My Pastor
26. Jan, 2009 
3 Comments
This is my Pastor, Bro. James Croswell. From the time I can remember to my mid teens, he was my pastor.
It was under his ministry that I was saved and baptized. His son Josh was my best friend. He took us to church camp every year. He woke me up every morning at church camp singing “I love you Brent, oh yes I do…..” He drove me and Josh around when we had our lawn mowing business. He taught us how to do a job right when we were lazy. I still can remember a sermon he preached when I was a punk kid on Psalm 139. He was full of passion when he quoted the scripture, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Bro. Croswell lost his battle with cancer and went home to be with Jesus this past Thursday.
As I have thought about him over the past few days, here are some lessons I have learned from his life.
- Care about People: I have never met someone who loved people more the Bro. Croswell. He knew the sheep under his care and truly cared for them.
- Take care to laugh and smile: Bro. Croswell had a contagious laugh and smile. He had fun with life and he made those around him have fun as well.
- Care for your family: I spent A LOT of time at the Croswell’s growing up. Brother and Sister Croswell raised their family in grace. Their house was a very safe place, and the proof is that all of their children are grown and walking with Jesus and involved in ministry.
- Ministry is a life not a season: Bro . Croswell lived a full life of ministry. He mad it to the end. He did not crash and burn, he did not have any moral failures. He just continued in his call, even to the point of preaching while he was battling cancer.
I am humbled and honored that I get to be a part of such a great man’s memorial service tomorrow.
Pray for the Croswell Family. This is their second loss in a year. They are hurting, but comforted in the grace of a redeeming God.
Author Info
Brent,
You were very fortunate to have such a godly mentor. Unfortunately, your experience is too rare these days. Look for opportunities God is giving you to invest in teenagers he puts in your path.
Mike
Hello~ I just want to pray aloud for this precious family as they walk with Jesus thru their hurt.
Dearest Father in heaven full of grace and abundant in mercy, surely Your mercy extends to the clouds. Be Guide and Help and Hands of healing over these bent hearts and uplifted faces to You in this season of pain. Grant them grace for one another, power in overcoming love, and many many believers to minister Your heart and life to them thru Your lovely Son Jesus Christ. Give them courage to walk and cry and live in Your power, to abide sweetly and daily as weened lambs from this brothers dear comforts. Let them rejoice in the inmost person as they are mindful of their brother, as he fully freely bows in loving worship of You forver more. May they think on THAT DAY when they will lift up hands and hearts and faces into Your beautiful face together with him. I ask these things in Jesus name. amen.
In His love ever… bonnie
Sounds like an amazing man! His passion and ministry live on through those whose lives he touched. Thanks for sharing.