Remembering Leif Frauenfelder. “Even though he is no longer with us, his life is a testimony still” wrote his teenage friend. “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 was a favourite verse for Leif. His story is God’s story.
Sixteen years ago, September 21, 2008, was Sunday on the first weekend of Big Camp here at Watson Park. No one knew that my son Leif would die that night in a car accident as he travelled home from camp.
Leif’s life was changed when he “fell in love with Jesus” just after his 18th birthday in April 2008. He stated, “ I was an Adventist one day a week, then I became Adventist seven days a week.” Daily Bible study and prayer became central to his life, with Jesus as his very best friend. Leif and his friend Scott bought lots of Bibles and took them to Fiji to give away, and Leif promised his new friend, an Adventist young man named Marika, that he would return with 2000 Bibles.
Leif wrote a list of the Pacific Island nations where Bibles were needed for young people to study. He wrote “60,000 Bibles”! Leif shared with Pastor Nick Kross, SPD Youth Leader, the urgency for the youth of the Pacific region to receive Bibles, and after Leif’s death, God inspired Pastor Nick to create the huge “World Changers Bible Project”, which has led to thousands of baptisms in the South Pacific Division.
Leif’s new love for Jesus led him to spend his “life savings” buying hundreds of Bibles, and on Sunday afternoon at camp, he joyfully gave 145 beautiful giant print Bibles to “Volunteers In Action” (see photo) which were delivered to prisoners in Vanuatu in 2009.
Leif’s mother Lynne, over many years raised funds to fulfil Leif’s promise to get 2000 Bibles to Fiji.
As Big Camp 2024 ends today, please personally consider your own commitment to be a faithful follower of our faithful God, as His love for you will never cease. Please pray often that God’s perfect love, joy, and peace will bring comfort to all mourners the death of a loved family member or friend.
God bless. Geofrey Frauenfelder. Leif’s dad.
