Nawal Ashkar

September 26, 1926 – January 8, 2021

A Brief Life Sketch

Nawal Abdel Maseeh Alkass was born on September 26, 1926 in Nineveh, Iraq to a very devout Syriac Orthodox family. She was the fifth of eight siblings.

At the young age of 17, she attended an SDA school and was introduced to the Seventh Day Adventist faith which she boldly followed, especially the fourth commandment, despite her family's persecution.

Nawal worked as a Bible instructor in the Middle East. But that was just her work. She was a true disciple of Jesus, and had a passionate love of the Word, where she found refuge and strength. She lived a life of selfless service. "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve". (Matthew 20:28)

Nawal never met a stranger. She engaged everyone and preached her faith continually.

She was blessed to embark upon the road of life with a partner, Fuad Ashkar, who was just as faithful and steady in his love for Jesus. Two different people with one focus and a grand goal of spreading the Good News.

Her other big love was her family. She would shine when she saw her daughter Annette, her son (no law!) Nagib, and her grandchildren Kevin, Hannah and Gracie. They always brought smiles to her face even in the last days as her body was slowly giving up.

Nana Nawal was a blessing to all who knew her. Nana, we miss you, but we know you are sleeping with the Blessed Assurance that you will be with Jesus for Eternity upon the Day of His Return.

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Revelation 14: 12 & 13 NKJV