Heroes

. . . According to John

    I am sure we could each make a list of people who have influenced our lives, particularly those who have encouraged us on our journey of faith. I was blessed with faithful parents and grandmothers who had a profound impact on me. My youth minister in high school, Bill Reed, strongly encouraged my decision to serve God in full time Christian service. There are countless Sunday School teachers, youth sponsors and church camp counselors who could be mentioned. When I came to Phillips University there were professors and students who enhanced my journey, but I want to mention one person, in particular. Frank Maybee was the minister at University Place Christian Church when I was a college student. Frank was always on the cutting edge and was passionate about his ministry. He was one of my heroes.

    This week in the University Place newsletter, Jerry Galbreath wrote about Frank and his wife Winnie, who are both deceased. Jerry quotes a portion of Frank's last newsletter article:

 

"Our deep love and concern go with you and the future of the church. My deepest prayer is that you will not return to a "traditionalist" position as a church – now that the "experimental" stage is past, but that you will listen to the voice of the world and the excitement of "revolution" all about you – and dare to continue to find ways to enter life as it really is! Celebrate the good of the past – but don't worship it! Look to the future with hope and joy, for it is the nature of our God to be out ahead of His people, preparing the way for them to go. By faith, then, let's move out into the future with hope and trust in God."

 

    These words were written in 1968. The world is different today, but the sentiment is still true. "By faith, let us move into the future with hope and trust in God."