March 2009: Issue 24 : Connie Fairall and latest news from Jah-Jireh

Special Feature: Connie Fairall

Connie was born in 1919. Her parents were strict Methodists who brought her up to have a healthy fear of God and a love for the Scriptures.

Connie trained as a State Registered Nurse at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital, and it was there, while on duty, that she met Leslie. He was suffering from septicaemia and had been brought in late one night by his father. On writing down Leslie’s details, Connie learned that he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Connie had never heard of them. On returning home that night she reported the events of the evening to her mother, who on hearing that the young man was a Witness remarked: "Millions Now Living Will Never Die, - I went to a conference of theirs once Connie. If he’s one of those, he’s a good boy."

It was not long before a Bible study was started with Connie. Leslie and Connie were soon married, and both were baptised in 1951. They went on to have three children and enjoyed serving in Bridgnorth, Shropshire and then travelling to Craven Arms, where the need was greater, serving there for many years. They enjoyed many privileges while serving there. It was at this time that Harold King was released from prison, and Connie and Leslie were invited to care for Harold and help him recuperate after his years in prison in China. A firm friendship developed, and they remained close friends until Harold’s death.

However, the desire to be used more fully in Jehovah’s service never left them, and consequently this led to another life changing experience in the 1970’s. Leslie and Connie, along with their three children, moved to the West Indies, to the island of Barbados, where they were to serve for about 15 years. They were used extensively in forwarding the Kingdom message and Leslie’s skills as an engineer came to the fore. He designed and built out of steel a ‘meccano’ style building that could be erected and moved to any part of the island. Assemblies now were no longer just limited to the town. For the first time, they could be held anywhere on the island. This steel structure was used for many years allowing a fine witness to be given to some of the more remote areas of the island.

During their time in Barbados, Connie and Leslie were also blessed and privileged to be able to care for the physical needs of some of the Governing Body who attended District Conventions and made zone visits to the island. Some of these included Brothers Knorr, Groh, Chitty, and Greenlees.

In the late 1980’s Connie and Leslie returned to England for health reasons. Although limited due to age and failing health, they remained loyal and zealous in their service to Jehovah. Sadly Leslie died in 1997. Connie then came to the Home in Wigan where she enjoyed the field service experiences of other brothers and sisters. In her 89th year Connie, even though her flesh was weak, but her spirit was still willing, drew encouragement from remembering that Jehovah can give to the tired one power.

Connie has since died, but she enjoyed a very rich, busy and fulfilling life in Jehovah’s service, eagerly awaiting the real life soon to come.