By Grandson, Evangelist Larry E. Wolfe

Her first name was Margaret and many of her friends simply called her Maggie, but her name Margaret in the Greek language means “Pearl”.  In the New Testament Greek her name “Pearl” is found the first time when Jesus gave a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven: “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking  goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”(Matthew 13:45, 46)

Grandma’ was truly “One Pearl of Great Price” for her value cannot be measured in silver or gold even though pearls are always listed with these great treasures. No, her life will never be measured in ordinary wealth or riches, for what she invested is having great impact for eternity due to her investment in her children and her children’s children and that investment will go on for the rest of time on into eternity as we reap the benefits of her boldness when she decided it was time to go to church and take her children.

When she decided it was time to get a Bible for herself and her children even though it was not popular this “One Pearl of Great Price” did what was right for her family and today we are all reaping the benefits of this one solitary life. She had her eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ and His will be done…regardless of the consequences! All of us, who are the offspring of Margaret “Pearl” Anspach, must continue to thank the Lord for the Godly life that she gave to the Lord because she truly was “One Pearl of Great Price”!

LOBO COMMENT: When you peruse Grandma’s diaries you see at least two, and sometimes three entries a week about attending her church or the sister church Trinity at Lickdale. She comments regularly about the quality of her pastor’s sermon, about how the prayers were a blessing, how the Sunday School lesson was interesting, about the singing groups and many comments about prayer meeting and that people went to the altar for prayer or they held hands in a circle and prayed. Her practice of her faith was consistent & genuine and an example for all to see. Here are a few entries:

1970 Jan 4, Sunday, Cold, Sunny, 8 degrees
I arose early at 6. I filled the turkey and put it in the oven. I went to church with John and kids. Laura didn’t go she felt sick all week. We had election of SS officers. Rev Zim preached good sermon. John taught the lesson.

1970 Feb 28 Sunday, Fair 40 degrees
Stevie was very sleepy. Minnie & Fred came. We went to church together. Boy Scouts were in church. Rev Epler had a good sermon, Verna taught the lesson.

1971 Jan 17, Sunday cold 12 degrees
I went to Sunday School with John and family. Rev Epler preached very well. We had an altar call. John taught the lesson. Minnie came over for Sunday School also had dinner with me then we went to Totty and Jack’s place.

 Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Check back from time to time for more stories of Margaret (the Pearl) Anspach!

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