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75 Christians Who Died in 2018

In Memoriam (Listed by Date of Death) Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.  Blessed indeed, that they may rest from t...

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Broken Things

Grace Sight #39 is the song Broken Things

Broken Things is a song that was released by Matthew West in 2017. Grace Sight has chosen it as our new song of the year for 2017. It has a meaningful message to reflect on 2017 and take into 2018.

Here is the official music video for Broken Things.


The following is a video where Matthew West explains the process he went through in writing Broken Things. 


Here is hoping that whatever your or I face in 2018 we always remember that God can use us even though we are broken and poor. I believe our unknown challenges will be great opportunities to bring us closer to Him and to prepare us for God's service. 

Saturday, December 30, 2017

100 Christians Who Died in 2017



In Memoriam (Listed by Date of Death)
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" (Rev. 14:13)


1. Kenny Joseph died on January 12, 2017, at age 88. Kenny Joseph was a missionary to Japan from 1951-2012. He is the author of the books Combined Japan Missionary Language Handbook and  Japan's Christian Roots. Black Christian News released his obituary.

2. Jeffrey Sorbonne died on February 4, 2017, at age 52, in a house fire.  He was the founding pastor of Anchor Point Community Church in Duluth, Minnesota. Since 2013, he had served as the National Church Planting Director for the Evangelical Free Church of AmericaThe God Reports blog reported on his death.

3. Wendell Broom died on February 18, 2017, at age 93. He was a pioneer missionary to Africa in the Churches of Christ. The Christian Chronicle featured his obituary.

4. H. Wilbert Norton died on February 20, 2017, at age 102. He was a missionary to the Congo, Africa with the Evangelical Free Church. He taught at numerous schools including Trinity College and Wheaton College. Norton helped organize Intervarsity Christian Fellowship's first student missions conference in 1946.  Christianity Today shared his obituary. The Billy Graham Center Archives has a page dedicated to Dr. Norton.

5. John Seaman died on March 19, 2017, at age 69, from cancer. He was a minister and former missionary in the Church of the Nazarene in Africa. Since 2003, he had been serving as the District Superintendent of the Michigan District of the Church of the Nazarene.  The Church of the Nazarene shared his obituary.

6. Sandra Callander was promoted to glory (died) on March 24, 2017, at age 73. She was an officer in The Salvation Army who achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. Her ministry included service in the Australian Territory of the Salvation Army as well as the New Zealand and Fiji Territory. The Salvation Army in Australia released news of her death.

7. - 19. Thirteen Choir Members from the First Baptist Church in New Braunfels, Texas were killed in a bus accident on their way home from a retreat on March 29, 2017. The deceased include Howard Bryan Allen, 81; Rhonda Barlow Allen, 61; Harold Boyd Barber, 87; Margaret Robinson Barber, 82; Murray William Barrett, 67; Mildred Goodlett Rosamond, 87; Sue Wynn Tysdal, 76; Dorothy Fern Vulliet, 84; Martha Holcomb Walker, 84; Avis Scholl Banks, 83; Cristie Clare Moore, 68; Donna Elizabeth Hawkins, 69; and Addie Maurine Schmeltekopf, 84.  Christianity Today released a news story on this tragedy.

20. Ethan Roser died on April 22, 2017, at age 19, from an accident at a track meet in college. Ethan was a student at Wheaton College and was fatally hit by a hammer at a track meet. His plan was to become a minister and he was majoring in Christian Education and Biblical Studies at Wheaton.  Cincinnati.com shared the story of his tragic death.

21. Jay Carty died on May 4, 2017, at age 75, from cancer. Jay Carty was a former NBA player and basketball coach. He helped teach Kareem Abdul Jabar his hook shot while an assistant coach at UCLA for three years with John Wooden (See YouTube). Jay Carty became a well known author and traveling Christian Evangelist throughout the West Coast of the United States and founded Yes! Ministries. His obituary is at Hallels.com.


22. Nadine Foley died on May 13, 2017, at age 93. Sister Foley served as prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters from 1986-1992. She was a leader of religious women in her congregation and throughout the United States. Sister Foley was an editor of three books and wrote two volumes of Adrian Dominican history and a biography of Mother Mary Gerald Barry, OP, who was the longest serving prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Her obituary appeared in the Michigan Catholic.

23. - 51. Twenty Nine Coptic Christians were killed on May 26, 2017. Coptic Christians is the name for a group of Christians that are primarily based in Egypt. The group was on their way to a pilgrimage to pray at The St. Samuel the Confessor monastery when they were attacked and killed near Minya, Egypt. 10 of the 29 who died were children. News of this attack was shared by the Independent News and Fox News.

52. Austin Silva died on June 15, 2017, at age 17. Austin Silva had dental surgery on June 6, 2017, and never woke up from the anesthesia. He died 9 days later. Silva attended Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Texas and was a member of Watermark Community Church. He accepted Jesus as his savior in elementary school and after having worked at Camp Barnabas, a camp for children with special needs, he wrote in his journal, "This experience reminded me that Jesus Christ is real and certainly worth following." The Dallas News featured a story on his passing. His obituary is online at dignity memorial.

53. Megan Johnson died on June 27, 2017, at age 31. She died unexpectedly 7 hours after giving birth to her daughter, Eille Megan Kate Johnson.  She was married to Nathan Johnson, a Christian musician with the rock band Meaning Machine.  God Updates released information on her passing. There is also a blog created to tell Megan's Story.

54. Haddon Robinson died on July 22, 2017, at age 86, from Parkinson’s.  Haddon Robinson served as the President of Denver Seminary from 1979-1991. He taught homiletics at Dallas Theological Seminary for 19 years and was a professor and former interim President at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As a professor he was renowned in presenting the need for "The Big Idea" in Biblical preaching. He was listed by Christianity Today as being in the top 10 of its "25 Most influential Preachers of the Past 25 years." Robinson is the author of the classic preaching textbook called Biblical Preaching, which is still used in many seminary'sChristianity Today shared his obituary.


55. Chen Xizeng died on July 27, 2017, from colon cancer. He was a Chinese Christian pastor and Bible scholar. The Chinese Christian Daily released news of his death.

56. - 57. Newlyweds Austin and Rebekkah Wesson were in a car accident in Clearwater, Kansas on August 5, 2017. Austin died instantly and Rebekkah passed away two days later from her injuries. Both were age 19. The couple had met on a missions trip and had married one day before the accident. Rebekkah's father John Bouma said, "They both loved the Lord - they wanted to be the hands and feet of Jesus."  The Gospel Herald released a story on the tragedy of these two sweethearts.

58. Glenn Campbell died on August 8, 2017, at age 81, from complications of Alzheimer's. He was a country music star who loved to sing hymns about his Christian faith. Over his career he made over 70 albums and 12 of them became gold. His signature song was, "Rhinestone Cowboy". In 1990 Campbell said, "I love telling people about Christ and what he's done for me and can do for them." Charisma News featured his obituary.



59. Ruth Pfau died on August 10, 2017, at age 87, from kidney and heart disease. Sister Ruth Pfau was born in Germany and was a medical doctor who devoted her life as a medical missionary to helping limit the spread of leprosy in Pakistan and treating eye disease among suffering people. She converted to Catholicism and became a nun in The Society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary and was known as, "The Mother Teresa of Pakistan." Pakistan gave her a state funeral, and she is the first Christian woman to receive such an honor from the Muslim nation. Christianity Today shared her obituary.  The New York Times also released her obituary.




60. Sharoon Masih died on August 27, 2017, at age 17. He achieved academic excellence despite enduring years of being persecuted as the only Christian student in his class at his school in Pakistan. On August 27, 2017, he was beaten to death by his Muslim classmates. The British Pakistani Christian Association reported on his death.

61. Michael Cromartie died on August 28, 2017, at age 67, from cancer. Cromartie helped frame the Christian world view for the media over decades of work within the US Capital of Washington D.C.  Christianity Today shared his obituary. The New York Times also featured his obituary.

62. Robert Jenson died on September 5, 2017, at age 87. Jenson was a Lutheran theologian who emphasized an ecumenical approach and was known for his contribution to systematic theology. During his career he taught at both Luther College and United Lutheran Seminary. He founded the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology in 1991 along with Carl Braaten. The books he authored include: A Religion Against Itself (1967), The Triune Identity (1982), and Systematic Theology (1999). Christianity Today and Christian Century shared his obituary.

63. Rick Stevens died on September 5, 2017, at age 77. He had been the lead singer in the band Tower of Power in their early years. Rick Stevens became a Christian while serving time in prison. SFGate.com released a story on his passing

64. Nabeel Qureshi died on September 16, 2017, at age 34, from stomach cancer. Nabeel Qureshi converted to Christianity from Islam and became a Christian apologetic, working with the Ravi Zacharias team. He was the author of the book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity and No God But One. Christianity Today shared his obituary.




65. David Mainse died on September 25, 2017, at age 81. Mainse was a Canadian pastor who started Canada's longest running Christian television show called 100 Huntley Street in 1977. He also founded Crossroads Christian Communication, Yes TV, and a prayer hot line that serves over 30,000 calls per month. Christianity Today shared his obituary.



66. Helen DeVos died on October 18, 2017, at age 90, from complications of a stroke. Helen DeVos was a Christian philanthropist who supported charitable and faith causes including children's charities, churches, and Christian Education. Her support led to the formation of one of the nation's leading Children hospitals located in Grand Rapids, Michigan called The Helen DeVos Children's HospitalMLive released information on her passing.

67. - 92. Twenty Six Worshippers at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas
were gunned down on November 5, 2017, while they were attending a service at the church. Those killed included:  Keith Braden, 62; Shanni and Robert Corrigan, 51; Joann Ward, 30; Brooke Ward, 5; Emily Garza, 7; Greg Hill, 13; Emily Hill, 11; Megan Hill, 9; Crystal Halcombe, 36; Crystal's Unborn Child; Bryan Halcombe 60; Karla Halcombe, 58; Marc Daniel Halcombe, 36; Noah Halcombe, 1; Sarah Johnson, 68; Dennis Johnson, 77; Hally Krueger, 16; Tara McNulty, 33; Robert Scott, 56; Karen Marshall, 56; Anabelle Pomeroy, 14; Therese Rodriguez, 66; Ricardo Rodriguez, 64; Peggy Lynn Warden, 56; and Lula White, 71.The attack was the deadliest mass shooting by an individual in the history of the State of Texas. More information on the shooting is on Wikipedia. Photos of those who died are on the following memorial video by NBC News.




93. Shawn Jones died in on November 18, 2017, at age 32. Jones collapsed of a sudden heart attack on November 18, 2017, while in the midst of a Gospel performance. He was a Gospel singer and the founding pastor the New Thing Empowerment Church in Auburn, Alabama. CBN released a news story on his death.

94. Stan Toler died on November 18, 2017, at age 67, from cancer. Toler served as a General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene from 2009-2013 and was a pastor for over 40 years. He also taught seminars with Dr. John Maxwell's INJOY seminars. Toler authored over 100 books that sold over 3 million copies, including his last one God Can Do Anything But Fail: So Try Parasailing in a Windstorm The Church of the Nazarene released his obituary.

95. Harry Blamires died on November 21, 2017, at age 101. Blamires was a student of C.S. Lewis and was a Christian author and scholar. He emphasized in his teaching that the church should have a Christian worldview in the midst of an increasingly secular society. He taught English at King's Alfred College in the UK. His most well known book of the over twelve that he authored is called The Christian Mind and is still in print. Christianity Today shared his obituary.

96. Jared Plesec was promoted to glory (died) on December 2, 2017, at age 21. Jared Plesec was a soldier in The Salvation Army, who was shot and killed in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, December 2, 2017, while on his way to volunteer at his church. He was wearing his Salvation Army uniform and grasping his Bible when he was killed. Jared Plesec was awarded posthumously the 2017 Soldier of the Year award by The Salvation Army. WKYC in Cleveland covered his funeral.




97. John Sherrill died on December 2, 2017, at age 94. Sherrill served as an editor and writer for the inspirational magazine Guideposts for over 66 years. He co-wrote the Christian books The Cross and the Switchblade with David Wilkerson; God's Smuggler with Brother Andrew; and The Hiding Place with Corrie ten Boom.  Christianity Today shared his obituary.

98. Greg Wood died on December 5, 2017, at age 48, from brain cancer. Wood served as an International Missions Board missionary for 11 years, serving in an indigenous village in Mexico. The International Missions Board released his obituary.

99. R.C. Sproul died on December 13, 2017, at age 78. Sproul founded Ligonier Ministries in 1971 and served as its chairman throughout his life. He was a leader in Biblical teaching in the Reformed tradition and was renowned for his explanation of the implications of the sovereignty of God. Sproul was the author of over 100 books, including The Holiness of God; Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, and What is Reformed Theology?  Christianity Today shared his obituary.



100. Na Hoku Hanohano died on December 16, 2017, at age 70. He was a Christian musician in Hawaii and was working on a project to raise funds to build a music school on the campus of Kalihi Union ChurchThe Star Advertiser reported on his death


Dedication: This post is dedicated to some Christian friends who were promoted to glory in 2017.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

25 Christian Men Over 80 in 2018



(Listed by Birthday)


"So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation" (Psalm 71:18)



1. Robert Duvall will turn 87 on January 5, 2018. Robert Duvall is a Christian who is an American actor and filmmaker. He has been nominated for seven Academy Awards in his lifetime and won the Academy Award for his performance in Tender Mercies. He lives in his home near The Plaines, Virginia.

2. Henry Slaughter will turn 91 on January 9, 2018. Henry Slaughter is an American southern gospel pianist, singer and songwriter. He has won five Dove Awards. He lives in Tennessee.

3. Jack Van Impe will turn 87 on February 9, 2018. Jack Van Impe is an American televangelist with a weekly show called Jack Van Impe Presents which presents an eschatological view of the news. He lives near where his shows are taped in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

4. Tony Campolo will turn 83 on February 25, 2018. Tony Campolo is an American sociologist, pastor, author, public speaker and was the former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

5. Gavin McLeod will turn 87 on February 28, 2018. Gavin McLeod is an American actor and Christian activist who has been on television for six decades. He is best known for his role on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Love Boat. He has been a guest on several variety and religious programs. He lives in Southern California.

6. Roger T. Forster will turn 85 on March 1, 2018. Roger Forster is the leader of the Icthus Christian Fellowship, a neocharismatic Evangelical Christian Church that is part of the British New Church Movement. He lives in Forest Hill, London.

7. Paul Rader will turn 84 on March 14, 2018. Paul Rader was the 15th General of the Salvation Army from 1994 to 1999. He served as the President of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky from 2000 to 2006.

8. Pat Robertson will turn 88 on March 20, 2018. Pat Robertson currently serves as chancellor and CEO of Regent University and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

9. Bill Gaither will turn 82 on March 28, 2018. Bill Gaither is an American singer and songwriter of Southern gospel and Contemporary Christian music. In the 1990's he produced the popular Gaither Homecoming Series of videos to spotlight the Southern gospel heritage in Christian music. He lives in Alexandria, Indiana.

10. James Dobson will turn 82 on April 21, 2018. He is an author, evangelical Christian and psychologist. He founded Focus on the Family in 1977 and served as its President until 2003. He currently leads a radio program called Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson. He has authored over 30 books, including When God Doesn't Make Sense. He resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

11. Pat Boone will turn 84 on June 1, 2018.  Pat Boone is a Christian and an American singer, composer, actor, writer, television personality, and motivational speaker. He had 38 Top 40 hits, sold over 45 million records and has appeared in 12 films.

12. Jack Hayford will turn 84 on June 25, 2018. Jack Hayford is an American author, Pentecostal minister, and the Chancellor Emeritus of The King's University. He has written over 600 hymns and choruses.

13. Homer Adams will turn 96 on July 2, 2018. He was the President of Trevecca Nazarene University from 1979 to 1991 and prior to that served as a college professor at Trevecca Nazarene University. He and his wife Beatrice Adams have been married for 72 years and still live in Nashville, Tennessee (Tennessean, July 2, 2014).

14. Frederick Buechner will turn 92 on July 11, 2018. Frederick Buechner is an American writer and theologian. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. He has written over 30 published books.

15. J.I. Packer will turn 92 on July 22, 2018.  J.I. Packer is an author, theologian, and professor in the Christian reformed tradition. Packer published the best selling Christian book Knowing God in 1973. He is currently serving as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.

16. Jerald Johnson will turn 91 on August 16, 2018. Jerald Johnson served as General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene from 1980-1997. He is the author of 12 books.

17. Charles Stanley will turn 86 on September 25, 2018. Charles Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the founder and president of In Touch Ministries.

18. Jimmy Carter will turn 94 on October 1, 2018. Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States from 1977-1981 and prior to that the Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975. He continues to teach Sunday School at his home church Maranatha Baptist Church in Plaines, Georgia.

19. Chuck Swindoll will turn 84 on October 18, 2018. Chuck Swindoll is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, and radio preacher. He founded Insight for Living and was the President of Dallas Theological Seminary from 1994-2001. Currently he is the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

20. H. Ray Dunning will turn 92 on October 26, 2018. H. Ray Dunning is a systematic theologian in the Wesleyan branch of Christianity. He was a religion professor at Trevecca Nazarene University and authored many books including, Grace, Faith & Holiness: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology. He lives in Tennessee.

21. Eugene Peterson will turn 86 on November 6, 2018. Eugene Peterson is a clergy, author, and poet. He has written over 30 books, including the best-selling paraphrase of the Bible called The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. He currently lives in Montana.

22. Billy Graham will turn 100 on November 17, 2018. Billy Graham is an author, spiritual advisor to US Presidents, and an American evangelist, who founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He held crusades around the world from 1947-2015. He resides at his home near Charlotte, North Carolina.

23. Luis Palua, Jr. will turn 84 on November 27, 2018. He is the founder of the Luis Palua Association. He is an international Christian evangelist who was born in Argentina. He resides near Portland, Oregon.

24. Kenneth Copeland will turn 82 on December 6, 2018. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and a leader in the Charismatic movement of Christianity. The headquarters of his ministry is Ft. Worth, Texas.

25. Pope Francis will turn 82 on December 17, 2018. Pope Francis is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He also holds titles as Bishop of Rome and sovereign of Vatican City.



See this related post from previous year.

20 Christian Men Over 80 in 2017