This week we lost a giant. My mom and dad were church shopping when we first met Larry and Pat Freeman. I was just a little, insecure, whiny, first-grader but within seconds, I had a feeling that these two people were special. While my parents were asking grown up questions, this man stooped down, held my hands, and made sure I knew that I was welcomed in his church. From that moment on, I was convinced that Pastor Larry was a superhero.
My family joined Pinellas Park Wesleyan shortly after our first visit. It was where I would meet Jesus, where I would begin to understand grace and love, and where I would be introduced to the beautiful story of Scripture. A lot of people have good home-church stories – I have a great one. Most of my earliest memories involve my church and my Pastors. I still remember listening to Pastor Larry’s sermons for the key words that would then be inserted into the outline of the bulletin (it was a brilliant way to have 4th graders pay attention during church.)
Some memories aren’t just in the church, but were about being church. I remember riding with Pastor Larry in his giant Town Car. To say Pastor Larry had a lead foot is an understatement and slipping from side to side in the back seats while taking a corner became an extreme sport (I learned to pray in that car). I also remember having the church staff fill our backyard during Memorial Day and 4th of July picnics. Pastor Larry and Pastor Pat (and their family) were more than just those mythical figures who lead our church – they were my family.
This week, Pastor Larry went home to be with Jesus. As it became clear that his days on this planet were coming to end, memories and emotions began to flood my mind and heart. When the news came across my social media feed that he had gone home, I felt such a tremendous sense of gratitude. It took almost 2 minutes for me to realize that I am the pastor I am today, in large part, due to the influence of this incredible man and Ms. Pat. While it had been years since they were “my pastors,” and I have had many other influences feed me and encourage me, it was Pastor Larry who was one of the first individuals who saw and encouraged God’s call on my life. He encouraged me not always with direct words, but with availability and that smile that always let me know that the world could be okay.
After I heard of Pastor Larry’s passing from this life to the life everlasting, I read a passage from 2 Timothy. I almost felt like it was a word of encouragement from my pastor to me – I share it now from Eugene Peterson’s Message Translation:
1-2 I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.
3-5 You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.
6-8 You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Pastor Larry had a strong desire to make sure the beautiful message of God’s grace could be clearly shared with anyone at anytime. He was an encourager. He was a visionary. He had passion that was captivating. He had a love for Jesus that was something people wanted to copy. And like Paul speaking to Timothy, I know Pastor Larry would say to me, and to the hundreds of other “children of faith” that he spoke to and mentored, “Run Hard – fight and believe all the way – don’t give up – and don’t worry about me, the shouting has started and the celebration is non-stop.”
It is my prayer that as I remember my pastor that I will once more hear the charge – that I’ll know that he’s joined the great cloud and that he’s looking over my shoulder and is still cheering me on. Thanks Pastor Larry. I love you and I’m beyond thankful for how you shared Jesus with me.
“and if that doesn’t light your fire, you’re wood just might be wet.”
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I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Pastor Larry and briefly talking with him a couple times. He was a fine man, and he and his wife raised a fine young man to carry on his work. I appreciate your astute words on his life and life-work, Jim. They not only praise Pastor Larry, but they also show how his model of behavior and Christian discipleship contributed to the molding of Pastor Jim.