PELITA - The Methodist Church Newsletter
Listed below are articles abstracted from past issues of PELITA
August 2006 - How Great is this Love
Memorial Service of Muriel Pilley
She was such a great person, a person overflowing with love, selflessness, devotion, and always joyful in helping others.
"It took me 50 years to come back," said Dr. Gail Pilley Harris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pilley, missionaries to Sarawak in the late 40s, in her mom's memorial service held in Wesley Methodist Church, Sibu on 25 June 2006. As Gail recalled, "I have always wanted to come back for a visit. But sometimes when we get caught up with life, it is not that easy to come out from the routines. After my mom passed away in 2002, I have wanted to bring her back here earlier. It took almost four years to make this trip possible. Thanks be to God." Gail now resides in USA with her family and is the Director of Community Action Committee, an agency which helps poor people in Knoxville, Tennessee. She can still remember some Foochow words.
Indeed great was the love of Mr. and Mrs. Pilley. They poured out their lives to many and there was not a pair of dry eyes during the memorial service. However, it was also a moment of rejoicing and accomplishment. As Gail mentioned, "My mom finally ended her journey here on earth. She would be most satisfied."
The Committal Service followed immediately after the Memorial Service. Rev. Bonnie McGraw, daughter of Missionary Rev. Eugene McGraw who came together with Gail from USA this time, spoke in the service, "In all our lives, we sent out ripples, some waves. Mrs. Pilley had certainly sent out many waves, touching people, changing lives." Bonnie spent her few years of early childhood in Sibu together with the Pilleys. She still has vivid memories of Mrs. Pilley. Using Proverbs 31, McGraw referred to Mrs. Pilley as the noble woman described. She was generous and she always found ways to give to the church.
The ashes of Mrs. Pilley rested in the Old Methodist Cemetery in Sibu, the place where her husband was buried in 1960 after a fatal heart attack, more than 40 years ago. Finally this pair of missionaries rested in Sibu, the place where they left their hearts and love to the people here.
SM Chan
From Connection, 15 July 2006.