– Romans 8:38-39
Full of Love for Life, People, and God
“We have lost a light here on earth through Amelia’s homegoing. Amelia was so full of love for life, people, and God. She brought joy wherever she went through her smiles and laughter, her stories, her dancing – urging people to join in. Her heart for God and helping people find the love of Jesus were such a passion for her,” said Moreen Sharp, BWA Women Executive Director. “She made a marked contribution to the women of the Pacific and the world as she traveled, encouraged, and preached with great enthusiasm. Amelia was a dear friend to me and the others who have been privileged to walk with her as colleagues in this work of BWA Women. She is dearly missed. Our prayers are with her dear family.”
Our Powerful Prayer Warrior
“When I think of our dear sister Amelia, I immediately think of dancing. It was as if the joy of the Lord just bubbled over and broke through as graceful movements. Many of us have fond memories of her dancing, her shimmering joy, and her effervescent passion for Jesus. She was also our powerful prayer warrior. If our women needed prayer, we would put Amelia onto it, knowing somehow it was more compelling than our own requests. I felt stronger, more assured when I knew Amelia was praying for me,” said Elissa Macpherson, President of Baptist Women of the Pacific.
“She was also a champion cheerleader. As I stepped into this role, as my immediate predecessor, she was there to give advice, insight, and encouragement. Amelia never merely liked someone’s Facebook page post. There would always be a comment of encouragement and affection although you just knew she would have preferred to be with you there in person, holding your shoulders with affection and smiling at you with her beaming face,” said Macpherson. “I smile to think of Jesus and Amelia dancing together – this is a comfort. My heart aches for her family. The Pacific women mourn for our dear leader and sister. We look forward to the day this is transformed into dancing.”
A Shepherding Heart
“I have served alongside, worshipped, and like many of you, danced with Amelia. We have prayed and wept together as we have shared deeply of our concerns for others and talked of our love for the work of God. Amelia served the Baptist Women of the Pacific with a shepherding heart, and at many times, put the needs of others before her own. With joy and laughter always present, Amelia drew others not to herself, but to the Lord,” said BWA Women President Karen Wilson.
“Amelia lived for Jesus. She loved Him with every part of her being and this love shone brightly to whomever she met. Her deep desire was to spend her days serving the Lord and serving others. “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:7,8)
She was a dear friend, a champion and encourager of others, and a humble servant of God. I will miss her greatly but look forward to being reunited with her one day soon in Glory,” said Wilson.
Please keep the Gavidi family in your prayers and take a moment to share a tribute, memory, or prayer with the family using the form below. You can also view Amelia’s Homegoing Service at Unity Baptist Church in Suva, Fiji, by clicking the button below.
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”
– Psalm 30:11
