My father-in-law, Dr. Bernard Holmes, passed away at about 6:15 this morning in Bolivar, Mo. I'll be joining my wife and kids there tomorrow for the visitation Thursday and funeral on Friday. Those of us who know him will miss him dearly, but though he is absent from us now, he will live on in us forever.
He was a great man who touched many, many people both directly, as a professor, pastor, seminar teacher, missionary, and discipler, and indirectly, as his heart for discipleship was: "to teach others who will teach others also." He deposited his life into thousands and thousands of people, and he is still a part of them all.
He traveled all over the world teaching Christians the principles of prayer and discipleship in Korea, Russia, India, Africa, and many other places. Pastors, missionaries, and thousands of church members in those places as well as in the United States have been changed, instructed, and encouraged by his life and ministry.
He taught thousands of students at Southwest Baptist University and Columbia International University in the areas of prayer and discipleship. Before he was my father-in-law, he was my New Testament professor. We (his students) would not be what we are without him.
I know of many young men in ministry today who spent early mornings in prayer and Bible study with Dr. Holmes, followed by breakfasts made with love by his wife, Joyce. Those men will never lose the personal and spiritual impact he and Joyce had on them, preparing them for ministry, but more importantly, for life in Jesus.
A few days ago, sensing, I think, that his time might be coming to an end, he expressed regret about not getting to spend as much time as he wanted with his grandchildren, and in particular my two boys. I wanted to jump up and scream "What!?," but he was very tired, and I would never have done that anyway. I sat rather stunned that he would think his impact on my sons might lack anything at all.
My sons are, and will continue to be, two of the greatest, godliest young men you could ever hope to meet, and my daughter in turn a great and godly little girl. Why? Well, do the math. They're being brought up (and home schooled) by the daughter of the guy in the above paragraphs. They are an extension of not only their mother and I, but in an infinitely significant way, their grandfather.
Dad Holmes, I wish you could have stayed longer, and I wish we had lived closer so you and they could have known one another better. However, you have no regrets. What you have deposited in them directly is great, but what you continue to give them indirectly through their mom is immeasurable. My three children stand in testimony to you, saying, "Well done, well done, well done."
Archimedes said, "Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth." My father-in-law found a place to stand, and through his family, his life, and his ministry, he will continue to move the earth in more ways than we can measure or chronicle. Countless people all over the globe can offer a word of thanks to God for the invaluable gift of his influence in the past, and in the future.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
My husband and I were students on Dr. Holmes New Testament class in 90's at SBU. We will NEVER forget him. He was a great and mighty man of God. He taught us well. WE loved the class and His knowledge and humor had an forever impact on us! Thank you for writing such a wonderful summery. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
Wade and Alice Evans
Dr Holmes was my favorite professor in college back in the 80's. He had a great impact on me as I prepared for ministry and to this day I often make reference to him as I preach. What is the best way to contact his wife? lscckc@comcast.net
Phil, I am a former student of Dr. Holmes and went on two of his mission trips to NZ while at SBU. I wanted to share this post from my blog because it was inspired by your father-in-law. I pray it blesses your family. :)
http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com/2013/01/thanking-god-and-thanking-people.html
Post a Comment