Don't forget to remember

We live in an essentially selfish world. Look after #1 is the mantra of most in our western world. The Bible, of course, teaches distinctly otherwise.

"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." (Hebrews 6:10)

We must never forget those who have influenced our lives for righteousness and the Gospel. Many have influenced yours truly for right, and for those individuals I am overwhelmingly grateful.

NORM HARRIS
Norm Harris was a NSW Baptist Union evangelist for many years. He was preaching at the Doyalson Baptist church the day I was converted. I can still clearly remember that Sunday morning meeting in the little church building. I don't remember what he preached on but I do recall walking to the front of the church, meeting the preacher and expressing my desire to have Jesus in my heart. Norm Harris is in Heaven now, but his Gospel legacy continues, even flourishes, to this day.

BOB MIDDLETON
Bob Middleton was an old man when I first met him. He was one of the most faithful personal workers I have ever come across. He loved to counsel people for salvation and that is exactly what he did with me as a seven year old lad. He led me to call upon the name of Jesus Christ for salvation. He also invested weeks of follow up in my life, encouraging me to memorize Bible verses of assurance. I am indebted to this dear man of God, an unsung hero in my life.

JACK PARKER
My father, Harry Young, died of a heart attack at the age of 38. I was then three years old. Until she remarried and I had a second dad, my dear mother had the good sense to make sure that there were strong male figures in my life. Jack Parker was one of these men. He was a family friend, and was more of an influence in my life than almost anyone else. He was a strong Bible believing Christian with principles. He took the time to instill in me a respect for the Lord's day. He also took the time to show a fatherless kid how to play cricket and how to kick a Sherrin football. My memories of Jack Parker the plumber are sweet indeed.

ALBERT HARPER
Probably the most revered figure in my lifetime was my grandpa. He was a unique man. Tough as nails, yet tender to his grandchildren. He was a strict disciplinarian. He was always up early, and spent much time reading his Bible and praying. He was the delight of my life, and any time spent with Grandpa was always treasured. Most nights we would read the Bible after dinner, after which he proceeded to read the Sydney Morning Herald and promptly fell asleep, right on cue.

BRIAN WENHAM
I owe an awful lot to this man, who incidentally is approaching the 40 year mark as pastor of the Condell Park Bible Church. I was called to preach, and trained, under his ministry. His scholarly rigour and unchanging habits have been an example to me for decades. One thing that always remains in my mind is his advice to, when preaching, start with the Bible and let God direct your thoughts. So many preachers prepare their sermons with preconceived ideas eg they search for a verse to fit their philosophy. We must start with the words of God and let the Holy Spirit determine our thinking and direction. I thank God for this man of God.

There have been many more individuals that have helped shape my life. Many have been promoted to glory while others still live. I could write for many pages on the influence of my mother Annette Phinn, Norm Scott, David Mitchell, Jack Hyles, Bill Wininger, Tom Williams and Wayne Sehmish, to name just a few. Time and space will not permit this. However, part of the righteous Christian life means not forgetting those who have laboured in love for our eternal benefit. We give glory to God for them all.