We have noted the passing of charismatic pioneer, Gerald Coates earlier this week. North of the border, another popular charismatic pioneer also departed to glory in recent days.

Prayer warrior

Roseanne Semple was well-known across Scotland as a faithful intercessor. She was involved with the Lydia Fellowship for 40 years and also had connections to many other prayer ministries.

Roseanne was also a great teacher and frequently taught God’s plans and purposes for Israel. Along with numerous other giftings, she very ably demonstrated the teaching of Matthew 25:40 with her heart of compassion for, and action on behalf of, the poor, the addicts, the disadvantaged.

One pastor shared: "She prayed for me once and I will never forget the sense of the grace of God that attended her laying her hands upon me as she spoke into the longings and insecurities of my heart. Who could forget her, even in her latter years, worshipping the Lord with freedom and abandon at the Scottish convention, CLAN Gathering? I am not sure I have ever seen anything more beautiful in the spiritual sense: someone simply adoring Jesus".

In walked Roseanne

A favourite story involving Roseanne relates to a divinity student, who was praying in a church in Hamburg for a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit. In walked Roseanne. She prayed for him and his prayers were instantly answered. He went on to become a Church of Scotland minister.

She filled a room by just stepping into it. She radiated Jesus! His fragrance and presence came from every pore in her body.

Anne Stewart, who served as Lydia National coordinator from 2007 to 2018, described her friend as “a beautiful daughter of the King who took every opportunity to speak of, and for, her Lord. Her flag waving, dancing and worship of the Lord will be remembered by many”.

Another described how he once “saw Rosanne in action speaking to a group of 11- to 14-year-olds and giving clear and accurate words of knowledge into their situations. It really impacted them, and it was wonderful to see God speaking to them in that way. She also did a ‘high-kick’ to show them she was still fit and active! A true servant of Jesus”.

Radiating Jesus

“Rosanne was one of a kind!” recalled another friend. “She filled a room by just stepping into it. She radiated Jesus! His fragrance and presence came from every pore in her body.”

After suffering from a stroke, Roseanne was pretty much aphasic; a frustrating condition for someone who was always speaking of Jesus. But as one who knew her noted, “We can only imagine her joy on singing and dancing with her Lord on streets that are golden. He will say ‘well done, thou good and faithful servant’.”

Roseanne passed away at home with her family. She was in her 94th year. A service in her celebration will be held on Easter Saturday (16th April).