Faith Assembly pillar Tania Burgbacher mourned
The Post and Courier
Tania and Larry Burgbacher
Tania Burgbacher, first lady of the Faith Assembly of God church in Summerville, was remembered Wednesday as a loving wife who shared her husband's passion for missionary work.
"They've been an example of marriage and how you do it right," said Karen Urban, assistant to Pastor Larry Burgbacher.
Tania Burgbacher died Tuesday afternoon in a collision on her way to her home on Spotted Owl Lane. She was 54.
Craig Butler, pastor of discipleship at Faith Assembly, said Burgbacher focused intently on mission projects around the world, especially Project Rescue- House of Hope in Nepal. She went on two mission trips each year with her husband and others from the church, he said. Faith Assembly supports more than 70 missionaries worldwide, Butler said.
"Both of them have a great heart for missions," he said.
Though Burgbacher held no official post at Faith Assembly, she often counseled individuals and led weekend retreats.
Greg Surratt, senior pastor at Seacoast Church, said he met the Burgbachers 21 years ago when he first came to the Charleston area.
"They are a great family," Surratt said. "What a tremendous loss."
Burgbacher was driving her Dodge Durango home at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday when her vehicle collided with a dump truck backing out of a driveway on her street. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol. The driver of the truck, Carl Faron Smith, 54, is charged with failure to yield the right of way, Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Bob Beres said.
The Burgbachers married in 1974 and came from Ohio to the Lowcountry in 1984. Under their leadership, Faith Assembly has experienced tremendous growth, going from about 150 members to more than 1,200.
Burgbacher was dedicated to sharing the message of Christ and knew how to have a good time, Urban said. A few years ago, she learned to scuba dive.
In March, she went on her last mission trip — to Ecuador. During these trips, she would focus on setting up medical clinics while her husband taught the Bible and administered pastoral care, Urban said.
"Our pain is knowing that he's lost half of himself," she said of the pastor. "I believe this is going to be a defining moment in the life of our church family."
Tania Burgbacher is survived by her husband, their three grown children, Jason, Lindy and Chad, and five grandchildren. Jason is youth pastor at Faith Assembly. Lindy and Chad were returning from mission trips abroad Wednesday to join the family.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dyal Funeral Home of Summerville.
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Comments
teachergal (anonymous) says...
She really was a pillar in the church community as well as the surrounding community. I pray for all involved with this terrible accident. The members of Faith will pull together, surrounding all members involved with thier love AND By the Grace of God, this incident that we ourselves cannot understand, will touch so many lives.
June 12, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
This church has done great things in the community. I pray for this family and church. What a terrible accident.
June 12, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
She was a beautiful woman. My continued prayers to the family and friends of the deceased.
June 12, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
faith46 (anonymous) says...
Tania Burgbacher was an extraordinary woman. If you look around the campus of Faith Assembly, you can see her impact everywhere. It was her vision to start the school more than 20 years ago. She didn't just cast the vision....she also worked and taught K-5 in the school for quite some time. The Alpha Pregnancy Center that has ministered to hundreds of women over the years was founded out of a vision Tania had for unwed mothers and the need for them to be loved and learn of God's grace in a supportive, non-threatening environment. She was the leader of the women's ministry that reached out and touched hundreds of women, sharing the Word of God in a very applicable way. As stated in the article, foreign mission work was at her very heart. It was no surprise when her daughter and son-in-law became missionaries to Nepal, and her son and daughter-in-law became missionaries first to Tonga and now to Costa Rico. Her other son and daughter-in-law lead the youth ministry at Faith that will be taking a team of youth and young adults to Haiti to minister and install a water system in July. No.....it was no surprise. Tania had a way of sharing God's love and His forgiving grace without casting a look of judgment on an individual...regardless of their past. She was a reflection of God's heart.
I have personally known Tania for 22 years. She lived out the example of being a loving wife and mother, as well as Spiritual leader. I am a better, more whole person because of her guidance and impact on my life. I take great comfort in knowing that her handprint remains on my life. I now feel even more challenged to strive to be a clearer reflection of God's love, mercy, and grace.
June 12, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reality_woman (anonymous) says...
My sincerest sympathy to this family on their loss. It is a tragic loss. Nothing can ease the pain except for the continued love for God as he will ease the pain. God Bless you Tania and the family of this extraordinary family.
June 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bkeelin (anonymous) says...
I can't imagine losing my wife so suddenly, we are all keeping them in our prayers. She will be terribly missed at Faith Assembly. The church leadership will be in our prayers as well as they deal with this as a church family.
June 12, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proudmomma (anonymous) says...
My prayers are with the family and with the Smith family as well.
June 12, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jca (anonymous) says...
a strong pillar who broke the law by not wearing a seatbelt i met her once some example
wear your seat belt people they save lives and slow down. i am willing to bet she was partly to blame in this crash since he isnt charged with vehicular manslaughter. she owns blame
too and not for not wearing the seatbelt
my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
simple things like slowing down putting away a cell phone turning down your radio wear your seat belt and pay attention to every thing and every one around you.
now attack me jerks you know im right
June 12, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Yeah_I_said_it (anonymous) says...
jca,
You are a very ill and delusional woman. You always find a way to blame the victim or come up with a conspiracy theory about these stories. Now I know why those kids set you on fire when you were a child. I would have done a lot worse. You were probably antagonizing them and they got tired of hearing you rant and rave. You are also a liar who can't remember what you say from one post to the next. You need to take some time and seek some real professional help because you obviously need it. I feel for your husband and kids(?) (if they aren't a figment of your imagination as is your driving status). You are one of the most idiotic posters I have ever read on this board. Take a break, get a lobotomy, and come back when you have more intelligent things to say. How is that for an attack?
Yeah, I said it!!!
June 12, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dreamer (anonymous) says...
jca,
This article expresses the loss of a dear community member. Someone whose impact goes beyond the present world and touches another--
How can you be so cold?
Regardless of whether or not she was wearing a seatbelt, God called her home for a reason.
--She will forever be remembered and the future truthfully is a better place because of her.
They often say that "teachers touch the future" and that you never know how many people you have touched because of your actions...It couldn't be said of a finer person.
Not only as a teacher, a mother, a wife, a missionary, a visionary, a leader, a counselor, and more than anything as a Christian servant.
Please, do not turn this article in to a forum for attacks...
Just use some decorum and have some respect.
June 12, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoUrmbr8888 (anonymous) says...
Yeah_I_said_it that was sweeeeeeeeeeeet!
ROFLMAO!!!!!
JCA's comments are incredibly cold!
June 12, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Yeah_I_said_it (anonymous) says...
DoUrmbr8888,
I just get so tired of reading her posts day in and day out with all of the negativity that flows from them. Then when some of the other posters call her on her ignorance and stupidity, she gets all cyber-silly. She starts ranting about how people are jerks and need to get a life and how they are attacking her. HELLO! She attacks every story with the same vigor and vitriol every time she posts. I just got tired of it and her invitation was all I needed.
Dreamer,
You are right, I apologize to the family and to the memory of Mrs. Tania for posting such a hateful post on this article. That was not in good taste. My prayers and condolences to the friends and family.
June 12, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jca (anonymous) says...
i have respect but following simple LAWS WOULD HAVE SAVED HER LIFE THE TRUTH NEE4DS TO BE SAID SHE WASNT A GREAT EXAMPLE SHE BROKE THE LAWS OF THE LAND
I MAY BE SEEN AS COLD BUT I SPEAK THE TRUTH AND I DONT CARE AS THE BIBLE SAYS THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.
June 12, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dreamer (anonymous) says...
Yeah_I_said_it,
It's okay...It's more jca and folks like that, which I hope to avoid! :)
June 12, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Puzzled (anonymous) says...
It amazes me ... thousands of people were touched by this woman. I hope to God one day the P and C wizes up and eliminates these comment areas, or at best eliminates them on articles like this.
June 12, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Yeah_I_said_it (anonymous) says...
jca,
Why don't you set us free and quit posting. I lose a brain cell or two every time I see your posts. One can only imagine how many you lose by typing them.
dreamer,
Thank you. She is just so loopy and irritating I had to get that off my chest.
June 12, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
familyone (anonymous) says...
Tania Burgbacher's life continues to touch thousands of people everyday. Her love for God, family, church family and human beings all across this country as well as other countries was limitless.
When my life comes to an end, I would be so honored if the only negative thing someone can find to say about me is that I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. (Would it matter if the critic knew that she was less than 30 feet from her own driveway? Probably not.)
June 12, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
JCA- NO NO NO
You could have posted on the article about the accident but not on this site where it is talking about the good of this woman. Some things are just best left unsaid.
We don't know if the seatbelt would have saved her since she was almost home. I'm also guilty of unsnapping my seatbelt as soon as I pull into my neighborhood as well. Something bad could happen to me, but that does not make me a terrible driver.We don't know if the seatbelt could have saved her that's speculation.
You do remember the twins and the mother right? They had on their seatbelts too and they had a similar accident. Car vs dump truck in this scenario.
I don't think this particular article is a place for you to criticize her. Place your comment in the article that ranned yesterday. Let's not bash this lady on this site.
June 12, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
redman1959 (anonymous) says...
JCA, you met her one time? And Christians are called judgemental? HA!
June 12, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Floger76 (anonymous) says...
jca - You were quoting John 8:32. The truth that Jesus spoke of were his teachings to his disciples. It is a terrible use of the bible to use that quote to back up your statements. Which, BTW, are facts at best, not biblical truth.
Your post was in terrible taste.
June 12, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Yeah_I_said_it (anonymous) says...
jca asked for attacks and is now no where to be found. "Poor thing, poor fool!" (Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
June 12, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jca (anonymous) says...
also the bible says to follow the laws of your land she didnt
and i met her briefly years ago at an assembly of God convention she seemed very nice but at the same time very condescending on the youth of my church and we were the host church not hers. she was rude to us and mean and we didnt do anything wrong except sit together i was 18 i didnt need to sit with my mommy.
i am sorry shes gone but if she had followed the rules worn her seat belt she might not have had to die. cant stand it when the truth is said can you, the truth of the matter it was her negligence that killed her. i lose respect for people when they do things against Gods teachings he says we are to follow his cmmandments and the laws of our land she didnt and paid the price for her stupidity takes 3 seconds to pull the belt and buckle it.
this car accident is like the 20 other we read a week
wear your seat belt
i have nothing to say to you jerks who attack me for voicing my opinion on an opinion board get used to me im not going away and i have broken no rules
June 12, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jblakeslee (anonymous) says...
"I lose respect for people when they do things against GOD's teachings he says we are to follow his commandments".....
OK....well put, but there is a commandment that say's" "Love thy Neighbor"....and Jesus said for us to love our neighbor's as we love ourselves......he did not say to attack or speak badly of them....If he did, they left it out of all the BIble's I have read.
Jesus also said: Let he that is without sin cast the first stone."
June 12, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grillmaster (anonymous) says...
JCA,
It sounds like you're someone who is really hurting and I hope you someday make peace with yourself. Like all of us, Tania wasn't a perfect person, but I and countless of others still thought the world of her. The Bible also says "let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Yet, JCA, you are entitled to your own opinion. I just hope you can read the Comments Section when the house finally falls on you.
Tania: I will miss you. Enjoy your rest; you've earned it.
June 12, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
I'm not attacking you JCA, but there is another article that you can post on about her seatbelt. This particular article is not here to bash about her seatbelt is talking about her life. Celebration of her life as a person.
June 12, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KDB4 (anonymous) says...
Yea_ I_said_it,
You need help.
June 12, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Yeah_I_said_it (anonymous) says...
Well, jca, it seems that you have broken a plethora of grammar and spelling laws. "Off with her head!" Jeez Louise, did you complete the 1st grade? Man, my 4 year old knows that each sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with some form of punctuation. Talk about your ignorant rants!
P.S. {leaning in close and whispering in your ear} You invited the attacks. And I quote: "now attack me jerks you know im right". Which was also riddled with errors!
June 12, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Yeah_I_said_it (anonymous) says...
KDB4:
Thank you. I agree! They say the first step is admitting it. Where do I go now?
June 12, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Friday (anonymous) says...
jca -
Do you ever show compassion without judgement? That WILL set you free.
June 12, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Floger76 (anonymous) says...
It must be hell to be perfect.
June 12, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eaw825 (anonymous) says...
Tania Burgbacher was one of the kindest, sweetest, and genuinely big-hearted women I have ever been fortunate to know. My condolences and prayers to Pastor and his family, as well as the neighbor who was also involved in the accident and his family. I know that God used Tania to touch the lives of so many; her joie de vivre and infectious laughter, as well as her grace and compassion, will be missed terribly. It also pains me that the comment board for this article has been used to fuel petty arguments. Please be respectful and use this space to grieve and celebrate the life of Tania Burgbacher and play out your immature battles elsewhere.
June 12, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dreamer (anonymous) says...
We do not know if wearing a seatbelt would have saved her life--God called His child home. My daughter today asked why she died if she worked so hard for God? I told her that I feel that He can only do so much through someone's life that sometimes, it is what He can do through their death that He needs to further His kingdom.
I know that Tania's life touched so many--and I am sure that although we are hurting and missing a dear woman, God will do much through her death and her memory.
--Please remember the Burgbacher family and Faith church/school members in your prayers at this difficult time.
June 12, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clyoushaete (anonymous) says...
"The driver of the truck, Carl Faron Smith, 54, is charged with failure to yield the right of way"
Really, what is the point of this article if not to make Mr. Smith the bad guy? He was backing up a truck and she hit it! I doubt that he saw her coming and decided to back up in her path on purpose. Who knows, maybe Mr. Smith is as just as upstanding a citizen as the victim.
And sometimes our most upstanding citizens make mistakes, she's not perfect, she was human like the rest of us. May she rest in peace.
June 12, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
summerville_guy (anonymous) says...
I can understand that people have a problem with what jca is saying on here, but the fact remains that a seatbelt might have saved Tania's life. True, this article is about people remembering Tania, but wouldn't it be a much better article if it was about her recovering in the hospital? Why should people have to remember her, when we have laws set up in this state to prevent this type of tragedy from happening?
Girley Girl commented that she sometimes takes her seat belt off when she gets in her neighborhood. If anything, this article should be a wake-up call to her, as well as to many other people, about the importance of wearing your seatbelt until the car is completely in Park. It is not only unlawful, but dangerous to ride any distance at all without a seatbelt. Not to mention that it is also a slap in the face to the people who care about you, that you would not do what you could to make sure you stay alive and with them. I am sure if there was some way for Tania to rethink her actions, she first of all would not have driven home that day, but I believe she would make sure to wear her seatbelt so that she would be doing all she could to possibly save her family and friends from the sorrow they are experiencing now.
From everything I have heard, I am sure Tania was a great woman. I just wish she had been a little more conscientious about her safety and had thought about the people who love her before she decided to drive without buckling up.
June 13, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hartley8184 (anonymous) says...
I never wear a seatbelt either, but, since I knew the pastor and his wife for about 16 years, I will think about it now. May Tania rest in peace, may Larry and the kids experience comfort at this time. May the church come together and perservere through this. Stop giving all the attention here to the naysayers and critics. Focus on rememembering Tania, her family and the church. Rest assured, God isn't the least bit worried about her stupid seat belt. Sincerely, Jon and the Hartley family.
June 13, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Summerville Guy- you are absouletly right. This is a wake up call for me. It's a habit for me to take off my seatbelt as soon as I get in my neighborhood..why...I don't know...I would hope nothing would happen to me while I'm driving in my neighborhood, but I don't know what the other driver is thinking as wellso you are right.
I just think that there is a time and place for everthing. The PC already reported the story about her and then they did this article, a celebration of life. I just thought it was tacky to attack this lady character about seatbelt use.
JCa- attacked her for another reason other than seatbelt and it has to do with how she was treated in the church or whatever. Some things are left best unsaid...
June 13, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Awaiting (anonymous) says...
We must remember this: Tania needs no one on this earth to defend her! Until the moment she drew her last breath and Christ said: Welcome home Child for this moment I have perfected you in my image: he was forever sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding for her. As for her neighbor, and yes, also a brother in Christ Christ is still sitting and interceding for him, just as he is for you and me. I charge each one to go beyond the bantering and bickering that has been displayed because to continue this path is to play into the wiles of Satan causing bitterness. Go therefore, "love one another and so fulfill the law of Christ" "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God".
June 13, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
candycorngirl (anonymous) says...
OK. To clear up the seat belt thing? She hit a DUMP TRUCK! That's like hitting a brick wall. The entire front end of her Durango caved in and crushed her. The seat belt didn't matter. So stop talking about the seatbelt!
This is not a wake up call for me in regards to the seat belt, but a wake up call to make sure and tell everyone I love that I truly love them and to let everyone know about the love of God and the fulfilled life you can live with Him.
THAT is Tania's legacy. She was an inspiration to many. To the ONE person she offended...no one said she was perfect. Take a look in the mirror pal. I can't imagine she would ever be rude to someone- especially youth. You know, teenagers' perception is things is a little messed up anyway because of IMATURITY. Grow up JCA and make your life count for something other than bashing someone over a seat belt. There are more important things in life like your family and a God that loves you. God loves you no matter what you say or do. Tania embodied that same love.
June 13, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theband86 (anonymous) says...
Regardless of how or why the accident occurred, a wonderful, loving and generous woman is gone forever. Her husband, and life partner of 34 years is hurting and grieving her loss. Let us show compassion during this time and keep our hurtful comments to ourselves. They serve no good purpose at all. We should be remembering Tania as the person she was; a person of great character and integrity. She had an unquenchable passion for Christ and had a great thirst for knowledge and wisdom for all things. Larry, if you ever read this, please know that your extended family in Christ from Greenville, SC love you and we are grieving with you for your loss. My soul resounds with the knowledge that the Lord has his purpose and hand in all of this. Welcome home, Tania, thy good and faithful servant. Welcome home.
June 13, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
treehugger (anonymous) says...
My deepest sympathy goes out Tanias family. It is a tragic loss. I have visited Faith on many occasions but unfortunately I never had the pleasure of meeting her. My only problem which came at this mornings service was this. The Pastor and Tania's children were overseas on religious missions and had to be summoned back due to their mother's passing.
The service was going along and was very nice until the fill in pastor was laying a guilt trip on the congregation to pay for the airfare of Tania's children. What I do know from talking to others who attend church there is that the pastor and his family are very well off and even live in a three story mansion. It really makes you think about at keast two of the 7 deadly sins. Greed and selfishness. Most people are struggling to pay for gas and food and if it were their loved ones who had passed. They would have to struggle to find a way to pay for transporation without any help at all (even from the church). It isn't fair that these people who have the means to pay for the airfare are putting the burden on the backs of those who struggle with a lot less.
God is great but this reeks like old fish. The Pastor and the church should be ashamed.
June 15, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TarNFeatherEm (anonymous) says...
Treehugger- ..... how nice of you to judge a situation form gossip that you heard about the pastor and his personal finances.
June 16, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sxynsvd (anonymous) says...
I have been reading comments made on this website for a long time. Sometimes the conversations made me want to respond but I thought I would just leave it alone. However, today is not the day. I would like to make a comment on what Treehugger said about service on Sunday, I was there. Pastor Craig didn't tell us to pay for the children's airfare. He said if we wanted to honor Mrs. Tania's memory we could write on our offering/tithe envelope Missions. The Family of Faith Assembly is just that Family. When my mother, step-father, and brother were displaced by a fire; Faith Assembly was there! Not only with money but with prayers, food, clothing, toys for my brother. You name it they did it. My mother was in a car accident and again Faith Assembly was there. Not just the congregation but Pastor Larry and Mrs. Tania.
I didn't want to write this to down you Treehugger. Maybe you just miss-understood what was said, and assumed that when Craig said put Conga on the envelope you thought the money was going to their daughter who is doing Missions there.
I wrote this so that if there is anyone who had been reading about Mrs. Tania, Pastor Larry, or Faith Assembly and thought they wanted to see it for themselves they can see that the love and compassion at Faith Assembly runs deep, and that Faith is not a money hungry church as you have lead them to believe. Faith Assembly has well over 2,000 members, all races, all income levels, and all occupations (not to mention land developers, home builders, etc). Who's to say that the land/or home wasn't given to them? I honestly don't know where it came from, nor do I care. I just know through Faith Assembly's love and compassion my mother was saved, which was enough for me.
June 16, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiritualMadMan (anonymous) says...
re: JCA
Yes there is always a Judiazer or Legalist who wants to have their say to prove just how much more spiritual they are than all the others.
But, the standard isn't each other but JESUS...
As for the seat belt issue. Yes, it is the law.
But, have you read the coroners report? Do you know for a FACT that wearing a seatbelt would have made THE difference in THIS case?
No you don't! No you haven't!
Have you even seen the Accident Phots? Are you an Accident Expert?
Admittedly, I am only guessing. But, given the fact that the truck is listed as a dump truck and that the gate on a dump truck is at window level... And, given that the truck was moving fast enough to cross the road to hit the Durango fast enough not to be avoided... And, given that the truck was probably turning and caught the car with it's corner. And, given that I don't think side air bags are standard on a Durango... Even if there were side air bags that would be quite a hit in a five star crash tested vehicle...
Honestly, I think it was just Our Heavenly Father wanting His Daughter next to Him...
And, when you, (JCA) get spiritual enough to be so caught up in the True Worship of God to not notice a Dump truck barreling down on you... THEN and ONLY Then will you have the right to gain say **MY** Pastors Beautiful Wife!
Sorry, folks, but I was at Faith Assembly on Royal Road, I was there as Tania became the best Preachers wife I have ever seen.
You may have met her once or even twice... But, as a former parishioner I saw her grow up in God.
And, I tell you now... There isn't a single female telvangelist that could measure up to the memory of Tania I still hold.
And, JCA, I can speak with a bit of authority because I was once quite a bit like you... A true Melancholy Legalist.
June 16, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reverendferrell01 (anonymous) says...
I agree when it was said that Tania does not need anyone of us to defend her, it's true. She's got the ultimate defender on her side. With that said, just because God is our defender does not mean we should never stand up and correct untruth. I am a current member of Faith Assembly of God, I am proud to call Pastor Larry my pastor. Neither he nor Tania were perfect, but their standard by which they did measure their lives is perfection and they have striven to meet that standard with all of their hearts.
To Treehugger, I thank you for coming to Faith Assembly and hope someday to meet you. I wish you had been able to meet Tania because she was the type that if you met her, you knew everything about her. She would share anything and everything with you, it was like looking through crystal, nothing was hidden. If you ever had any questions about their finances, she would have told you and in fact, Pastor's salary is published in our business report every year. I have known Pastor and Tania and their children for 13 years now, been to their house and hung out with them. These people are wise stewards of all that they have. And, if indeed you do visit Faith regularly, you should know that Pastor is VERY frugal. The man does not like to spend unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary, and he's honest about it. One example: They had the same model of microwave that my parents bought in 1983 until the year 2000, when it finally gave out. They could have gotten a new one earlier, but the other one worked fine. They stay out of debt, they make sure they have the money for what they want before they go shopping and they have been blessed by so many blessed by them in our church with generous gifts of which they are truly thankful. And I wasn't in 1st service yesterday, I went to 2nd, but no air fare was mentioned. Lindy's mission in Nepal was mentioned and they said in memoriam instead of flowers donations for that mission that ministers to prostitutes were welcome. And, one last bit. Chad and his family and Lindy and hers live on donations alone. They are not "employed", they do not get paychecks. Before going to the mission field, they had to go around the country to churches and ask for sponsors. They don't roll around in money, they touch the untouchable daily. Could you do that?
June 16, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
familyone (anonymous) says...
This was posted to the Faithishere website. It is sooooo worth sharing.
What do you say when you lose a loved one? What words can take away the pain? These two words: SHE LIVES! I read about Tania Burgbacher in the newspaper, and heard about her death on TV. She saved my baby's life. Because of her, I have a wonderful little boy. Years ago, I was a teenager, pregnant, and no hope of a future. I thought my life was over. I went to Alpha Pregnancy Center, just for the free pregnancy test. What I found there was pricelless. Tania Burgbacher. She comforted me. She convinced me that I had options, and she told me about Jesus. Now I have heard about Jesus all of my life, but He was just stories. She made Him real to me. Now, I have a real relationship with him. I am married,and my family is part of a church family. I have been saved, and my son lives. I know that Miss Tania lives too! She is with Jesus, and I can't even imagine the smile she must have on her face. She saved my life, and my child's life. God bless her husband and children. I know sorrow may last for the night, but JOY COMES IN THE MORNING!! God bless, Rachel
June 17, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TriffinAus (anonymous) says...
She has fulfilled that which the Lord expected of her and is now resting in peace awaiting the sound of that Trumpet! Praise God !
A truly Awesome Lady of whom I was blessed to meet in Sept 2006 and April 2007 while on holidays in SC. She made me feel so very welcome and I also had the pleasure of attending 2x cell group meetings at the family home. When we first met it was as if I had known this wonderful woman all my life. She exuded warmth, generosity, kindness, love and I especially loved her exuberance for life. Her eyes lit up when she shared about their pending mission trip to Tonga. There was no mistaking her Love for the Lord and the zeal with which she ministered to others.
Her memory will live on in the life of her husband, children, grand children, extended family, the congregation at Faith Assembly and those of us throughout the world whom she reached out to and made a lasting impression on.
To Pastor Larry and family thank you for sharing your Loved one. May the Lord continue to Bless your lives abundantly and may his peace and strength be yours always.
Triffina Underwood
Canberra
Australia
August 23, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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