A Fond Memory

John R. W. Stott was "promoted to glory" yesterday, at the age of 90.

I met this great preacher and godly man some thirty-five years ago, at Urbana '76. I was seated alone at a breakfast table, and a dignified man approached my table with his tray and asked if he could join me. I said "Sure," and then glanced at his nametag, which read "John R. W. Stott." I had breakfast with John R. W. Stott! I have no idea what we talked about! I probably couldn't have told you even five minutes later. But it is a fond memory of a gracious man who condescended to join an eighteen-year-old kid for breakfast.

THE Christianity Today website provides more information:

John Stott died today at 3:15 London time (about 9:15 a.m. CST), according to John Stott Ministries President Benjamin Homan. Homan said that Stott’s death came after complications related to old age and that he has been in discomfort for the last several weeks. Family and close friends gathered with Stott today as they listened to Handel’s Messiah. Homan said that John Stott Ministries has been preparing for his death for the past 15 years. “I think he set an impeccable example for leaders of ministries of handing things over to other leaders,” Homan said. “He imparted to many a love for the global church and imparted a passion for biblical fidelity and a love for the Savior.” This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Earth is immeasurably poorer today.