Over and Out, Big Eagle – A Tribute to Wanda Fost

If there’s one thing that Big Eagle taught me, in my 26 years of knowing her – it was that God will always take care of those who trust him. Yes, I saw it over and over again. I watched as Wanda’s faith in Jesus Christ sustained her – socially, physically, and financially. Socially, Wanda was always blessing people, while also wanting to know more about you. There were many nurses in the hospital during her cancer treatments that would come up to her and share their problems. Why? Because they knew she cared.

When it came to her physical health, Wanda consistently relied on the Lord for her body, and accepting that even well reports looked bleak, that God still had the final say for her time on earth. I saved the finances till last because I’ve never met anyone in my life that was so blessed, but yet gave away so much. Over the years, Wanda was given vacations, cruises, property – you name it! She was a beacon of light to all around her, and these three parts were but testimonies of her faith in the Lord. 

Yes, Wanda was ALWAYS giving. There were financial blessings she bestowed, but her greatest gift was herself. She was loving, encouraging, and always ready to make you feel loved. When I knew that Wanda’s time was getting nearer a few months ago, I purposely brought my two friends (who are new believers in Christ) to her home. Myself and my buddy Evan played our guitars and we worshipped, and I watched as Wanda settled back in her chair – taking it all in. Then I asked her if she had any blessings or special words from the Lord for my two friends – and what she said was spot on – and this was the first time she ever met them. It wasn’t inside information that I told her prior to their meeting, or some special mind-reading skills. It was her solid connection with the Holy Spirit, and her obedience to what the Lord was saying.

Honestly, I could go and on, but I want to make something clear to everyone. Wanda, or Mama Wanda (which many people called her. I personally called her Big Eagle) was like a female Paul. Yes, I know its a bold statement – but I truly believe that she was like a female version of the Apostle Paul ( not a reincarnation now mind you, but rather she held some similar qualities).

She was a trailblazer for women in the Christian faith, a dedicated leader to Linking Hearts Ministries, and my mentor. She shared the gospel wherever she went, and never shied in giving her testimony. She was so much more to her family – to whom she dearly loved.

She will always be Big Eagle to me. As I mentioned above, I was known as Little Eagle to her. We gave each other those codenames (at my suggestion) as we drove down the Montreal highway.  If I was going to be her copilot in the vehicle, we needed codenames. And of course, in her joyful, childlike love – she thought that codenames were a perfect addition for a copilot who barely knew how to read a map. 

I can’t wait to hear your laugh again, and to see the smile on your face. You will be missed on this earth, and no person can fill the void in my heart. Yet, with my confident hope in Christ, I know we will continue the work you started and will keep running the race that you ran so well.

Over and out – Big Eagle.

Christian