Saints John Stott and Yong Jo Ha Passed Away

On July 28th, John Stott went to be with the Lord. He was 90 years old. He was a huge pillar in the evangelical world. He wrote 30 plus books and led the evangelicals to stay on course. He was a giant in faith. His writings and teaching were so powerful and influential that many Christians mourn over his death but we know that our sorrow is his joy.

His retirement sermon was on "Christlikeness" and he wrote a book, titled "In His Likeness." He pursued his personal holiness strongly while he was strengthening the Church, the body of Christ.

Doug Birdsall, Executive Chair of the Lausanne Movement said in his fueneral, "John Stott's focus was the cross. The church was his great love. World evangelism was his passion. Scripture was his authority. Heaven was his hope. Now it is his home." It is very well put.

Surprisingly, a few days later, August 1st, Yongjo Ha, a renowned pastor and teacher in S. Korea, also went to be with the Lord. He was still young, relatively to John Stott, but had been struggling with illness. He preached on Sunday, July 31st, and that night he had a stroke and did not wake up from the coma. He established one of the largest churches in the world, a Christian book publishing company and a Christian TV, CGNTV. He supported other Christian schools also. He was also a faith giant and a godly saint. His books and teaching were so inspirational that many people wept and rejoiced with him, including myself.

Loss of two godly saints in a week's time grieves my heart. How can it not?

But, I know that they are with the Lord and they deserve a good rest with the Lord. Because they fought the good fight, finished the race and kept their faiths, like Apostle Paul did. (2 Timothy 4:7,8) May they rest in peace with the Lord! May we continue the race that is still left for us until we will see each other again! - Jefrey