us in return. When she would be home for medical procedures and was alone at Parkway, I remember trying to strategically sit in the pew that I thought she would sit in so I could sit next to her.
In December 2017, when they were home around the holidays, James offered to cook dinner and we opened up our home. I remember rushing around all day trying to make sure everything was perfect and felt so privileged that Bro. and Sis. McLean were coming over to our home! We laughed a lot that night, talked a lot about the food in Nigeria, and reflected on how incredibly blessed we were. I was so looking forward to being mentored by Sis. Darla since she had retired. I have admired her faith and sacrifice since I was a teenager. I will do my best to honor her memory by living my life unto the Lord and giving to others as she so graciously did. Words cannot express our love and support for the family during this time. We are comforted by knowing we will see her again and when thinking of all of the lives she touched while here on this earth (especially ours).