Debbie Rempel goes to receive her reward

“Well done good and faithful servant”

The children of this world lost one of their greatest supporters August 31, 2015 when Debbie Rempel left this earth following a heart attack.

Debbie was “the face” of Operation Christmas Child in Southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle. And, what a face; Debbie was known for her wonderful smile. This smile came from a deep and sincere love which Debbie had for all of the children of the world. Remember the song, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world….” Debbie loved every one of them and sharing the love and true meaning of Christmas with them brought Debbie a happiness that came bursting out in her smile.

Reverend Ken Harder emphasized Debbie’s “passion” for Operation Christmas Child at her memorial service, and she epitomized the word “passion” in her love for the children and the bottom line of Operation Christmas Child…to share Christ with all of the children of the world.

The greatest tribute to a person is what their friends and associates have to say about them after they have left this earth.

“I knew Debbie Rempel for almost 20 years. Our families have many mutual friends. Over all those years, you would have been hard pressed to see Debbie without a smile on her face. Her inner joy radiated on the outside and that is only because of her relationship with her Savior. She loved God and was not shy about sharing that with whomever she met.

I began a working relationship with Debbie and Operation Christmas Child three years ago and was blessed by her enthusiasm from the beginning. Her dedication, love, and total commitment to Samaritan's Purse was unrivaled by anyone else I knew. She loved the people she worked with, the people she met at events, the children whose lives were touched by the gifts, and unabashedly sought out volunteers to help.

Debbie loved her family deeply and was always ready and willing to speak of her husband, children and grandchildren to anyone who asked- and even to those who didn't! She was a great encouragement to me through some difficult times and I know she was to others also. She will be deeply missed in so many lives but I know that she is with the One who loves her the most and we can look forward to seeing her again one day!”

Kim Enns, Meade, Kansas.

“Debbie was a lover of Jesus and a lover of children! She was a champion for Operation Christmas Child and exuded passion that was contagious. She had an infectious smile that opened doors to encourage people to pack shoebox gifts. In life and in death, Debbie’s passion was to reach kids around the nations with the Gospel Message.” Joe Christian, Regional Director Lower Midwest Operation Christmas Child.

"Debbie's serving heart included her larger picture vision for the children of world. Children that need to hear the name of Jesus. The children and their life circumstances were always in her thoughts and actions.” "Debbie made an impact not only in spurring others on to pack more shoeboxes but she made an impact with her fellow volunteers. She was never too busy to take time and stop to help her team or other volunteers. When you were talking with Debbie, you had her entire attention." "My favorite thing that I will remember about Debbie is that huge smile. Each and every time we were together she greeted me with a big hug and a smile that always made me feel I was special in her life." Rebekah Steele, Area Coordinator Operation Christmas Child.

“Debbie loved Operation Christmas Child and had a true servant's heart for reaching children for the Kingdom all around the world. Operation Christmas Child was the perfect ministry for her to partner with. Debbie served as the Area Coordinator for Western Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and was instrumental in the formation and growth of the Area Team there. Her shoes will be hard to fill! Debbie was someone that I respected and trusted completely. What a privilege to know Debbie and share our love for Operation Christmas Child. She will truly be missed by all.” Karol Stevenson, Regional Area Coordinator Operation Christmas Child.

“My relationship with Debbie began when she was point person at KHYM/KJIL radio station for Operation Christmas Child. She became my contact person for promoting Operation Christmas Child in Southwest Kansas Faith and Family. I already supported OCC and Debbie’s passion, conviction and love of the ministry was nothing like I’ve ever seen. She soon became a close friend and I called on her many times when I needed a little “prayer” for certain events in my life.” Stan Wilson, Southwest Kansas Faith and Family.

Along with Tamra Clawson, Debbie had started “Buckaroos with Boxes,” a major event for this year’s Operation Christmas Child. Tamra and others involved have determined to go forward with the event and to hold it “In Loving Memory” of Debbie. The event will feature a concert by Barry Ward and entertainment by former professional rodeo clown Bill Thorpe (of Satanta). There will be rodeo events for kids of all ages and fun for the entire family. The date is Sunday, October 11.

You will find a separate story in this issue of Faith and Family with complete details. For further information, call Tamra Clawson at 620-482-3305 or email tamra@clawsonranch.com.

Remember, Debbie’s counting on you for the kids…and she’s probably watching.