
After a long battle with Parkinson’s, Dad died at home yesterday in the company of his family – with the sun streaming through the window as the Hallelujah Chorus filled the room.
If you would like to read the story of Dad’s life, people around the world have been appreciating a little book by Mary Tallon – Surprised by Obedience.
The easiest way to purchase it is by using the Book Depository’s free postage service at this
link here.
nice chatting
Paul
PS: the full funeral service can be viewed here:
About Me

the art of unpacking
After a childhood in India, a theological training in the USA and a pastoral ministry in Southland (New Zealand), I spent twenty years in theological education in New Zealand — first at Laidlaw College and then at Carey Baptist College, where I served as principal. In 2009 I began working with Langham Partnership and since 2013 I have been the Programme Director (Langham Preaching). Through it all I've cherished the experience of the 'gracious hand of God upon me' and I've relished the opportunity to 'unpack', or exegete, all that I encounter in my walk through life with Jesus.
Recent Posts
John Stott was the first one to help me see the tension in Jesus’ teaching on salt and light. They are pictures for how his disciples are to live in society. Salt pulls them in, keeping them involved. Light holds them back, keeping them distinctive. Being light responds to ‘the danger of worldliness’, while being…
Just when I thought that it could not be possible to have another first-hand account of the impact of John Stott’s life (d. 2011), along comes this book by his close friend, John Wyatt. I am always ready to learn more about John Stott, but also about friendship. It fascinates me. It keeps coming up…
Reading stories to grandchildren over Christmas reminded me again of how powerful they can be. They are so compact and simple in presentation, and yet so clever in construction. There are just so many features at work in an effective story. It is some years since I taught narrative preaching, but when I did I’d…
Hi Paul,
You,Barby and your extended family are deeply in my prayers. I am gladdened that your Dad was able to go peacefully into a better place,the hole he leaves in all of your lives is going to be unable to be replaced.
Having said this what he leaves you with is a rich heritage of Christian Faith and a baton which has already been picked up to continue the race.
I am sure that his Godly example will be one that many will want to use as a model. Whilst we cannot replicate everything he was, our task is to pick up the 1, 2 or 5 God Given talents and not bury them.
May God bring to your mind many amazing memories to cherish about
your Dad, and may they bring you comfort in this time. I am sure Monday will be a fitting commemoration and celebration of his life. As Timothy had his grandmother Lois as an example (1 Tim 3v9)you have your Dad. Kia Kaha.
Thanks, Mark
We had a wonderful service on Monday. It started with Nimrod (Enigma Variations, Elgar) booming through the church as sound and visual, with grand-daughters placing wreaths on the casket … and then contributions from my Mum, each of us kids, and some of the grand-kids. I preached on Romans 10.9-18 … and then, of course, there were the hymns. In all of life there is nothing quite like singing great hymns at the funeral services of great Christians. It is the best.
Paul
A video of the funeral service for my Dad is available at this link:
http://vimeo.com/mtalbertbaptist/ray-windsor-celebration-service
Paul