Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 7:11 AM
Dear Family and Friends,
It is with sad hearts that we write this note about Lilian. Our emotions are also wrought with wonderful memories of a woman whose life in many ways was a celebration. She experienced and shared with others years of joy and challenge. When she visited us in Beaufort, South Carolina the last weekend in February, she shared that she felt really blessed to have lived so long with her ever-present serious illness, having known others with the disease who died much younger. But that was Lilian. She saw life as a blessing, and lived it fully and gratefully.
There is so much that we could share, but we want to mention some aspects of her life that reflect our feelings, and speak to God's involvement over all.
It was somewhat improbable that Lilian, in 1983, would become a student at the Baptist Theological Seminary (BTS). At the time she applied, she was attending Calvary Baptist Church, but she was not a member. Previous to Calvary she had attended a church of another denomination that placed little importance on baptism. The rule at BTS was that, prior to admission, one was to demonstrate leadership as a member of a local church for at least two years. She simply did not qualify - according to the rules. But, this smart, young newspaper reporter of 24 was convincing, and quickly the Spirit rather than the rule dictated. Lilian earned, with distinctions, both the B.Th. and the M.Div. from BTS, Singapore.
From the beginning, Lilian was drafted into our family. She was our children's favorite "child-sitter" for several reasons, the least not being her very tolerant spirit. They never told us everything she "permitted."
It was somewhat improbable that Lilian would enter the Ph.D. program at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS). Once again - the rules! SBTS required that applicants show evidence of graduation first from a university and then a seminary. Lilian did not have a university degree. So we personally went to the Registrar of SBTS with Lilian's transcripts, and a couple of term papers (any of which would have been excellent) and argued her case. The Registrar's response was that it had never been done. But what are friends for? So he examined her records, and took them to the admissions committee. The committee agreed that she could apply under the same conditions as other students, which meant a battery of examinations. She passed with impressive results. She loved her time at SBTS, especially her experiences with fellow-students, ministry options, and professors such as Dr. Bill Hendricks, and her "Doctor-Father" Dr. Professor Gerald Borchert.
It was also somewhat improbable that Dr. Lim would become the President of the Asia Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary (ABGTS). This time it was "tradition," not rules. No woman had ever been president. She had an excellent record at SBTS, and had been teaching at BTS, Singapore where she served as Dean. She was well known, loved and respected by all, and qualified. Good sense prevailed, and she served ABGTS with distinction. While all will miss her, she spoke of others who could fill the position when necessary. But it will be difficult for her successor to continue the depth of empathy Lilian shared with struggling colleagues. She knew how to encourage others; it was one of her many gifts.
She was an excellent speaker and a superb writer. She loved scholarship but understood the need to apply theology with those in need, in her home and in the marketplace. She traveled extensively, sharing, challenging, and loving others. Oh yes, she had opinions, and she could lay out a case for her views. She believed that one should always be ready, whether it be in the classroom, pulpit, or boardroom. Others have done as much. But what always amazed us was that she served with such grace, confidence, and humility, knowing that she could die at any moment. She "used" the disease. It did not defeat her. In our long history with Lilian, in the classroom, as a colleague, and through correspondence, she never yielded to self-pity. What was not improbable was her faith.
All believers recognize the importance of having an intimate relationship with the Lord. Lilian knew Him. No, we're not interested in "sanctifying" Lilian. The Lord did that when he received her. Yet, from the first time we heard Lilian pray, it was as though the doors of heaven quickly swung open to assure her a hearing. We say this with caution, because we all know that sweet, holy words don't impress the Lord. But Lilian spoke with us and with God out of her life's experiences and her longing to serve Him and others. When we were in Singapore we always looked forward to sharing with Lilian and being blessed when she brought us and our family before the throne of grace. The prayer she voiced for Afred Tan on one of his last visits with her is, indeed, indicative of her genuine spirit. She was concerned about the well-being of others.
Wherever she was, Lilian knew the best restaurants! She was known as the "restaurant coupon-queen." When our son, Paul Leon and Shauw Chin were married in Louisville, Kentucky, it was Lilian who organized the groom's dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and she saw to it that the occasion was a perfect Chinese wedding feast! She enjoyed sharing good fellowship over a delicious meal. She didn't eat very much herself, but delighted in bringing others to the table together.
Socrates said that the mark of a good teacher is that his or her students become even better at sharing the truth than the teacher. That has certainly happened in our relationship with Lilian. Now there will be a generation of new preachers and teachers who will serve the Lord with the same spirit of their mentor, privileged to have been under the tutelage of Dr. Lilian Lim. That will be her heritage, and nothing this side of heaven can surpass it.
We give thanks for her life, for her family and friends, and especially to the Spirit of our Lord who loved her so well.
We pray for Lilian's family and for all of us who loved her that we would embrace the peace and comfort of Christ that He always offers to His grieving friends.
Roger and Janice Capps
Throughout my stay I am reminded of the words of the Psalmist, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10a) [Timothy Lim]