November 7 Today in OPC History

On November 7, 1939, Miss Cena Plekenpol, a member of the Calvary Presbyterian Church of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, died at the age of 74 and went to be with the Lord.

Miss Plekenpol had been involved in two accidents in her youth that left her badly burned, partially blinded and paralyzed. By the time that she was the age of 15, doctors told her that she would never be physically well in this life. Her response then and until the end of her life was "God's will be done."

The Lord would use Miss Plekenpol in powerful ways at Calvary Church. According to Pastor John J. DeWaard, friends who came to sympathize with her often left with her encouraging them in the faith. Although she relied on the generosity of others because of her physical condition, Miss Plekenpol always kept two pocketbooks. A tithe of all she received went into the first pocketbook, and from it she gave to the church, its mission agencies and Westminster Seminary. The other pocketbook she kept for her own needs.

She also prayed daily for the pastors and missionaries of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. After her death, Mr. DeWaard testified that the Lord had called home one of the most beloved and influential members of Calvary Church.