Tom

TOM


Romans 12:10b (ESV) says to “Outdo one another in showing honor.” The following is a tribute to a brother named Tom, whom I have had the privilege to know for the past fifteen years. Tom is about fourteen years older than I, grew up in rural Pennsylvania ( U.S.), and graduated from the West Point military college in time to go to Vietnam. He trained as a Army Ranger, learned to fly helicopters, and served two combat tours. He was severely wounded, came out on a stretcher twice, and attained the rank of major in thirteen years of service prior to going to Dallas Seminary. After graduation he and his wife Carolyn served as missionaries for decades, with the Navigators ministry. They worked primarily with Chinese people in Taiwan and Hong Kong, but also went into Russia when it opened up in the 90's.
When I met Tom, he had returned to the States, working with international students. We had the opportunity to go on several retreats together, and met up periodically at other times. Although in deteriorating health due to heart and kidney issues, Tom continued to minister to whomever was willing. He is probably the best equipped disciplemaker that I have ever known. Certainly he was patient with my foibles and eruptions. As he approached his seventies, one of his greatest sorrows was that neither of his sons had given him a grandchild. Recently his older son's wife gave birth to a daughter. As a result Tom & Carolyn have decided to move out west to live near them. I don't know if I will see Tom again in this life but have assurance that we will meet up again in the next. Tom, you may never read this, but it has been an honor to know you, and to witness your life for Christ.