A Legacy of Love
By Ron Mainse
My father, David Mainse, went home to be with his Saviour at 10:01 in the morning, September 25th, 2017. Ann and I, along with Mom and two of my siblings were there in the hospital room as Dad drew his last breath. Mother rested her cheek on Dad’s forehead and repeated the words several times, “I love you, David.” Earlier, about 2:30 a.m. that morning, I was alone with him overnight, and the last words he spoke on this earth were, “I love you.”
Following Dad’s passing, an article about him in Canada’s National Post newspaper had a fitting headline… HERO OF LOVE. Certainly, he was known to the public for his big heart and for his sensitive way of communicating the Gospel of Jesus. He always stressed the importance of sharing the Truth in love. And love was also very much present in his personal life.
Growing up in the Mainse household, there was never any doubt in my mind that Dad and Mom loved each other deeply. They both provided us kids with an amazing example of marriage as God intended. It has been said that the greatest gift a father can give to his children is to love their mother. In that respect, Dad was a huge giver! And that gift has already been transferred to my Dad’s 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren!
At Heart to Heart Marriage & Family Ministries, we desire to inspire that kind of love and legacy. Our vision is “To see every marriage become a loving union that creates a safe family haven, building a legacy of hope for future generations.”
Canadian statistics bear out the generational impact of leaving a legacy of love. While 41% of marriages end in divorce before their 30th anniversary, the divorce rate for couples who each come from an intact, stable home is only 9%. Our example to our children, in words and actions, has a powerful ripple effect on the next generation. The GIFT goes on!
I want to say a big THANK YOU to you who are financial supporters of Heart to Heart! Your giving is making a significant difference in people’s lives, as you are enabling us to share God’s Truths about love and how to live out marriage as He intended. Through our events, seminars, coaching and media, we will continue to inspire couples toward a LEGACY OF LOVE!
