“The Lord Gave, and the Lord Has Taken Away;

“The Lord Gave, and the Lord Has Taken Away; Blessed Be the Name of the Lord.”

We could list many scriptures that were fulfilled in Br. Monrad F. Grannes’ life. He was truly a gift from God to the church. He had a tremendous gift for making contacts with people and of maintaining those contacts. He had faith for each and every one. He did not despise anyone. God used him extensively as He could only use a few to find the lost sheep and bring them into the flock. He was one of the most gifted shepherds in the church.

When we first came to the U.S.A., Br. Grannes had already made contacts, and we traveled from one to the other all over the country. I felt like these contacts were like pearls on a string, and after we had returned, Br. and Sis. Grannes continued to work with all of the ones we had visited, plus many more. These two had truly been led together by God. They were one in the same mind of sacrificing and caring. They never tired of this ministry. Their home was a Bethany where the saints had a place of refuge and could rest.

It is amazing how God had put them in the right place. The first time we visited them, Br. Grannes and his wife lived in Roseburg. The first time we went with Br. Grannes to Salem, there weren’t many people we could gather, but the few were chosen by God. Br. Grannes realized that this was the right place for him to be. I don’t know how they knew it, but God gave him and his wife a heart for it. He also gave them the right house. Since then we have seen that they were in God’s leading, and God has done far beyond what we could pray for.

For many years Br. and Sis. Grannes were the center of the church when it concerned hospitality and care, with spiritual and earthly advice and help. Now a vigorous church has grown up. You have a tremendous example in Br. and Sis. Grannes. Everything they have done has led to peace. Br. Grannes had a special wisdom when it came to serving so that there was peace over him. He loved peace. Romans 14:19 was fulfilled by him. This is a very important area which all those who are here ought to take to heart, for if there is something that Satan seeks, it is to create division among brothers. We know that sisters are also often the cause of it.

It is my exhortation to all the brothers today: Pay heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Remember what you have heard. Be wise and understanding, and show by your good conduct your works in the meekness of wisdom. Jas. 3:13. Then Satan will be kept outside and the church will grow up prepared for the rapture, just as we read in Ephesians 5:27.

God has been gracious to the church. He has not taken Br. Grannes to be with Him unexpectedly. We can say that God reduced his ministry step by step in that his body weakened gradually. Consequently, everyone was prepared for his passing, and his loss was not felt as acutely. If now none of you seek honor or your own, but read diligently in Philippians 2, you will always find the way to the ministry you have and the task that God has chosen for you. Then the body of Christ will grow forth to be a comfort for all the upright ones, and God can continue to add to the church.

Hearty greetings to all of you, from your happy and thankful brother in grace, salvation, and work.