GongYi Home of Hope

In Memory

Ruth Bell – May 25, 1925 to July 12, 2010

Ruth Esther Bell, greatly influential in the opening and continuing growth of the Home of Hope Orphanages, went home to her final reward Monday, July 12, 2010.

Ruth Bell is survived by a sister, Gracie Hearn and brother, David Coote. There are also two sons, many grand children, great grand children, relatives and many friends from all over the world.

Son Nathan Bell is President and founder of the Home of Hope Orphanages and the Next Towns Foundation, Inc., the parent organization of the orphanage work. He lives and works in China along with his wife Shannon.

Son David Bell is Senior Pastor of Destiny Church, San Antonio, Texas USA. He lives and Pastors in Texas along with his wife Jodi, their children and daughters-in-law and grand child.

Ruth Bell, though active in teaching, counseling and authoring many books was never in the direct lime light of operations at the Home of Hope orphanage. However from the very beginning when son Nathan first mentioned his idea of the Home of Hope to Ruth and her husband John, their immediate response and continued encouragement was always “Go For It!”

Until Ruth became physically incapable of continued involvement, she took care of the USA side business needs including mailings and record keeping and most important of all, was always there as an encourager and counselor as the organization went through it’s early years and growing pains.

If you knew Ruth Bell and would like to make a comment in Memorial to her life and determined effort to give to and bless others or if you would like to find out about her memorial services and burial, you can do so with your choice at either of the following memorial sites:

Ruth Esther Bell Tribute – Facebook
Ruth Esther Bell Trubute – Expectance

You can also make comments of reflection right here on this page under “Write a Comment”

Please feel free to leave your thoughts and memories on either of the above memorial pages for others to read and remember. Let’s celebrate the victory and overcoming nature of her character as we reflect on her amazing life, always lived for others!

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At her passing, Ruth was surrounded by her children, many of her grand children and great grand children.

Those who lived great distances away were kept informed of her situation as best as possible.

About five minutes after her passing, an email came in addressed to and written to Ruth Bell, from her grand daughter Amber, who lives in California. Amber not being aware her Grandmother had already passed on, requested the email be read to Ruth.

Since it was not possible to do and since her letter shares so many of the traits that were common to Ruth Bell, we wanted to share it with you here.

AS WRITTEN:

“Hi Dad.

I decided to write Grandma a letter. Can you read it to her, please?

Dear Grandma,

I wish I were there to hold your hand right now and be with you and say these things in person. I am so proud of you and the Godly woman that you are. You have influenced my life in so many wonderful ways! Thank you for the Godly heritage you have given to me, to our family. Thank you for teaching me to love Jesus first and to love others next. I still say J-O-Y to myself and to James on a regular basis.

I treasure all of the memories I have with you and wish I had more.

Remember when you used to curl my hair with a pencil and put it in a bobby pin? Or giving me a bath and I would be scared the soap would get in my eyes, so you put a wash cloth over them to protect them?

I remember you teaching me how to trace pictures on the window. The little tape player in the bathroom with the man reading the Word, that would come on any time we turned on the light, even in the middle of the night.

I remember you in VBS, showing the keys to the treasure chest. Bring more visitors to VBS!

Sharing a sandwich and having grape juice. I still do that today.

I laugh now, but it used to frustrate me to no end when you would try to get me to put on a sweater in church when I would wear a sleeveless dress during the hot Texas summers.

I love the poetry you wrote for me on my birthdays and the many blessings you prayed over me. I have tried many times to figure out a plan that you could come to my wedding to John and pray a blessing over us.

Thank you for teaching me to love missions and sharing God’s word. I love the way you dance for Jesus. I love the way you worship whole heartedly. Thank you for teaching me to cry “Grace Grace to the mountain!” I have done that so many many times in my life.

I have my own Daily Bread promise box that we do in our family, carrying on the tradition that was set in place by you and Grandpa. =0) James especially likes the turquoise ones.

Thank you for teaching me to love gardening, especially roses.

I know my love of music and ministry is from you.

I remember how open and honest you were at the teen girls’ retreats.

I remember wearing your white suit to state competition. I bet you still have it.

I love all the talks we had through the years and I miss you so much.

I especially want to thank you for teaching me to love life, Grandma.

Thank you for teaching me it is ok to not wear make up, to not give in to peer pressure, be a republican, be proud of my heritage, love Jesus with my whole being, to be an American, to write letters, to do my best and to just live life abundantly.

I love you, Grandma, so much.

Love Always,
Your Grand Daughter,
Amber

(Nathan’s Daughter)

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