LogoNNN

ZoeMason540
Tributes paid as Norfolk Christian dies in Israel 

Tributes have been paid to Norfolk Christian woman, Zoe Mason, who fell to her death at a nature reserve near Jerusalem in Israel. Keith Morris reports.

Zoe, believed to be in her fifties, moved to Jerusalem within the last two years, following her dream of establishing a self-sufficient community near to the biblical city of Jerusalem.
 
She was reported missing on April 21 after going hiking in the Ein Gedi nature reserve and national park near the Dead Sea. Zoe’s body was found a day later near a waterfall in an area closed off to the public. It is believed that she fell to her death after losing her way off the path. Police were investigating the incident. 
 
Zoe, who was single and had no children, had worshipped in Poringland in South Norfolk and attended three terms at The Way of the Spirit Bible College in nearby Framingham Earl. She worked as a live-in carer while she was in Norfolk
 
Richard George, who is director of the Way of the Spirit, paid tribute: “Zoe was devoted to living out the lifestyle she believed God had called her to. Her heart automatically went out to needy folk, here and in many places abroad, especially the Middle East.
 
“During her time at Framingham Earl Hall two years ago, she was hard working and servant-hearted, visibly overflowing with her passion for Jesus and others. Always expressing this love in her own unique ways, Zoe died in the country she loved, doing what she loved best.” 
 
Pastors Michelle and Rod Smith of the Glory Tribe church in Poringland, which Zoe attended, also paid tribute.
 
Rod said: “Zoe was a brave woman in the travels she undertook on her own. Her previous visit to Israel, as she towed her caravan, was attempted through the war-torn countries of North Africa and she was full of stories of how the Lord provided for and protected her.”
 
Michelle said: "I remember Zoe for her generous heart and love for people regardless of background, religion or views. She took the command to 'love God and love people' seriously.
 
“She was a brave and focused lady with a passion for Jesus and a dream to set up a Christian community in Israel which she called her homeland.
 
“I have happy memories of time spent with her. Zoe was part of our church for a season and we were blessed to have her with us. She taught us a lot about living as community and sharing what we have with each other. May God comfort her family as they come to terms with their loss." 
 
Zoe is being buried in Israel on Thursday morning at 9am. Her stepfather, Vic, will be conducting the service.

If you knew Zoe, please add your tributes below or email them to web@networknorwich.co.uk

Pictured above is Zoe Mason in a picture taken a short time before she died.

 


Published: 07/05/2015


10771 views