Des\’ 80th Birthday Book of messages (i)

It was never the intention to send out the personal messages of greetings and appreciation sought as an acknowledgement of the passing of Dr. Ford’s 80 th year. As these many tributes came in from around the world however, it became apparent that they were documenting something deeper and more significant than mere good wishes. The writers were expressing the influence of a life, teaching, and ministry that profoundly touched their inmost experience. In an otherwise inaccessible way therefore, these messages represent a unique and valuable record worthy of permanent documentation. Of even more significance is the light they cast on Dr. Ford the man, whose incredible ability and potentially vast impact was willingly and tragically passed up by the church he loved. It is yet not too late for these messages to attract the attention of our leadership in such a way that amends may yet be made, and the vast recorded and written resources from the man that we honored that day in Brisbane may be championed across the globe to raise our membership to new heights of understanding of the gospel message that he loved and taught with such compelling clarity. To see this happen would be the greatest birthday gift of all.

“Academic Committee of the Sixties” sits in judgement on Dr Ford in a lighter segment of the program Guests of Miltonian statue Behind a Veil! 4

“There are some in life whose influence extends beyond the ordinary. For such, an injustice is done should a landmark in their journey pass without acknowledgment. More particularly when so much is owed by so many to that one person.”

“One of the best days of my life” – Des

A WHOLE OCEAN OF KNOWLEDGE is out there to be had. Most of us bail it out in thimblefuls. But once in a century there comes a mastermind whose intellect encompasses more than what is reachable, and lifts us as on an incoming tide. We who are gathered here today have felt the surge and cross-flow of such a mind which has beckoned us to achievements beyond ourselves and to shores we never knew.

We will eternally thank you Des for passing our way. You have lifted us to where we would not otherwise be. Thank you!

Tributes

Many from around Australia and overseas expressed their disappointment at not being able to attend the celebration of Des’s 80th birthday. But they did send a message, recorded here on the following pages. Approval has been obtained from each to include their message in this document. Their tributes are worth the telling…

J. David Newman…
Dear Des:
My My My!!!! Congratualations on reaching the wonderful age of eighty years. I first heard you speak at the British Union Worker’s meetings in the Stanborough Park Church when you were working on your PhD at Manchester. I have never been so inspired in my life.
Then I clipped every article you wrote in These Times and Ministry Magazine. I filed them and copied from them and grew from them. My next personal engagements with you were when you preached at the Akron church in Ohio and then in 1980, early, in your small apartment in Takoma Park, when you were writing your massive tome on 1844. A group of us met with you including Marty Webber.
We shared correspondence and you graciously let me reproduce and distribute your out of print book The Forgotten Day. You came to Damascus Maryland and gave a weekend series on the Sabbath after Richard Fredericks took the majority of the Damascus church out of the SDA denomination and gave up the Sabbath. And I could go on.
Des, what I appreciate about you the most is your passionate defense of the gospel. I use your great definition all the time about the gospel: You cannot separate justification and sanctification but you must distinguish between them. I use a bicycle as the illustration, even to the place of bringing one onto the platform when preaching a specific sermon on the gospel. That says it all right there. You have been so attacked for preaching cheap grace which is so far from the truth I could cry.
In fact, I tell people that you are more an Adventist in your lifestyle than 90% of Adventists. And what is even more remarkable is the fact that the denomination has accepted almost everything you have critiqued about the sanctuary doctrine accept for giving up the date October 22, 1844. What we have now in our current presentation of the Sanctuary Message is a great example of Hans Anderson’s tale of the Emperor and the crafty tailors who sold him an invisible suit. We have not admitted that we are naked here.
I am glad for Gillian who stands by your side and supports you so well. She is a great and wonderful companion and foil to you..
May God continue to richly bless you and give you abundant health.
And in the glorious gospel and assurance of Jesus Christ, in God’s magnificent and extravagent love,
J. David Newman, D.Min.,
Senior Pastor
New Hope Adventist Church
Fulton, MD.

Jere Webb…
Dear Des,
I would like to join with a multitude of others around the world in celebrating your 80th birthday and most of all your continued dedication to the cause of Jesus Christ.
In the 1970s I was a young Pastor/Evangelist in Texas and very impacted by my Father-in-law, Elden Walter. His book New Testament Witnessing was instrumental in clarifying the Gospel for me. I can still recall him speaking highly of you almost 40 years ago. So when the furore arose around 1980, even though we had never met, I followed your ministry with keen interest. Your manuscript prepared for Glacier View was something that I read cover to cover, not once but twice. It was such an eye opener for me and raised questions about doctrine and church policy that obviously needed to be addressed.
I, along with thousands of others, was greatly disappointed by the Brethren at your firing. I am sure that you don’t remember it; but I wrote a letter of protest to Neal Wilson. At the time I was the pastor at SMC so I carbon copied it to the other college church pastors. It got back to me that Neal thought I was declaring “war on him” which was not the case. I was just keenly disappointed in church administrators for their inability to deal directly with issues that you documented as having plagued us for many decades.
Well enough reminiscing. . . I rejoice with you now in what has happened in the last 40 years. The SDA church that I am a part of has come a long way! Clifford Goldstein was a young student at SMC when I was pastor. Recently he was our guest here at The Oasis church in Boise, Idaho. During a Q&A session on Sabbath afternoon he referred to the traditional IJ doctrine as “Voodoo Doctrine.” Interesting coming from him don’t you think!
Through all of the turmoil, you have consistently kept the focus upon Jesus. Thank you for that. Thank you for not becoming bitter and angry with the Brethren. You have left all of your students a tremendous example of what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Keep up the good work. And if there is ever a chance that you can come to Boise, we will clear the calendar for you!
Best wishes and Happy Birthday!
Jere Webb
Boise, Idaho

Anita, John, Alistair and Michelle McKean…
Dear Des,
Congratulations on achieving the magnificent age of 80 years. We are sure you are destined for many more and pray that God will give you good health and the strength to continue your ministry. (We are very selfish and want more).
I first knew you in 1961 when I sat in a D&R class of yours at Avondale. Although young then and doing the course because I had to I was impressed with the command you had on the subject. I was only doing it as an audit but I remember those doing it for credit trembling at the rigor you demanded.
Our paths next crossed when you came to Alberta and held some GNU meetings in Red Deer. That was when we began to realize that we were nominal Christians and had never heard the gospel. Listening to GNU tapes, reading your publications and attending GNU meetings in Banff has changed us and today we proudly proclaim we have the gospel and glory in what Christ has done for us.
I have always enjoyed your typological references and still find it one of my greatest joys to find new ones to build on the foundation you laid.
Our son, Alistair has grown up hearing your name often mentioned, reading your books and having you as a guest in our home has made a great impression on him. We attribute his interest in spiritual things to you. He is very grateful for the reference letter you wrote for him when he was applying to Oxford. When he went there for his interview they asked who this Dr. Ford was. Truly no man had spoken like this before. It probably got him in. Then you honoured us by coming over to perform his marriage last year. Words are inadequate to express our thanks for all these blessings.
Love Anita, John, Alistair and Michelle McKean

Helen (Meissner) Pasco…
The Impact of Des Ford on my Life
When I first heard Des preach I was amazed because I had never heard such good news. It was at Maranatha Camp in Qld and my first meeting with young Adventist people outside of the Kingaroy church. I soaked up his words like blotting paper and my heart was warmed.
Over the next four years while attending Avondale College, it was a joy to hear Des preach at Chapel Vespers and church services. For 3 years I was blessed to sit in his Bible classes and be influenced by his spirituality, insight and warmth.
During my last 2 years at Avondale I worked as Des’s Secretary. This was yet another opportunity for personal growth as I observed him through the ups and downs of life. He was unfailingly patient, kind and generous. Many times I was deeply touched when typing a reply to a correspondent to hear his voice coming through the headphone with his vibrant warmth and compassion as he sought to encourage someone. He wrote like he spoke. When he faced personal challenges, he was at his best.
He has been a mentor to me and has influenced how I have lived my life.
Thank you very much Des
Helen (Meissner) Pascoe

Iris Yob…
Dear Des:
Thank you for giving us a sanctuary (rendered open and cleansed, no doubt) to which we could retreat in our minds to think big thoughts and use as a turning point in our own spiritual journeys.
May your years be as days (well that is almost biblical)—80 years for 80 days, why that makes you less than three months old! Plenty of time for more reading, writing, and swimming. And may there be much of all three.
Iris Yob
Bloomington, IN USA

Kristen Jakobsen…
Since it is quite a long way from North Norway to Brisbane, it is not possible for me to attend Des Ford\’s birthday. But thank you very much for the invitation, and please pass to him my most hearty congratulations, and tell him that I greatly admire his courage and honesty which deserve recognition in the SDA church. I believe that he will be looked upon as one of the heroes in the future history of our dear Church.
Cordial greetings from your Brother in Christ,
Kristen Falch Jakobsen
Norway

Bert Haloviak
Greetings Des (and Gill):
The Haloviaks send their kindest greetings possible. You both have become a crucial part of our lives even when we are separated. Among our happiest reflections are those times we shared together. In harmony with the Ford still running, I can claim a rather modest accolade: this archivist is still digging. See if the attached that I recently found in Wilson correspondence adds anything to your 80th:
Neal Wilson to Robert Pierson, Feb 4, 1980:
Des Ford is working hard on the assignment we have given him, but basically the whole matter revolves around his understanding of the role and work of Ellen White. He unfortunately does not consider Ellen White to be authoritative in the areas of doctrinal theology and does not consider that she has teaching authority comparable to prophets that are in the Scripture. We hope that he will be able to adjust his thinking and to see that it is impossible to limit Ellen White’s inspiration and accord her something less than that which is intended when the Lord chooses a human vessel to be an extension of his self-revelation. He needs our prayers.
Bert Haloviak

Leigh Johnsen…
Dear Des:
Unfortunately distance prevents me from attending the celebration of your eightieth birthday in Brisbane. I know I write not only for myself but also for the entire editorial staff at Spectrum magazine in congratulating you and wishing you all the best on this momentous occasion.
I also want to thank you for the initiating the discussions within Adventism that you have, for the grace you have demonstrated, and for your contribution to Spectrum magazine and to the Association of Adventist Forums. Looking back over past issues of the journal, I cannot help noticing the important role you have played in the development of our community.
On a more personal level, I am also very grateful for your willingness to help stimulate the discussions that circulate around the weekly Sabbath School commentaries on Spectrum’s Web site.
I wish you all the best in coming years. May God continue to bless you.
Sincerely,
Leigh Johnsen
Associate Editor
Spectrum magazine

Douglas Cooper…
Dear Dr. Ford,
Congratulations on your 80th. birthday. I have been so blessed by your life and ministry. I have considered you my mentor and pastor for over 30 years.
You helped bring me out of legalism into the understanding and more importantly the experience of salvation by faith. You helped me move from religiosity to personal spirituality. As far as I am concerned you are one of the greatest gospel preachers of our time.
Additionally your example of humility and kindness, love acceptance and forgiveness under the difficult circumstances you have faced and the unfair treatment you have received has been an incredible lesson and inspiration.
Douglas Cooper, Ph.D
Author Living God’s Love
Angwin, California

Vern Heise…
Dear Des,
Congratulations on attaining the ripe old age of four score years. But the best is yet to come when time gives place to eternity. Lord Hasten the day!
I want to tell you Des that knowing you and reading all your published works, and listening to dozens of tapes and sermons has greatly enriched my life, mentally and physically and spiritually.
I came out of College sixty two years ago with a high distinction in legalism, perfectionism and fundamentalism.
After about 20 years of ministry, Edna and I decided we had had enough. We were at rock bottom. Providentially we attended your Gospel seminar at Sawtell youth camp, where you majored in Romans and Galatians. I can’t find words to tell you how your ministry revolutionised our lives. We came home on cloud nine and life has been different ever since.
It has been a great privilege to share the good news with people who have spent most of their live living in doubt and insecurity.
My love to Gill and God’s richest blessing on you both.
Vern Heise

Bob and Sirje Walkowiak…
Happy Birthday!
It has been a very long time since we met together, twice in Itasca State Park in Minnesota and once in Moncton, New Brunswick. We\’re remembering the baptism you performed at the head waters of the Mississippi River which was a mere trickle compared to the mighty waters down stream.
The impact of your ministry as they have influenced our lives has been incalculable. Nothing was ever the same again after the Gospel became so clear. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made in preaching that Gospel.
Again, have a very happy birthday!
Bob and Sirje Walkowiak

David J Cadieux Sr…
Dr. Ford, I\’m sending this message to add my prayers to our Saviour, along with all the others on your behalf, and to thank you for your many years of devotion to the study of the true Gospel so that we could all partake of the rest and joy that it brings while yet here. I am hopeful for you to have many more years to win many more hearts. God Bless, David J Cadieux Sr. Trenton, Ga. USA

Brian Sterley…
I can\’t attend, because of distance, but would like to say that Des has influenced positively my life and ministry as a Seventh-day Adventist pastor. You taught me to always keep the SON of righteousness in my eyes. And am eternally grateful for that.
May the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you not only on Sunday the 1st, but in the next year.
Brian Sterley
Cape Town, South Africa

Allen & Margaret Sonter…
Des,
You might recall that you conducted a Week of Prayer at Fulton College about 1976 or 1977. Your ministry on that occasion was much appreciated by all at the college.
I remember that one day in my office we were talking, and I asked you why you continued to emphasize the Love of God in all your preaching, when you knew that some criticized you for not covering a wider range of topics. Your reply was that many of our people don’t understand the love of God as they should, and unless they do understand that, then everything else does not have any real meaning for them.
So true!
It’s great to be able to share this occasion with you and so many friends.
We wish you a wonderful 80th birthday. May God continue to bless you.
Allen and Margaret Sonter

Coral Cherry…
Des,
It is with much regret that I am unable to attend your 80th birthday celebrations. However allow me to express a few words of appreciation for your influence and impact upon my life over many years-undoubtedly quite unknown to you.
I have in my possession a copy of the Australian Record, dated October 10, 1977. Your article therein entitled “The Everlasting Gospel” as found in “The Great Controversy” has been a continuing source of encouragement to me, especially during the disappointment over the church’s attitude towards you. I also have a tape of one of your sermons preached prior to the 1970s I think, entitled “The Cross”. Without doubt one of the most profound yet crystal clear sermons in its concept of the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour as being the foundation of the Christian faith.
Throughout your long life, the Lord has been your example and you have followed Him and demonstrated His grace and forgiveness in your dealings with others. I feel sad that Dick is not here to attend this milestone in you life but be assured he held you in highest esteem and often said, “I wish I could be the Christian that Des is.”
Thank you for being one of the finest Christians that I have known. When all is said and done our relationship with Christ is all that matters. Your exemplary life proves that you have such a relationship.
I wish you many more happy and healthy years in which to serve our God and to lead others to accept His grace and salvation so freely offered. May you be abundantly blessed is my prayer.
Coral Cherry

Carol & Ray Smith…
Thank you, Des, for showing us the Good News of the gospel in the whole Bible; for reminding us often that “we don\’t have to be good to be saved, but we do have to be saved to be good”; and for assuring us that though “we are worse than we ever suspected, God is better than we dared dream.”
Thank you for being an example of courage, integrity and grace under fire. We wish you many blessings on your 80th birthday and as you continue to make Jesus the centre of your teaching and of your life.
Carol and Ray Smith

David & Laura Shaw…
Thanking you for the huge impact you have had on our spiritual lives. When I was at my lowest ebb with illness, I listened to several Des Ford sermons daily. The inspiration that my spirit gained from the Word as presented in those sermons is the foundation that the last 10 years of my life has been built on.
Laura’s story is similar, with much hope and strength gained from these sermons when she was feeling very low. In addition to this, Laura believes that the impact of Des’ gospel presentations on her father, Cedric Taylor, was instrumental in her and her 4 brothers and sisters still walking with God as adults today when most of their friends and extended family have long since thrown in the towel.
So much of the time, we never get to see the results of our work as servants of Christ. Hopefully this collation of messages from people whose lives God has made a difference in through your ministry will be of great encouragement to you in that regard.
All the very best for your 80th birthday and beyond. I suspect you will be a bit embarrassed by all the fuss, but do try and enjoy it!
David and Laura Shaw