DVD of Sandra Waldron’s Memorial Service

I previously posted a tribute to Sandra Waldron, wife of evangelist Bob Waldron, on Leon’s Message Board which you may see here.

Bob and Sandra Waldron

I have recently received a DVD of the memorial service for Sandra, conducted by Bob Waldron and myself, in Athens, AL, on Tues., Sept. 13, 2011.

Bob requested that I make this available for those who would be interested. When I converted the DVD for uploading, it was rendered into three parts, which are here below in consecutive order:

 

Sandra Waldron Memorial Service Part 1 VTS_01_1_mpeg2video

►

Sandra Waldron Memoral Service VTS_01_2_mpeg2video

►

Sandra Waldron Memorial Service Part 3 VTS_01_3_mpeg2video

►

 

Things To Do At Age 100

One of our church members, Mrs. Elma Bradford, celebrated her 100th birthday today with a large gathering of family and friends from church.

Mrs. Bradford is a resident of the Nursing Home in Hanceville, AL. Her mind is as sharp as a tack.

Leon Mauldin, Elma Bradford, Linda Mauldin. Photo by Nancy Picogna.

Before we ate, I made a brief tribute to this sweet lady. In summary, I said:

Tribute to whom tribute, honor to whom honor. We are here to honor Mrs. Bradford on her 100th birthday. Here are some things you can do when you are 100.

1. Set a good example. Mrs. Bradford has done and continues to do that.

2. Maintain a sense of humor. Once while visiting her at the nursing home, I began a sentence, ‘Well . . .’ She immediately said, ‘Where ya gonna dig it?’ That’s rather typical for her.

3. Read your Bible. On many occasions when I have gone to her room, and she could have no idea I would be coming, I would find her reading her Bible. She loves the Lord. She loves the Lord’s people. Her hope is set on heaven.

So in case you’re wondering, these are some things you can do at age 100.

BTW, none of the above happen accidentally; people who do these things choose to do so.

A Tribute to Sandra Waldron

This past Friday funeral services for Sandra Waldron, wife of evangelist Bob Waldron, were conducted at Dade City, Florida. This morning a memorial service was held in Athens, Alabama. In both services Bob spoke lovingly of his wife of some 48 years, and I paid tribute to a dear friend. The two of them have been of tremendous influence in my life.

My relationship with the Waldrons goes back to about 1969. I knew them before that through visiting the church at Sumiton, Al., where they were located, but it was in ’69 that I began to study with Bob. I knew that I wanted to preach, and I knew I needed the help that comes from studying with an older preacher. I was 16, and Bob was 27; he was my older preacher. Those weekly studies in their living room on Monday evenings were a great help to me. Bob had me memorize hundreds of passages; he taught me how to study, to be sensitive to people, that our purpose was to teach people, to help people that their souls might be saved. Sandra was consistently very supportive of what Bob & I were doing.

What Bob & Sandra were doing was not just giving me some of their time—they invested themselves in me; they gave themselves. What emerged is the kind of relationship that Paul discussed in Phil. 1:3,7,9: They are in my mind, in my heart, in my prayers. That friendship that began back in those early days has continued and deepened through the years to the present time.

I think of Bob and Sandra as a team. Sandra was truly a help that was meet, suitable. They were joint-heirs together in the grace of life, of one heart and one soul. What a team! Their writings (published by Truth Magazine) have influenced thousands already. May thousands more be influenced for good in the future. And  what is the emphasis of their teaching? Not cutesy stuff; not obscuring the text under the guise of “making it relevant.” Rather the underlying basis is that the Bible is already relevant, so we need to know the Bible, that we may know the God of the Bible.

Their work on the History and Geography of the Bible, a 52-lesson book that traces the theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, gives the historical and geographical setting of the biblical world, the setting and context of the events of scripture. Their work in this area was a tremendous factor in igniting my own interest in the Bible lands that you see reflected in this blog.

Like all who are saved, Sandra was saved by the grace of God. I’m thankful for the hope that this gives. I’m thankful that she believed in Jesus, she repented of her sins, confessed her faith, and was baptized for the remission of her sins. I’m thankful that she lived in the Lord, and died in the Lord. Oh what a difference the Gospel makes. I’m thankful for the hope and blessed assurance that we have today.

So ultimately this becomes an occasion to praise God, to praise Him from whom all blessings flow. His mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. Trust in Him who will not leave you. Heb. 13:5-6. Whosoever believeth upon Him shall not be put to shame.

This photo of Bob and myself was taken this morning following the memorial service.

Leon Mauldin and Bob Waldron

May the God of all comfort sustain my brother Bob, and may He use the memory of Sandra for good.

In Sudbury

Our meeting for biblical studies in Sudbury, Canada got off to a good start last night. We are dealing with the theme, “Challenges Faced by the Early Church,” and making application to the church of the 21st century.

After last night’s meeting we gathered at the home of Denis and Danny Veilleux.

Sudbury, Canada. Gathering at home after meeting. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

John and Lisa Hains are the “bookends” in the photo. They drove up from Jordan. I asked John how long of a drive that was. His answer: “6 1/2 or 7 hours, not bad.”

I consider every such teaching opportunity to be a genuine privilege.

Click on image for larger view.

Bruges, Belgium

We are continuing to enjoy our association with our friends in Houthalen, Belgium, including folks traveling from some distance away. It is a joy to have such opportunities to teach the Bible. This photo was made following worship services this afternoon.

Group photo following Sunday services at Houthalen, Belgium.

Earlier last week we had the occasion to visit the unique town of Bruges, dominated by 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th century houses and buildings. Our photo shows the market square, dominated by the Belfry and the Government Palace.

Market Square at Bruges, Belgium. Photo by Leon Mauldin

In the square one may see the monument to Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, heroes of the Battle of the Golden Spurs (July 11, 1302). In this battle the French were defeated.

Monument to Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

For those interested, Wikipedia has the following info re: Bruges:

Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is located in the northwest of the country.

The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It is oval-shaped and about 430 hectaresin size. The area of the whole city amounts to more than 13,840 hectares, including 1,075 hectares off the coast, at Zeebrugge(meaning “Brugge aan Zee” or “Bruges on Sea”). The city’s total population is 117,073 (1 January 2008), of which around 20,000 live in the historic centre. The metropolitan area, including the outer commuter zone, covers an area of 616 km² and has a total of 255,844 inhabitants as of 1 January 2008.

Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam, it is sometimes referred to as “The Venice of the North”.

Bruges has a significant economic importance thanks to its port. At one time, it was the “chief commercial city” of the world.

Click on images for larger view.

Safely at Natana, Israel

Our group arrived safely at Ben Gurion Airport this afternoon, just an hr. and a half or so past schedule. It was dark and raining by the time we got our luggage and boarded our bus. We had a good meal here at the Blue Ray Hotel at Natana. The wind is howling outside my window at present. Natana has been known as the number one city in Israel for artisan diamond cutting.

It’s always a good start when all the passengers are well and accounted for, and there is no delayed luggage, so we’re thankful for that.

We’re 7 hours ahead of Sweet Home Alabama time.  Everyone is tired, but the good meal tonight and hopefully a good night’s rest will recharge everyone’s batteries.

Fawzi, Elie and Leon at Natana. Dolye Stogdill, photo.

Some of you will recognize our guide and friend Elie, at right and behind me, and Fawzi, our driver. These men are professionals and a pleasure to work with.

Tomorrow we head up the coast and then across to Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. Continue to check in and we’ll post as we can. Thanks to those of you who have written.

Homeward Bound

We are to leave the Morrow home shortly for the airport for the flight home. This has been a great trip and I trust that only good has been accomplished. I am grateful for every opportunity to teach God’s word.

The photo below is from one of the sessions in Kamenice.  Mike does a great job of planning these annual lectures.

Session at Kamenice. Mike Morrow on far right. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

Mike’s lovely wife Tatiana helped me by inserting Czech translation for English text in my PowerPoint slides.  I’m glad my wife Linda could be with her as well as the other ladies here.

Tatiana Morrow (right) and Linda Mauldin. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

This annual lectureship furnishes a wonderful opportunity for European Christians from a widespread area to give and receive encouragement to/from one another.

One of the questions that was asked during a Q&A was on the subject of cremation; what does the Bible say?  Here is an answer I posted some years ago on www.goodfight.com (click on “Short Answers to Tough Questions”).

Question: What does the Bible say about cremation?

Answer:

1. Passages–What few Biblical references are made to cremation are in the Old Testament. 1 Sam. 31:11-13: Burning of bodies of Saul & his sons; this probably was an emergency measure lest the Philistines further molest the bodies. Lev.20:14; 21:9: Those guilty of sexual immorality.  Josh. 7:15,25: Those under a curse such as Achan and his family were to be burned. Occurrence of cremation is rare and exceptional.

2. Lack of proper burial was a great misfortune 1 Kgs.13:22; Jer. 16:6.

3. Related passages: Amos 2:1: He (Moab) burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime. cf. Amos 6:10.

4. Quotation from Edersheim: “Cremation was denounced as a purely heathen practice, contrary to the whole spirit of Old Testament teaching.” (Sketches of Jewish Life, p. 16).

5. The Bible Almanac, p.95:

Ghassul flourished during the latter half of the [?] fourth millennium. Archaeologists have documented the Ghassulian custom of burying the dead in ossuaries (ceramic receptacles for bones) in many other areas, particularly the coastal cities near modern Tel Aviv. These ossuaries were usually shaped like animals or houses, in imitation of those used in daily life. After the body was cremated mourners buried the ossuary in a stone cistern together with provisions for the afterlife.

6. Guy Woods:

Life is the union of the body and spirit; death the condition resulting from their separation. Once the spirit has flown, the body is lifeless and begins its return to its original elements. Whether the return is the slow disintegration of the body through the processes of decay or is achieved in seconds by fire, the result is the same–the return of the body’s elements to their original state. In the resurrection, these “building blocks” will be re-assembled… We are taught in the New Testament, largely by example, to exhibit proper respect for the dead and to deal with them in dignified and respectful fashion…

7. N.T. Emphasis. As I reflect upon the question, emphasis is placed on using one’s body in life to glorify the Lord (Rom. 12:1,2; 1 Cor. 6:18- 20); and upon the entrance of the soul into the hadean world at the point of death. Emphasis is not given to the disposal of the body. Stress is not placed on the funeral, but upon the life one lives prior to the funeral. cf. Lk.12:4; Matt. 10:28. Our hope is the resurrection with the new, spiritual, immortal body (see 1 Cor. 15; Rom. 8:18ff.; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-4).

8. Personal Preference. The question does not ask for my personal preference… but I do not want cremation for myself, or for any member of my family. But I know of no New Testament principle that is violated by cremation, if one does make that choice.

On to Ceske Budejovice

The lectures at Kamenice were well attended and enjoyable in every way.  It is wonderful to see folks we’ve known for many years, and also to meet new brethren.  My wife and I were both tired last night (actually we still are today), but it’s a good kind of tired. As I mentioned on my previous post, families and individuals traveled in some cases great distances, plus there were folks from various places in the Czech Republic.  See group photo below: (Click on image for larger view).

I was speaking each morning, and Bill Bynum each evening.  We also conducted a 2 hr Q&A session each afternoon.  Photo below shows Bill (on right), and my wife Linda and me.

Leon & Linda Mauldin, and Bill Bynum. Kamenice Lectureship 2010.

As I surveyed the Old Testament, I began by giving the setting of the biblical world.  We talked about the amazing variety of the land of Israel.  At Joppa you are at sea level; at Jerusalem 35 miles inland you are 2500+ feet above sea level, and another 14 miles NE at Jericho you are 800 feet below sea level!

In the Bible Jericho is called the “city of palm trees” (Deut. 34:3).  In the photo below you can see why:

Jericho, biblical "city of palm trees." 800 feet below sea level. Photo ©Leon Mauldin.

In the distance you can see across the Jordan the hill country of Moab.  This was the home of Ruth, who was the great-grandmother of David (Ruth 4:18ff).

Here’s another shot of Jericho. In the foreground you see a portion of the ancient tel.  This was the first city taken by Joshua and the men of Israel after crossing the Jordan for the conquest of Canaan (see Joshua 6).  Because it was a kind of “first-fruits” of the land, the city was devoted to the Lord, instead of the spoils being divided up among the men of war.

OT Jericho. Ancient tel in foreground. Photo ©Leon Mauldin.

Today it has rained all day.  This morning, Mira, a friend and brother from Ceske Budejovice, arrived at Kamenice and drove my wife and me to Ceske Budejovice.  I am to preach here in the morning at worship services, and then spend some time visiting Mira and his good family on Mon.

This is my fourth trip to the Czech Republic.  I met Mira back in 1992 on that first trip.  It is a joy to see him again.  This city has an ancient history, dating back to the 12 century.  This is Linda’s first opportunity to travel here; I’ve wanted her for a long time to see a place which has been very special to me.

A Tribute to My Friend, Raymond Harville

You perhaps have noticed that the subtitle of Leon’s Message Board is “Bible History and Geography and More.”  Today’s post is in the “More” category. It is in the “Personal” genre, but something I wish to share with those who would be interested.

Yesterday (June 17), Jackie Richardson and I conducted funeral services for our dear friend, Raymond Harville.  I thought I’d share a couple of photos, as well as my notes prepared for yesterday’s funeral sermon.

I remember bro. Homer Hailey, in class lectures in the Proverbs, making the observation that in life one may have many acquaintances, but will have very few intimate friends (of the nature referenced in Prov. 17:17; 18:24).

In this post I want to pay tribute to Raymond, one of my closest friends.

Raymond & Anne Harville. They were married 54 years. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

Funeral Sermon for Raymond Harville

by Leon Mauldin

When Abner died, 2Sa 3:38 states,”Then the king said to his servants, Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?”

The world tracks its heroes: entertainment stars that don’t know the Lord, that call good evil and call evil good, that boldly have children out of wedlock, and flaunt God’s covenant of marriage.  But God knows who the real heroes are. I want my children and grandchildren to look up to men just like brother Harville.  He was one of my heroes.

We don’t have to look far to count our blessings. Prayers have not been in vain.  We prayed that he might be healed, but if that were not the case, that he would not continue to suffer, and we prayed that God’s will be done. It is a blessing that the Alzheimer’s nightmare is over.  No one would have wished for him a continuation of what he endured for the past years and especially the past several months.

Paul said in Phil. 1:27: “having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” It is “very much better” (NASB).  “Better by far” (NIV).  That is always true for the faithful Christian, but especially when one’s work here is done, when one can no longer function with clarity of mind.

I first met bro. Harville more than 34 years ago. Nathan Hagood was preaching in Valdosta, Ga.; we were in Blackshear.  Raymond had called Nathan regarding a newly established congregation in Hohenwald, Tn.; Nathan did not want to move there, but he told Raymond about me.  When we talked by phone, and I told him a bit about my background, etc., I mentioned I had studied under Bob Waldron, Irvin Lee’s son-in-law.  I learned later that Raymond made one call to Irvin Lee.  Then he told the folks at Hohenwald, “I’ve got you a preacher.”

During those years when we were in Hohenwald and the Harville’s in Mt. Pleasant, Tn., our lives became intertwined in so many ways. During those years a friendship was forged like that described in Prov. 18:24: “But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” That friendship was manifested in many ways.

Brother Harville was an encouragement to me in the preaching of the Gospel. In radio Q&A work; in the local works in TN and AL; in Gospel meeting work.  “Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.”  In Raymond I found a kindred mind, my kindred spirit.

When the Harville’s moved to Midway in Lauderdale Co., Al, and we moved to Lexington, Al., we were only 10 miles apart.  Typically on Tuesdays we would meet for breakfast or lunch.  Often our Bibles would be spread on the table as we studied.  From there we would often make hospital calls or other visits together.  During those days is was rare for a day to go by without contact of some kind.

My lessons became punctuated with illustrations from Raymond. If I were teaching on some subject which was not a present pressing issue, I would say, Raymond says to preach on modesty in the cold of December.  I.e., you teach and prepare before some topic becomes an emotionally charged issue. On the simplicity of the Gospel: I was present when a “Jehovah’s Witness” after talking a while, and perceiving she was dealing with someone who knew the Bible, defensively said, “I’m not trying to force this on you; why, you couldn’t become a Jehovah’s Witness tonight if you wanted to.”  Raymond immediately replied, “I know that, but if you were teaching people how to become New Testament Christians, they could do that the same hour of the night.”

In 1992, there were four of us who together made our “maiden voyage” for overseas’ evangelism, Raymond, Johnny Felker, Bob Waldron and myself.  That trip was to Czechoslovakia. I’ve said several times there were no three  men on earth I’d rather have taken that trip with.

What has brought us here today is truth. That’s what brought Raymond and me together. Like John and the elect lady (2 John), and John and Gaius (3 John).  Sometime read those short epistles and see how much emphasis is placed on the truth.  Note 2 John 2: “because of the truth which abides in us, and will be with us forever.”  Death ends our relationship on earth, but if we have the truth in common, we have something that we will possess together forever!

As I sum up my personal reflections there are especially three lessons I learned from Raymond. I am happy to say that I shared this with him years ago.

1. Do right by your family.
2. The purpose of study is people.
3. Pay attention to people that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Prov. 10:7 says, “The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.”

I’ll remember Raymond’s sense of humor. Once while standing in the back with him to greet folks entering the building at Southern Boulevard in Sheffield, a lady asked Raymond, “Is this your brother?” With a straight face he answered, “No ma’am, he’s my son.”  To which she replied, “I could tell there was a strong resemblance.”

Raymond loved the Lord, and loved the church of the Lord. Not a “big shot.”  He was all about souls; about pleasing God. His one purpose in life was pleasing God.

I’ll remember his work ethic. “Do it right, do it fast, and get on to the next job.”

I’ll remember His love for his family.

I’m thankful for the hope we have, Titus 1:2. The promises of God: Remission of sins as one obeys the Gospel.  Jesus’ promise of the resurrection in John 11:25,26.

Jesus cares, Heb. 4:14-16. Promised to be with us Heb. 13:5,6.  In life and in death! 2 Cor. 5:8— We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Before our Father’s throne We pour our ardent prayers; Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares.  We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear; And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear.  When we asunder part, It gives us inward pain; But we shall still be joined in heart, And hope to meet again.

I am thankful that Raymond lived in the Lord; that when he died, died in faith. That he died in the Lord. That he died in hope. May God help each one present today, to partake of the salvation which is in Jesus Christ.

(The two photos used in our post were taken Jan/Feb 2008.  Remember to click on image for higher resolution and larger view.)

Raymond, Leon & Anne. Early 2008. Photo by Linda Mauldin.