It is with a sorrowful heart that we had to say goodbye to a wonderful inspirational woman, known to us all as ‘Mata’. We at the Schofields Church were privileged to have known Mata for only a very short time, less than a year, before she lost her battle with cancer. Mata was truly a motivator to many as she was so on fire for the Lord. She loved studying God’s Word and sharing the truth with her family and friends. Her passion and enthusiasm for spiritual things was something to be admired.
Mata was born on the 28th March 1965, and sadly fell asleep in Jesus on the 6th September 2017, at the very young age of fifty-two, leaving behind her husband, children and grand-children.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Mata’s family during this time of sorrow. May God truly comfort each one of you.
We look forward to that wonderful reunion at the coming of Jesus with all those who have gone to rest in Him.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4.
~ By Lidia Voncina
Mata’s Funeral
Written by Daniela Balarezo
If there is one thing in common that everyone said about Mata Jacobs, it was about her unrelenting love and care of every single person that she came across. Her door was always open, anytime and to everyone who needed love, compassion and care. This included her care and passion to serve those less fortunate which saw Mata, leading out a team on the streets of Mt. Druitt cooking for the homeless and giving clothes and encouragement to all who would allow her. From the time that she gave her heart to the Lord, Mata never looked back and made it her sole purpose to praise him and to lead others to Christ.
Our Mata had such a vivacious and energetic personality that we never imagined that her life would end so soon. However, the hand that set the stars in the sky and the planets in their course had a different plan and so Mata succumbed to lung cancer in a few short months after being diagnosed. Her funeral, which was held at Schofield Church on Tuesday 12th of September was perhaps her parting gift to her sorrowing family and friends. Despite all our grief, it brought together over 200 people, family and friends who had been touched and loved by Mata one way or another. With the church filled to overflowing, her brothers and sisters, children, cousins and friends gave beautiful testimonies of the woman they had dearly loved. Her favourite song, “I must Tell Jesus” is a reminder of how closely she walked with the Lord, always encouraging others to come to Christ and never let go of that faith.
Mata had a deep assurance and belief that one day she would rise and meet the Lord in the air. Mata had the gift of exhortation and she never withheld a word of hope and courage where it was needed. In the last weeks of her life she continued to exhort and encourage those around her to stay faithful, to never give in to Satan’s temptations and to finally be overcomers in our faith.
Nothing seemed to dampen her spirit nor her faith and trust in the God who had so completely redeemed and loved her. It reminds me of the verses that are found in Job, in fact, it seems to me that there is a great parallel between Mata’s experience and Job’s. The parallel is found in the sense that both were suffering from disease and Job understood that he would see God in spite of all his suffering because he knew the God he served so well. So well, that he was able to utter the most beautiful and faith filled words that I hope will be burned into our memories forever.
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job 19: 25-27
Our deepest love and sympathies are with her family, especially Calvin, Adriana, June, …. And Ben.