Here’s to you, Mr. Robertson

Jesus loves you more than you could know.
Oh. Oh. Oh.

Dr. E.G. Robertson has been a part of my life since before I had life.

He was Pastor of my home church (Connersville Baptist Temple) the year I was born. In fact, he had officiated my parents wedding five years earlier. Though God’s plan diverted our paths for many years, he eventually returned to Baptist Temple to become it’s Pastor again.

Through High School and College he mentored me, providing both advice and direction. He helped me see my calling and encouraged my move to Texas for Seminary. He flew across the country three years later to see me accept a Master’s degree. Three years after that he officiated my wedding and… I’m sorry to say, that day was the last I saw him alive this side of Heaven.

Dr. Robertson passed away an hour or so ago.

An Evangelist. A Preacher. A Pastor with a true heart of a shepherd.

My mentor.

He urged me to pursue Cedarville.
He encouraged me to continue a degree track involving ministry.
He gave me my first real opportunity to preach.
He took me on my first hospital visit.
He took me to breakfast every time I was in town.
He counseled me during family difficulties.
He helped confirm my call to ministry.
He urged me to follow my heart to Seminary.
He connected me with his family in Texas, so I might have family.
He attended my Seminary graduation.
He gave a significant portion of his library to me, including some of his most treasured books.
He performed my wedding ceremony alongside my father-in-law.

Sometime in years gone by he began referring to me as his “Timothy”… and surely I’ve never had, and never will have, another “Paul” quite like Pastor Robertson.

The world has lost the greatest Pastor/Shepherd I’ve ever known… and I’ve lost a friend.

As I passed the Bradford Pears this morning I could not help but think of my Pastor… the blinding whiteness of their flowering blooms a sharp reminder of the joy that I’ve experienced because he cared. And their short life span, a reminder that we all must walk the same road someday. Will I be remembered as fondly as those who knew E.G. will remember him?

I can only hope.

Heaven grew just a little bit sweeter to me today.

__________________________________________________

FROM DR. ROBERTSON - AUGUST 5, 2003

“To My Timothy - Kevin Young”

“Tonight, one night after presenting my resignation, as Pastor of Connersville Baptist Temple, I am sitting at my desk, in my study, entertained by the many blessed thoughts and memories that I have of you. Among my thoughts, are those that remind me of how blessed I have been, by being the pastor of a young man, whom I have watched grow, both physically and spiritually. While on the journey, I served as witness of this young man’s dedication to his Lord and Saviour, as he would go to Cedarville University, graduate and then attend Dallas Theological Seminary, in Dallas, Texas. I remember, the night he graduated, as he walked across the platform, to receive his master’s degree, he made me feel so proud and soblessed that God allowed me to be just a small part of his life.

“Kevin, I have never heard you preach, when God didn’t touch my heart. Not only have I been blessed through the messages that you have preached, but I have also been blessed by the message of your life, as you have served as clay, in the hands in of the Great Potter, molded and fitted for service as a mere vessel, but a vessel indeed, that has watered my soul, and warmed my heart, while your senior of many years.

“I do not have the slightest idea about what God’s plan is for you, but I do know that whatever it is, as long as you continue to be that committed young man that is so evident by your character and love for God… God has great and mighty things in store for you. As you pray and seek His guidance, be assured that He is leaning over the edge of Heaven to catch every word. He concerns himslef with every point of interest and intimate detail of your life. He will direct you, encourage you and give you strength for the journey, as He has mine. Quite possibly through a young ‘Timothy’, such as you have been to me.

“Kevin, you have honored me with the great privilege of being your pastor. I am a proud pastor of a great young man!

“I love you!

Pastor E.G. Robertson

8.5.2003