View the Memorial Service Video Photo by Darrell Goemaat
Review of the memorial service on January 11, 2008
A passionate preacher, humble leader, gentle encourager, compassionate evangelist, and a thoughtful friend. This is how Dr. Wendell Kempton’s friends and family described him at his public memorial service on January 11, 2008. Over 1,000 people gathered for the event at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and thousands more joined in via live Internet webcast. The service was a celebration of the life impact of Dr. Kempton—to honor him upon his death, and to give honor to God who did great things through his life.
Dr. Kempton’s ministry was worldwide, impacting lives not only through his three decades as ABWE president and his continued representation of the mission as president emeritus following his retirement in 2001, but also through his many years of service at Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania and his ministry to professional sports organizations across the United States.
Just a few short weeks before his death on January 6, 2008, Dr. Kempton was diagnosed with cancer. During those final weeks before the Lord called him home, he thoughtfully expressed to his children his desires for his own funeral service. Everything in the funeral program was determined by Dr. Kempton—the songs, “To God Be the Glory” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” and the Scripture reading, Psalm 112:1–9. Tears, laughter, and memories were shared in personal testimonies and tributes from the following men who Dr. Kempton chose beforehand to speak:
Early Influences: Dr. Larry Armstrong, Dr. Friedie Loescher, Dr. Stan Ballard
Sports Evangelism and Discipleship: Mr. Pat Williams, Mr. Mike Schmidt, Mr. Garry Maddox, Mr. Doug Collins, Mr. Terry Harmon, Mr. Bob Boone, Mr. Bobby Jones, Rev. Ron Bishop
Inspirational and Visionary Leaders: Dr. Joe Jordan, Dr. Dan Gelatt, Dr. Bill Price, Dr. Joseph Stowell III
World Missions Impact: Dr. William Commons, Dr. Antolin Zamar (Philippines), Dr. Do Suan Mung, (Myanmar/Burma), Dr. Michael Loftis
Dr. Paul Dixon brought a message regarding the power of the gospel in Wendell Kempton’s life and gave an opportunity for those present to trust the Christ that changed and empowered Wendell’s life.
As the congregation stood to sing “Onward Christian Soldiers,” an honor guard of ABWE administrators representing the leaders chosen by Dr. Kempton to serve at his side through the years carried in a Christian flag. In a brief folding ceremony they presented the flag to Mrs. Ruth Kempton and also gave a folded flag to each of their six children. The family followed the casket out to the strains of “To God Be the Glory.”
Because Dr. Kempton planned his own funeral service, attendees felt like they were hearing from their beloved friend and leader one last time. The program reflected his constant desire to praise the Lord, communicate the gospel, and give glory to God for His greatness and faithfulness. It was a moving and inspirational service—a service that uplifted the gospel that changed Dr. Kempton’s life. Dr. Kempton was honored for the immense legacy he has left behind, and the congregation was challenged to consider their own impact on the people in their lives and the nations of the world.
View the Memorial Service Video
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