Tribute to Heather

Shock, silence, disbelief, anguish, and tears. Those who knew Heather Ann Snyder know now the depth of grief that our hearts must suffer when a young friend is taken suddenly.

And yet, in our deep sorrow, we can have hope, trust, peace, and rest. For “God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him” (The Ministry of Healing, page 479). In her life, Heather longed after God and strived to be His co-worker—and even in her tragic death, He is using her to teach us precious lessons.

August 25, 2009, Heather Snyder was driving her beloved Toyota Camry when it collided with a dump truck. Heather was killed in the crash. Her father, who was in the passenger seat, was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. Heather, who was a month short of her 17th birthday, leaves behind her 15-year-old sister Sarah, their mother and father, and many cherished friends.

Heather was known for her quiet, loving spirit; her thoughtfulness and depth; her carefulness and attention to details; her heart for witnessing, evangelism, and missions; her loyalty and devotion to her family and friends; her love for her music, schoolwork, and writing; her beautiful letters to numerous pen friends; and her honest seeking after God.

Many of Heather’s friends know her through Young Disciple Camp, Young Disciple magazine, and the YD Mission Experience. She loved YD and served on the magazine’s Youth Advisory Board for four years, inspiring young people around the world with her uplifting testimonies. She enthusiastically participated in family and group mission trips to Costa Rica and the Philippines. Her devotional newsletter, Glimpses from the Lighthouse, and her devotional thoughts shared through E-mail groups and one-on-one with friends were an encouragement to many.

We do not know why this has happened. But because we have “this hope,” we know that Heather’s death is somehow part of a wonderful plan that will be fully revealed when we are reunited with Heather at Jesus’ soon return. Heather died committed to the Lord and we believe she will be among those who will “rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together . . . in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

As we try to wrap our minds around these eternal realities, we are struck with the unavoidable truth that it could have been any of us. “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). Like us, Heather had dreams and plans for the future; but she will not carry them out. Instead, she is resting in Jesus, awaiting the first resurrection. If this were our last day on earth, would we be raised with her?

Our great loss also reminds us of the preciousness of each day of life. We feel indebted by the blessings we still enjoy to share with others the love of God and the advantages we have been granted. We feel inspired to tell our loved ones how much they really mean to us. We want to carry on the flame by sharing Jesus with all around. May God teach us to value our days and to use them for His glory. This is the best tribute we can give to Heather.

We have lost a friend, and without doubt we will have a void in our hearts that no one else can fill. But we can look forward to the time we will all by God’s grace be together once again, when “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 Cheyenne Francis