Barbara Ann Willoughby: 1959 - 2009
Dear Friends
Let the Peace of God Reign
Every man dies. Not every man really lives. W Wallace
And what a life she lived! Barbara Ann Willoughby nee Denning, wife, mother, friend, musician, pastor’s wife, missionary, Bible School graduate, mentor, author, Sunday School teacher, fighter and her most prized title – worshipper. This evening, Friday, 21 August 2009 shortly after 11.00 pm with her family lovingly at her side, her loving Father called her home.
Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1959, Barbara Willoughby fondly known as ‘Sis Barb’ or ‘Sis Barbs’ placed her life in God’s care at an early age. Spiritually nurtured by Rev Derold and Judy Doughty from Apostolic Center, Mattoon, Illinois, a burden for missions was placed in her life in her teens. At the Apostolic Bible Institute in St Paul, Minnesota, Barbara met a young man, Steve Willoughby who possessed a similar burden for missions. They eventually married and set out on the missions trail. Prior to establishing themselves in Singapore, the Willoughbys ministered in Pakistan and Malaysia. Sis Barbara was blessed with three children, Meghan, Barak and Mikayla.
During her 12 year battle with cancer, Sis Barbara taught her church family, Tabernacle of Joy many wonderful life lessons. She taught us how to worship in the storm, how to lean on Him and how to turn fear and doubt to worship. She was a fighter who never gave up. Worship and praise were her daily weapons to triumph over fear.
“Why?” is a question that many of us have at this time. Earlier this week, a dear friend of Tabernacle of Joy shared that when she was crying out to God saying ‘This is just not fair! It doesn’t make sense! She heard a voice from another place finish each sentence: “It isn’t fair … on this side of eternity.” “It doesn’t make sense … on this side of eternity.” Only on “the other side” does it make any kind of sense at all. This does not make sense “on this side of eternity” but when you serve a sovereign Lord, He calls the shots from a whole different perspective … His side of eternity. ‘
As the Tabernacle of Joy family mourns the passing of Sis Barbara with Bishop Steve Willoughby, Meghan, Barak, Mikayla and Sis Barbara’s parents, Alvie and Mary Denning, please pray that the peace of God will reign in their hearts. Your constancy in prayer has provided much strength and comfort to us over the past months.
Details regarding funeral and memorial services will be circulated later. Sis Barbara had requested donations to Missions in lieu of flowers and wreaths. Information regarding donations to Missions is found in the attached note. Cards may be sent to the following address:
Tabernacle of Joy Singapore, 133 New Bridge Road, #05-02 Chinatown Point, Singapore 059413.
Please do log on to the Tabernacle of Joy website at www.tabjoy.org for all updates and information. For further information, you may call (65) 97570075 or (65) 312 7498. We will do our best to address your queries.
Abiding in His Grace
Sandra Subner
On behalf of Pastor Timothy Lee
Tabernacle of Joy Singapore
Filed under: News Updates
