News at ABWE
Thes Branda with the Lord
On Saturday, March 31, 2007, Thes Branda went home to be with the Lord, one year after the home going of her husband Bill Branda.
Thes served joyfully with Bill for forty-three years in numerous roles with ABWE until their retirement in 2003. They entered the ABWE family in 1960 and arrived in Northeast Brasil in 1962. After completing one year of language study in Fortaleza, they began their church-planting ministry in the city of Natal. In 1966, Bill was asked to assume the directorship of the Bible Institute. After the Brandas filled this gap for a few years, they became devoted full-time to church planting. They were also field representatives and were heavily involved in the camp and drug rehab center.
Thes Branda was actively involved in church planting with Bill and supported him in everything. She taught children and women, and the wives of Brasilian believers and pastors greatly appreciated her. Thes truly exemplified the fruits of the Spirit, and she exercised her gift of hospitality. She loved her children and grandchildren and constantly gave of herself to them. Her quiet and humble nature, as well as her love for laughter, made her a delight to all who knew her.
The Brandas can be described by their patience in all situations, their compassion for the lost, their selfless giving, and their servants’ hearts. ABWE extends sympathies to Thes' children Debbie Purnell, Daniel Branda, and Dawn Spink and their families as they feel the loss of their beloved mother but also celebrate her life on earth and her eternal life in heaven with her Lord.
At the request of Thes, a fund has been set up for special missionary projects through ABWE (Thes Branda Memorial Fund). Services will be held Thursday, April 5 at 10 a.m. at Bethany Baptist Church.
Bethany Baptist Church
2353 E. Grand Blanc Rd.
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
810-694-6854