He was preceded in death by his parents Del and Irene Mackrill; 2 children; brother Rusty Mackrill and grandchild Charlie.
Rod is survived by his loving wifeSusan Mackrill of 53 years; children Rodney Mackrill, Amy (Mike) Mohatt, and Jennifer (Jeremy) Ginn;grandchildren Joshua, Megan, Joel (Aimee), Emily, Michaela, Tiffany, Micah, Caleb, Gavin, Julia and Anna.
Rod G. Mackrill was born May 17, 1949, in Walla Walla Washington to Del and Irene Mackrill. Rusty was proud to be a big brother. Del Knew that his military career was coming to an end, so he brought his family to settle in Gering, Nebraska. Their new home was filled with a sense of new adventure. Then tragedy struck. Rusty was the first child to die of polio in Nebraska. As time passed, hearts healed, the Lord added to their family, first Steve and then Cory. Because of their love for family, once again they thrived.
Rod attended the majority of his school years in Gering, Nebraska. Studies were never difficult for him. The Lord gifted him with a photogenic memory. Therefore, Rod did not have to spend hours studying for exams. He enjoyed participating in high school sports and social activities.
One of the favorite past times Rod had with his friends was working on each other's cars. Little did he know that the first view of his future wife would come from working under a car. Soon after that they were formally introduced, and the bond of puppy love began. Susan Zimbelman became Rod's steady girl.
After they both graduated from their respective high schools, they decided to attend Western Nebraska Community College. Life was simple. Love began to grow and on June 1, 1968, they were married. It seemed that things Rod had hoped for were quickly coming to pass – his first son Rodney was born, he graduated from Junior College, and he was moving his family from Scottsbluff, NE to Omaha, Neb.
Hard work never bothered Rod, he was a man who knew his responsibilities and never hesitated to do whatever it took to take care of his family. Therefore, while attending University of Nebraska at Omaha, he worked for Western Electric to provide for his growing family.
Rod knew that life did not come without trials, unexpected obstacles, and unwanted heartache. Rod lost two children which caused him to view life even more precious than before; but soon two adorable and precious girls, Amy and Jennifer, were added to the family which stole his heart. Rod's dad always told him Mackrill's have boys, but Rod proved that to be false. Little did he realize that the Lord was going to use him to prove many sayings of men false but God's Word everlasting.
As time passed Rod secured a job with Mobile Oil Corp., which opened the door for greater opportunities for his family, soon he decided to move to a larger home to meet the needs of his family. Rod was proud of the home he had built. He was always at the property taking pictures. Then the day to move in finally came. Little did he know that he was about to experience a life changing encounter that would alter the direction of his life forever.
It was Sue's birthday so Rod picked up the children (Rodney, Amy, and Jennifer) from school so they could get a birthday cake and little presents. However, they never made it home that night for the birthday party. A drunk driver swerved across the median and hit Rod's truck head on. Sue would not find out until hours later when the hospital called to inform her that Rod would not live through the night and everyone who wanted to see him must come now. The children all received injuries but would recover. Once Sue arrived at the hospital, she was taken immediately to see Rod before they took him to surgery. It was on this short Journey to surgery Rod has an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. From that moment on everything changed, Rod did not die but lived, lived to fulfill the destiny of his life serving Jesus, his Lord.
Radical changes occurred in Rod's heart, and how he ran his home. Jesus would be the heartbeat of his home. As Rod's physical body was healing; his spiritual body was being saturated by God's Word.
Changes took place not only in Rod's heart but in every area of his life. The Word of God became a burning light to lead Rod on the pathway of God's heart. Joshua 24:15 as for me and my house we will serve the Lord; became the corner stone to establish the strong family reflecting the heart of the Lord to all. Rod and Sue began to pray about everything, (Philippians 4:6) They learned to give thanks in all things (Ephesians 5:20) They learned to forgive on another and be kind to each other (Ephesians 4:32). They laughed with each other and had fun rejoicing always in the Lord. (Proverbs 17:22d; John 8:32) They learned to help each other and share what they had (Hebrews 13:16). They sang to God together with songs of praise. (Psalms 95:28). They kept their promises because truthful words stand the test of time (Proverbs 12:19A). They were able to love tremendously because Jesus loved them (John 13:34B). Rod knew they must believe; they must walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus became the heart of their home and living proof that God alone reigns.
Little did Rod realize that his Heavenly Father was preparing him for the very purpose he was created to hear the good Shepherd's voice and follow Him without question. Rod knew studying the Bible caused him to know the voice and plan of God. The security of knowing that God's Word never changes brought him great peace and a ruler to judge all things against.
Rod's life represents the truth that God first calls a man, then God prepares a man, so that God may send that man into the harvest of souls.
Now that the preparation was established, the invitation to go would involve obedience and sacrifice, but Rod never wavered. He may not have always understood how the Lord would bring it to pass but if God said it, He would do it.
The Command from the Lord "Get your children out of the public school" because I am not allowed there. No problem, Rod thought until Sue told him that the Lord wanted them to start a Christian School according to God's directions -n no tuition but strictly love offerings. Rod immediately said no to that plan with the comment maybe after the school becomes established. Immediately the next day, Rod came home and told Sue – "who am I to tell God what to do?" Thus began a life work of trusting beyond human sight and reason.
There are too many details to include here how the Lord took Rod and his family from dependency to letting faith arise in his heart to allow God to do the impossible through simple people. Volumes can be written about Rod's ministry at Sword of the Spirit and Divine Truth Christian Book Store, but words can never express the experience of walking with the Lord fulfilling the perfect will.
Rod was a man that could make a complete stranger his friend before departing. Rod's family grew from three children to many children. Rod's home became the home for many children and adults who needed to experience God's unconditional love and protection. Rod was a man with strong convictions and shared those convictions without compromise or excuse. He knew how to persevere in difficult times knowing the Lord would provide a way. Rod learned that the power of God's love would never fail. Rod enjoyed teasing his grandchildren, engaging in conversations which he always informed them he was right, and being the victor in every game he played with them. Rod took tremendous pride in his children, Rodney, Amy, and Jennifer. Even though he knew they were very capable adults he was calling them all the time. Rod cherished, loved, prayed for each and everyone of this grandchildren Joshua, Megan, Joel, Emily, Michaela, Micah, Caleb, Julie, Anna Tiffany, and Gavin. Rod loved Jeremy and Mike as his very on sons.
Rod's life legacy is love. He loved his wife Sue with every fiber of his being. Rod allowed the Lord to use him to be involved in starting Divine Truth Christian Bookstore and Sword of the Spirit for God's love to flow like a river to all who would enter. Rod was a man after God's heart and was preparing for the coming King Jesus Christ. Rod entered into his eternal promise land on September 12, 2021.
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you Ready?
To send flowers to the family in memory of Rod G. Mackrill, please visit our flower store.