Goodbye for now!
Jan 25, 2023
Remembering GNPI-Mexico’s Bob Gurwell
You’ll be encouraged by some thoughts GNPI Founder Ziden Nutt offered at last week’s memorial service for Bob.
The apostle Paul gives his testimony in 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 . . . This is what captivated Bob's life and ministry.
1. Compelled by Compassion and Love (Verses 14-15)
His friends and co-workers in Mexico saw this. Silvia Veloz states, "A man with a heart of service who taught us, by his example, his love for the Lord.
Brother Bob leaves a great legacy and an indelible mark on our hearts."
From the Philippines, Nenette Pacoli says, "I am very sad that I can no longer talk to you but happy that you are finally with our Savior whom you loved deeply and served so well."
She spoke of his character: "Though I never saw him every day or every month—Not even every year, but we had a deep bond that came out of our common passion and goal.
He was my big brother from another country, my sounding board for ideas, my advisor for work and life matters.
He was so jolly, his laughter so infectious, his zest for life so contagious, his presence in conferences so calming and reassuring.
He had a deep, soothing voice. It was nice to listen to him speak and pray in both English and Spanish. And, always, he spoke with much wisdom and humility."
Like the apostle Paul, Bob was gripped by the love of Christ to live for Him who died for him.
2. Challenged by His Concepts (Verses 16-18)
Going from deeds in the flesh to the spiritual, realizing the concepts of this verse:
All things are new in Christ. All things belong to God.
I was always impressed by Bob's great intelligence on so many subjects, and how he took his dad's example and encouragement in following Colossians 3:17:
"And, whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
These concepts were followed by Bob, knowing that what we do in the flesh to love and help others opens many doors, and Bob was so good at this.
3. Committed to His Commission (Verses 19-21)
We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, and there was no question about Bob's commitment:
He was a partner in the gospel of Christ with many globally.
Bob had a keen insight into people and situations and was a very intelligent orator with a great presence about him.
His wise counsel will be deeply missed by all, and the example of his commitment will remain as part of his great legacy . . .
Bob's commitment to the commission of Christ was seen by many.
From India, Sheela Lall says, "We who knew Bob knew him with love, respect, and we admired him as a true disciple of our Lord. He was a great leader and motivator. What a blessing."
The scripture points out that we are ambassadors as a result of having been reconciled.
As fellow ambassadors with one another, Gustavo Velázquez states about Bob, "My dad, my mentor, my friend, my adviser, my partner.
So many experiences, so many kilometers traveled, so many talks, so many productions, so many tears, so many laughs, so many dreams, so many years.
All I can say is THANK YOU, GOD, for sending BROTHER BOB to share a big part of my life with him.
Always in my heart. I will miss him so much! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH."
Bob's tears HAVE BEEN wiped away, there is no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away, And, he will “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” and ever. Amen.
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Prayer Requests
- Thank God for Bob’s life and influence for Christ.
- Pray for comfort for Bob’s family and coworkers.
- Pray for God’s guidance in moving forward.