Inspired for great things

I'm writing today, one week after hearing the news that Bryn Jones had died whilst on a ministry trip in the United States. Bryn has, as far as I understand it, been one of the most influential figures in the church in the UK, and many other countries as well, over the last 40 years or so. Whilst he may not have been the most known 'household name', his influence and fathering of so many leaders around the world has been awesome. I can hardly even begin to imagine the eternal significance of this man's life.

I have served God in relationship to people serving under Bryn's apostolic ministry for the last 8 years and have had the great honour and privilege of getting to know him a little. At this time of his passing on to greater things - to be with God, face to face, for eternity - I'm am deeply challenged about the impact that my own life will have upon history.

I know that the really important things for me have already been settled - I know that Jesus has saved me from death and given me the free gift of eternal life. I know my eternal destiny and enjoy the fantastic life that is walking with Christ every day. The big issue now is "What will the rest of my life count for?". I knew Bryn to be someone, perhaps more than anyone I've ever known, who was not just a talker but a doer. I will remember him not simply for what he said, or the theology he held (though this has changed my life forever), but for what he did and the way he lived. 100% for Christ and his kingdom, always full of faith and ready to take on the world and achieve great things for God.

Yesterday as I was driving, I listened to a tape of Bryn teaching on Restoration - that God will bring all things to the fulness of everything he intends them to be, and will fulfill every promise that has been spoken by his prophets. My heart is so excited that God is doing this - but now, more than ever, I know the challenge is to practically live out the faith and the vision that I have, in terms of passionately serving God and serving people every single day.

I join with all those across the world who fondly remember this servant of the Most High God and who have been inspired by him to live a life worthy of the One we know as Lord of All.

As Winston Churchill once said, "This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. This is simply the end of the beginning."