FAREWELL TO NEVILLE HOLMES

– In Memory of Neville Holmes –

24 November 1938 – 27th August 2025

A chance sighting in 2019 of a couple in a local restaurant, who bowed their heads in prayer before commencing their meal, led to our introduction to Neville and Noreen Holmes, who had served the Lord faithfully for many years in Lebanon as Missionaries.

We spoke briefly outside the restaurant where Neville sang to us in Arabic after which we swapped details and parted company.
Little did we know what would ensue in our lives from that moment onwards.

A desire to have their life’s work in print for distribution far and wide was an abiding wish for both Neville and Noreen. My wife and I were richly blessed by each and every manuscript that flowed between us over many years of association with them.

The incredible insight Neville had of the Scriptures, especially through the eyes of the local culture, was amazing and inspiring. He was fluent in Arabic and as a result he was welcomed into the community where he was able to share his faith.

We also learned of Noreen’s astonishing gift for poetry, capturing everyday occurrences in life with breath-taking accuracy and weaving them into exquisite rhyme and verse which my wife and I read to each other over and over!!
They too went into print to be distributed far and wide.

To hear that Neville had been called home was met with great sadness mixed with great joy. Emotions which can only come from knowing Jesus Christ personally and understanding the life journey of a true believer.
Neville is now with his Saviour, enjoying the fruit of his labour.
Our thoughts and prayers are for those who mourn his passing, especially Noreen and the rest of the family.
It is difficult, sometimes to know what to say at times like this, especially when offering succour and comfort. We know how we felt when our parents passed on, so perhaps sharing a little of what we struggled with may be of some comfort to those who are left behind.
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The moment you left us our hearts were split in two.
One side was filled with memories, the other side died with you.
We lie awake at night as we walk down memory lane with tears.
Remembering you is easy – We do it in our prayers.
But missing you is the heartache that never goes away.
Life goes on, and for now it is here to stay.
We miss the sound of your voice, and the many stories you shared.
The ring of your laughter mixed with amusement showed that you cared.
Even though our sadness is mixed with both joy and peace,
We know in our hearts that your happiness will now never cease.

~To those who mourn~

You can shed tears that he has gone
Or you can be joyful because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and wish that he’ll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all he has left.
Your heart may be empty because you can’t see him.
Or it can be full because of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live for yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
Remember him, remember them.
Cherish the memories and let them live on
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
But fill each waking hour in useful ways,
Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer
To those who will lend an ear.
Lastly, do what he’d want you to do,
Which is to keep your heart and mind on the Saviour every day,
Until it is your time to go home.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make His Face to shine on you and be Gracious to you.
May the Lord turn His Face toward you and give you peace.
Jon and Marcy Emerton