The ministry requires of ministers to comfort those who mourn and strengthen others in time of weakness. When it comes to your own, it is then when you are challenged to put into practice the words of comfort you have so often shared with others.

To Mother Sarah Gordon, WMS President of the 15th Episcopal District and her family who at this present moment face this challenge I pray God’s strength as you had to bid farewell to a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.

On Monday morning God allowed Presiding Elder Arthur Gordon to enter into that eternal rest promised to his servants. None of us were aware of the great pain and discomfort he may have endured, for never a word of murmuring came from his mouth. He was always ready to praise the Lord and above all extend a word of encouragement to all.

I have been fortunate to meet Rev. Gordon in 1971 when I joined the African Methodist Church from the Methodist Church. His family and my family have a bond that exists far beyond the realm of just being friends. He proved to be an advisor and would assist wherever possible. There is no doubt that God in His wisdom placed in all of us a unique quality that we can use when sharing with each other. Rev Gordon did not hesitate yto share the gifts that God gave Him.

May his family find peace and encouragement knowing as Paul says: I have run the race, I have fought the fight. Presiding Elder Gordon’s works will surely place him amongst those who will hear Him say .. well done thou good and faithful servant.

-- Anonymous, February 06, 2003

Answers

I have learn with shock of the homegoing of our beloved Presiding Elder. I sat next to him in January when we had our Episcopal Planning meeting. Even then he never showed any signs of pain or discomfort, but was actively participating in the discussions. On behalf of the Biwa family, the Namibia Annual Conference and the good people of the Ebenezer AME Church, may express our sincere condolences to Mrs Gordon, Jerome my friend, and the brothers and sisters of the Gordon family. Just remember that erath's lost is heavens gain, and comfort ye in the words of the Apostle Paul in that he says For me to live is Christ and death a gain. All of us have to be transformed from our temporal bodies into eternal bodies. May the good Lord console you and give you strength during this time of greta sorrow.

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2003

My sympathies to you and your district in the lost of Presiding Elder Gordon. May God strengthen your hearts.

Sincerely,

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2003

That should be "loss" of Presiding Elder Gordon. Bloops.

Sincerely,

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2003

Dear Gordon Family

The late Rev. Arthur Gordon was a friend of the Namibia Annual Conference. When Namibians decided in 1946 to severe ties with the German Rhynish Missionary Society, Rev. Gordon was amonst those South African who played and pivotal and influential role in introducing our people to the AME Church. He travelled the road between South Africa (Cape Town) and Namibia (usually Keetmanshoop) where the conferences and institutes were held, covering thousands of kilometres in his lifetime for the 'AME cause'. We stand still and salute a true son of Richard and Sara Allen, who left no stone unturned in preaching the liberating and reconciling gospel via the AME Church. He is a trail blazer by all measures and standards, and his family has followed in his trail. His wife holds the highest position in the 15th WMS and his sons are pastors - and others are labouring and toiling on as committed lay members. What can we say about all these things, about a man of God who leaves behind a very rich legacy? Well done, servant of God! May God comfort the Gordon family from the riches of His glory.

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2003