WORLDWIDE PHOTOS LTD The Religious Media Agency

MEDIA RELEASE July 31, 2003

A MEMORABLE SERVICE FOR A MEMORABLE EVANGELIST

The Memorial Service held in the Epping Gospel Chapel in Sydney, on Wednesday for Dr Gnanamuthu Dixon James, known simply as “Dr G.D. James”, was a memorable occasion for a very memorable evangelist.

As the supporters, special guests and family members gathered for the 2.30pm Memorial Service, on Wednesday, July 30, the surrounding streets soon filled with the cars of those attending. Guests attended from overseas and interstate, as well as many influenced by his ministry as an evangelist throughout the Sydney area.

This was one of ten Memorial Services being conducted around the world for Dr James, the founder of the Asia Evangelistic Fellowship.

The main worship area of the Epping Gospel Chapel soon filled, as well as the adjacent overflow area.

This was no ordinary Memorial Service. It took two and a half hours, led by Eric Leach of Every Home for Christ. Mr Leach had been in London but kept in touch with family during Dr James’ last days in hospital. As soon as he heard of Dr James’ deteriorating health he cancelled his itinerary in the U.S. and flew back to Sydney immediately.

Daniel Jevaraj, a Penang (Brethren) Assemblies Elder flew in from Malaysia that morning, to represent the Assemblies in Malaysia and Penang. He spoke of knowing Dr James since 1950 and referred to the “tremendous encouragement received from him throughout the years”.

Even the Scripture Reading was “different”. Ken Timothy read greetings from the U.S. and then read some of Dr James’ “favourite passages”. From the New King James Version, he read Psalm 34:15; Psalm 40: 5,7,8; Psalm 103: 1-5; Isaiah 35:4; Isaiah 44: 3 & 4; Jeremiah 29:11.

John Odell, the Founder of Pacific Hills Christian School and a fellow Elder in the Epping Gospel Chapel, told of the Chapel’s sponsoring of Dr James to come to Australia.

“G.D. had the heart of a pastor,” said Mr Odell, “giving counsel and giving support.”

He told of visiting Dr James who, although seriously ill, assured him he was praying for Mr Odell, his family and the Assembly “every day”. Mr Odell paid a special tribute to Dr James’ wife, Rose, and one of his daughters, Grace, who supported Dr James so much in his ministry.

The Rev. David Tsai of the Epping Presbyterian Church described Dr James as a man who “did not lose his first love for the Lord and was known as an extremely generous man – generous with his resources; generous in thanksgiving and praise, especially for his own wife and family.

“He was a great servant of God.”

Mrs Deborah Tin presented several musical items during the program, each speaking of assurance in the Lord.

Ministry leaders Earl Roberts, of Campus Crusade for Christ, and the Rev. Dr Gordon Moyes AM, MLC, Superintendent of the Wesley Mission and Member of the Christian Democratic Party in the NSW Government, spoke of a man they greatly admired, his family background and his ministry.

Mr Roberts described him as a “man of a humble and contrite heart. To me personally, as a result of his life, I understand more clearly who Jesus Christ was.”

Dr Moyes said he always enjoyed interviewing Dr James on radio, as he was “always so vibrant”. He told of Dr James converting members of his own family in India, following his own conversion, spreading out to his neighbourhood and across the country. Often he would announce that Dr Moyes was to be his “associate evangelist” in his crusades, even though he had never officially asked him beforehand!

“He was always inviting me to speak in churches. It took his death to get me into this one!

“I doubt we will ever see his like again,” said Dr Moyes.

Family members, Noelle, Jonathan, Davidson and Dr Daniel James presented their memories of a father who loved them, loved his Lord and never accepted financial assistance. Instead he was the one who gave – often returning from trips with nothing in his suitcase. He had given away his clothes! He also gave away everything from his wallet and on one occasion even gave that away too!

Noelle described him as being a living example of the “fruits of the spirit”. “Today we are here, not to mourn his death but to celebrate his life”.

Jonathan told of his father being given the opportunity to speak in a school assembly in New Zealand. The Principal apologised that she could only give him 15 minutes to speak. “I can do a lot of damage in 15 minutes,” he quipped. Later 20 students stayed behind after the meeting to seek counselling.

“More than 100 people are coming to know the Lord, through the ministry of AEF, every week. In September and November, Radio HCJB will be broadcasting his messages again. Though he is dead, so he still speaks!”

Davidson acknowledged the presence of so many overseas and interstate guests who had come great distances to honour Dr James. He explained that, in searching for a suitable location for this Memorial Service, they had chosen the Epping Gospel Chapel as it meant so much in the life of Dr G.D. James and the family. It was this community which had brought him to Australia and it was here that his children were baptised and married, often by their own father.

In 1988 they had established the “G.D.James Foundation Trust” so as to support other ministries and it was to this Trust that they requested donations in lieu of flowers.

Daniel read greetings and messages of condolence from around the world – Nepal, Perth, Brisbane, East Malaysia, FEBC, India, USA, Canada.

Laurie Cowell of the Faith Community Church read Scripture passages from John 14: 1-6 and 1 Thessalonians 4, prior to the main message.

The Rev Greg O’Connor presented the main address, ending with a gospel appeal – which he knew Dr G.D.James would have wanted.

“It’s true that he has died – he has passed away – but the real truth is Dr James has arrived in heaven,” said Mr O’Connor. “He has changed his address.

“It’s not how we start the race but how we finish. He was a faithful ‘finisher’ over 65 years of ministry – always asking if we love the Lord? Did we give our life for the Lord?

“If he was here now, he would be asking ‘Do you love the Lord as your personal Lord and Saviour?’ – and he would keep on asking, pointing to Romans 10:9.”

Eric Leach closed the meeting at 5.00pm stating: “The Lord loved G.D. James. G.D. James loved the Lord. G.D. James loved us and we loved G.D.James.”

Refreshments and drinks were then served – in front of a photo of G.D.James, the man who always presented meals to his guests, paying for the meals himself.

For information about the AEF, books written by Dr G.D.James or giving donations to the “G.D.James Foundation Trust”, contact AEF at PO Box 122, Epping NSW 2121, Australia.

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