These days of World Championship in soccer my thoughts go back to a precious friend, Roy, who´s still living in the sanctuary of my heart.  He went home to be with the Lord abt. 1½ years ago leaving behind a great loss, especially with the children to whom he spoke in great numbers.

We both attended in our early youth one of New Tribes Mission´s ”boot camps” in Pennsylvania.  And right now when the air is full of soccer I remember his enthusiasm for that sport.  So when the U.S. hopefully beats England tonight in South Africa, Roy and I would have had a lot to talk about.  When we met in Wisconsin in 1971 after having been separated from each other for 11 years, we had to give physical expression to our joy of reunion by spending some time together on the soccer ground since we were both  in a pretty good shape that year.  I still remember his enthusiasm, his laughter and his ”technical” and humorous comments on my imperfect kicks.  A lot of fun we certainly had in a spirit of gospel freedom.

We met again 4 years ago in Tennessee.  Soccer was not so much on the agenda this time, but we could still have some wonderful talks.  He was still the same Roy I used to know,  quick-witted, so human with a lot of funny remarks.  But above all a genuine brother in Christ and the best friend of many dear children.  He led many of them to Christ.  I´ve heard these children squeal with delight when he would teach them about the majestic  creation of God at the same time exposing the folly of evolution which he, being also a gifted artist, illustrated with extremely funny drawings.

He´s home with the Lord now.  The Lord was pleased to suddenly remove him from this scene one night when he couldn´t sleep.  I still have a bit of him though.  His widow asked me to correspond with a sick daughter in Redwood City, Ca. – in a happy marriage  with three precious girls.  She´s a severely tried woman and yet she´s the spitting image of her dad.

Roy taught me to appreciate good memories, to ”build memories” as some put it, especially when these memories deserve this heading:  “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits!”  (Psa. 103:2). Roy was one of those benefits that God sent to my life.

-jn-

June   12, 2010