Galatians 6:9 – So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. (NSRV)

In the early 1900s, Wilfrid Huot and his young family relocated from Quebec, Canada, to the rugged, rural, unorganized township of Bigwood in northern Ontario, Canada. Around 1921, he fenced off a one-acre portion of his property from the rest of his large farm and became the sole proprietor of an unconsecrated burial ground on his land for the exclusive use of the farmers who lived in the area around his farm to bury their dead. They did this instead of travelling miles to the consecrated Catholic Church cemetery. After Wilfrid's death in 1941 at the age of 62, the burial ground was closed and became a secret to all but the local families.

Unbeknownst to me, the Holy Spirit selected me to finish the job for Wilfrid, who would have wanted to have the old, forgotten, burial ground to be remembered and respected. He assigned me, a stranger from southern Ontario, to travel over 200 miles from the big city to rural Ontario to finish the task.

In the winter of 1991, I bought the farm as a recreational summer property. Since the burial ground was never separated with its own deed from the rest of the farm, any buyer who bought the property purchased all of the land, including what was on it.

Colossians 3:23 – Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters. (NRSV)

Upon realizing the problem, I asked myself, "Why me?" The answer was, "Why not you!" This assignment was for the dear departed individuals who were buried in the burial ground and left forgotten.

We know that we must trust in Jesus and not fear the outcome of any situation, and we are reminded that "nothing will be impossible with God". (Luke 1:37 NRSV) So, I turned to Him for guidance and direction. This was going to be a task that I would have to do, because I couldn't get out of it. For the next five years, I spent a considerable amount of time, energy, and financial resources to get the burial ground recognized under the Cemeteries Act of Canada. Was it an easy task? No! At that time, I believe that I became unofficially the first female person to own a cemetery in Canada. Then, in December 2021, our faithful Father stepped in again and enabled me to gift the old cemetery (1921-2021) to the city in that location. For hundreds of years to come, this cemetery will be protected.

Are you ready for your assignment from God? Be willing to take it on and do whatever is necessary.

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, if there is something here on earth that we can do for You, then let us know what it is, and guide us through the process. We want to be ready, willing, and able to do Your will and to be an instrument for You. Amen.

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About the author:

Yvonne Myers <yvonneemyers@gmail.com>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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