Dying for her faith

 

October 24, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Dying for her faith Celebrating after her graduation ceremony at Unizulu, Gayle Williams (right) with Karin van Rooyen Working overseas with the Christian charity 'Serve Afghanistan' Tanya Waterworth TRIBUTES have poured in from across Zululand for former Richards Bay resident, Gayle Williams, who was gunned down in Afghanistan on Monday morning. The 34 year-old aid worker was on her way to work in the capital of Kabul, when she was targeted by two gunmen on a motorbike. Amid condemnation featured across the world media for the callous murder, Taliban spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid said their 'leaders issued a decree to kill this woman, who came to Afghanistan to teach Christianity to the people of Afghanistan'. But those at home who knew Gayle have described her as a gentle, loving person whose main goal in life was to help those in need, especially children. Close friends, Karin and John van Rooyen with whom Gayle lived for a number of years in Richards Bay, said they were devastated to hear the news. 'She was a wonderful person and committed Christian, who worked tirelessly as a missionary and was very involved with special needs children. 'She absolutely trusted God and followed the path she felt God had called her for,' said Karin van Rooyen. Helping those in need Gayle lived in Empangeni with her mother, when she started working as a gym instructor, which sparked her interest in helping physically challenged people. She moved to Richards Bay and stayed with the Van Rooyens when she began studying. She went on to complete an Honours Degree in Human Movement Science (Physical Rehabilitation) at the University of Zululand. While she completed her studies, she worked as a spinning instructor and worked with special needs children. She was a keen cyclist, having completed the daunting Amashova Race and was often seen at local races such as the Grantleigh Mountain Bike Challenge and Hluhluwe Pineapple Race. In emails received by the Zululand Observer, messages highlighted that Gayle was proud to be called South African and served as an inspiration to those who knew her, touching the lives of so many. Many of her friends recalled her newsletter entitled 'A river is made one drop at a time' which underlined her faith in bettering the lives of those in Afghanistan. In a poignant final message in the last newsletter sent out by Gayle, she said: 'God has an amazing plan for this country and even though things so often look hopeless we can focus on Him knowing that He is more than able to see His plans and purposes fulfilled in Afghanistan'. But for Gayle, as one friend said, 'Her work was finished, God has taken her home'.