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

Patty & Tony Robinson…
Dear Des
What a wonderful privilege it is for us to celebrate this milestone occasion with you. Thank God that this Ford is still grace-ing the lives of so many people – us especially.
Every morning at breakfast we select one of your vintage sermons and journey down the various bi-ways of the Gospel road. We eagerly look forward to the twice-monthly trips down to Mango Farm. It is our prayer that God will continue to bless you as much as you’ve blessed us.
We thank Him for your gifts shared from a heart of love. May our Mechanic continue the maintenance on this exceptional model D Ford
Happy birthday
Love from
Patty and Tony Robinson

Eric Magnussen…
Des Ford’s 80th birthday…
As I walked through the wilderness of this world I lighted on a certain place where was a den and laid me down in that place to sleep; and, as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed, and behold I saw a man of boyish complexion, clothed in short pants, with his face from his own house and books in his hands. He carried more books in his hands than any ordinary fellow could carry in a dray and, as I was soon to perceive, even more such put he into his head. Now, though I did not know it at the time, this was the earnest of things to come.
And behold, he came to a wicket-gate and desired earnestly to pass through but could not, knowing not that the way is barred to wastrels who lie abed until four of the clock, yea even five o’clock, in the morning. Upon hearing that these were the evil intrigues of one Beelzebub, he vowed solemnly never to return unto such slovenly habits, and did firmly purpose in his mind to reach the point where he would arise slightly before lying down, should such be possible.
At last there came a grave person to the gate, who on hearing what the smooth complexioned, short-pantsed man desired, let him in, strictly enjoining him to walk only when he could not run. Therefore did he run through the gate, tarrying only to pick up 3 pounds of beans, the which alone give sustenance to men who durst not sleep and walk ever swiftly. It came not unto his ken that those who puffed beside him, never finding breath enough to say a word unto him, were more in want of sustenance than he was.
Now I saw in my dream that the highway up which he was to go was fenced in on either side with a wall and that wall was called Salvation. Up this way did the burdened person run, not without great difficulty, because of the load on his back. It happened that upon that place stood a cross and there, when he came up with it, his burden loosed from off his shoulders and fell from his back and began to tumble and he saw it no more. And ever after did he exclaim about it, without ceasing, some saying that he never spoke but of that one thing. And I believe it is true. And from then on saw I him glad and lightsome, even to the making of jokes. Not always very good jokes, but jokes.
And although I saw his burden no more I saw also many who desired earnestly to put other loads upon him or manufacture stumbling blocks to put in his way. Some there were who wished to constrain him to listen to their alternative theories of how, with effort, the wall might be climbed, the height attained being in direct proportion to the effort. And on one such day, being compelled to give attention to them, did he listen attentively, writing down the true import of their other gospels in microscopic characters such that none but he could read. But of the eyestrain that such handwriting did cause his family and friends did he not seem to have comprehension.
But they continued to make fast at him, throwing darts as thick as hail. The sore combat lasted above a day but he took courage and resisted manfully. And the day came to an end before his tormentors came to their end whereupon, obedient to the commandment to return on the morrow, he returned, riding on a train with a second-class ticket only because there was no third. I had seen already in my dream how strict economy did bring the purchase of books into possibility such that the tightly filled bookshelves in his house extend even to the ceiling. And I saw also that spending on personal pleasure and mere comfort was never advanced above spending for some other person’s need.
And there was a certain Great-heart, who desired that he should reply to the fierce accusations of heresy. And he did so, moving with such expedition that even Apollyon and the dreadfullest of his friends were exhausted, they never having accepted the invitation to come for a walk with him. Else they had also found themselves constrained to run breathless, this being the secret of mental fitness. Thus will his friends ever witness.
And I saw him make reply to their charges, his words speedy as beams of light, reminding his attackers that they had not recalled the previous verse, or the obvious context, or the comments of she that wrote in red books, which, to their amazement, he did quote from his head. And as he spoke, he did throw the books, of which he had made supply in an ancient suitcase, on the table, open to the pages of which they spoke, until they were so discomfited that they glowered and did gnash their teeth, their countenances being flushed with anger.
And in my dream I saw also that his book-throwing zeal did reflect a desire to bring his tormentors to see their folly whereas their zeal reflected less worthy motives. And, observing such, and moved with the desire for him to see it also, did one of his fellows kick him under the table.
And many such things did I see. His loyalty to his friends and his loyalty to that virtue we call truth, that loyalty being disclosed by a willingness to admit error when it is disclosed, even when it is uncomfortable to do so. And in my dream I saw how he did always move more swiftly to forgive than to condemn and, in the counsels of the College, did always incline to the opinion that persons arraigned for their misdeeds were ‘good at heart’ even when there was manifest evidence to the contrary. And in my dream I dreamt that, should he happen to hear this account, peradventure he would not recognise these virtues, not being given to continual reflection on his personal goodness, which is why there is so much of it for his fellows to reflect on.
And it did come to my mind, quietly at night, that once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, in the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side. And my friend, for whom the verdicts at those moments were not always just, I did see in my dream holding his head high and keeping his honour unsullied……..He of books and beans, Hudson Taylor and the apotelesmatic principle, of the abomination of desolation and Luther’s ‘drunken peasant’, acquainted with tragedy as well as the falseness of earthbound adulation, with whom I have laboured breathless up many a rough track, a man who never forgets his friends, who treats human need as a priority ahead of personal comfort, and has helped so many of his hearers to be better persons.
And I saw in my dream that it was not a dream.

Lorraine Ferris…
Dear Des
In 1962 I arrived at Avondale College, thinking study would be a breeze after graduating from Teachers’ College and teaching 3 years in State schools. Then I was introduced to Theology and Daniel & Revelation classes. What a challenge! I remember sitting on the bank of Dora Creek swatting for an exam, having to memorise 96 Bible texts & pages of Ellen White. That was easy compared with the assignments you gave us! I think those classes were the best and most daunting times in my academic career.
Des, in those times you made the Gospel come alive, but I don’t think I really thought about it as deeply as 1980 when the theology crisis was at its height. Kevin and I listened to your tape on the IJ and we just shook our heads and said “Des, you’ve gone too far this time!” When we got down and really studied, particularly Hebrews 9 we were never the same after that. I thank God for your bravery in proclaiming to Adventists in particular, the freedom of the Gospel and the joy of the full assurance of salvation.
We just feel so blessed, that when time allows we are able to make the journey to Mango Hill and hear the wonderful words of life presented in so many interesting and unique ways – mainly with stories from the Bible.
Thank you so much for being an incurable bibliophile and then passing on all that knowledge to us lesser mortals. God has used you mightily in His service; whilst we feel embarrassed and disappointed that the church has relegated you to a little corner, that corner has become such a strong beacon throughout the world – this Ford not only runs, it shines!
May God continue to bless you in the next decade with good health and ever-increasing insights into His Word. (This of course is not only for you, but a selfish one for all of us to benefit there-from!)
With Christian love
Lorraine Ferris
Winsome Abbott…
Dr Ford,
Good memories of you from Avondale days.
Dr Winsome Abbott

Alec Gazsik…
“The reality which was offered him differed too terribly from the ideal of his dreams.” (Somerset Maugham “Of Human Bondage.”)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, …” (Paul Romans 8:1)
Happy Birthday Dr. Ford and thank you for sharing with me \”the good, glad and merry tidings that makes a man\’s heart to sing and his feet to dance.\” One day soon may we meet and dance merrily in God’s kingdom made new.
Alec Gazsik
Avondale College 1966-1969

Roy, Connie, and Sarah Gane…
Dear Des,
HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY! That is quite an achievement! I hope you have had a fabulous celebration with family and friends. Connie, Sarah, and I would have loved to be able to come for the festivities. Our prayers continue to be with you. May the Lord bless and keep you, with your eyes clear and your natural force unabated like Moses.
Love,
Roy, Connie, and Sarah Gane

Don & Helen Booth…
Happy Birthday to you Des. A great mile stone and unfortunately we will be in Melbourne with Sandra and all her kids and husband and also Don will be at the tennis. We have been talking about catching up with you for some time so hopefully we can still do that in the near future. Best wishes again from our four kids and our twelve grandkids.
Love to all,
Don and Helen Booth

Greig Lipman…
What can I say: If it wasn’t for the work of GNU and the encouraging messages from Des especially I shudder to think where we would be today. Des is the best Pastor We have ever had.
Kind Regards,
Greig Lipman

Rob & Ruth Harris…
Dear Dr Ford,
More than 52 years ago at a Lismore camp, a couple of schoolboys (Don Roy and I) sought the help of a young Pr Ford with a troubling Bible text; and how gracious you were in dealing with us. And about the same time I recall how Pastors Carl Raphael (my next-door neighbour) and Bob Trood teased you about “Dr Ford’s Pills” when you planned for advanced study toward a doctorate.
The greatest blessing has been through the years sitting at your feet as the Holy Spirit has used you mightily for His kingdom.
Happy birthday, thou true Prophet of God!
Ruth & Rob Harris

Zb Schubert…
Des,
The clearest revelation of God, his theophany, came to Daniel after he was 80. I pray the same for you.
Zb Zyfryd Schubert

Chip Hedges…
Dear Des,
I’m very happy to honour you on this occasion. I value your passion and enthusiasm for life. You have a good sense of humour. You’ve always been a searcher.
When I look back over the years I think I’ve been on a different journey to you. I guess I don’t care much for theology. But I will always respect your journey and acknowledge your insights have been invaluable to many people.
I wish you many happy years in the future. And fun in the meantime.
Chip Hedges

Peter Bruce…
Des has all the positive attributes of George M?ller of Bristol. It has been my privilege to be one of his orphans for 35 years. Thank you Des for focussing on the Gospel and providing the spiritual food.
Peter Bruce

Barbara Bishop…
Happy birthday Des, Thank you for the inspiring lessons over the past few years which has made reading the Bible a real pleasure. God has blessed you and all of us who have shared a part of your life.
Its nice to know that I will know you for a long long time. You enriched my life as a Christian and I thank you so much for all the hours you have studied and prepared lessons for those who love the Lord. May our Lord continue to bless you and keep you safe in His care. Your sister in Christ Jesus
Barbara Ann Bishop

Tammy Brinsmead…
Des is the epitome of a gentleman. A man of exceptional intelligence, wisdom and learning, he exhibits the utmost patience and grace when approached by those with a less developed mind. He teaches with simplicity and passion. It is impossible to encounter his words without challenging one’s personal development and one’s soul.
I first understood the gospel, and specifically the nature of grace, while listening to Des at a lecture north of Brisbane. He was describing the imagery of the cross, and noted that Christ had `not a thread of clothing on Him`, like I have `not a thread of righteousness on me`. Until then, I had unconsciously assumed that I achieve some degree of purity and perfection, and Christ `finishes the job`. Listening to Des, I realized Christ provides 100% of the righteousness, and any good in me is a response to the glory of that gift. My experience in Christianity has never been the same.
Des’ words, in the written and spoken form, gave me permission to question my church’s beliefs, and permission to find fallibility. At the same time, he taught me to love that church, and extend to it the grace which Christ extends to me. He facilitated my embrace of the family of God at large, and liberated my living witness to those who are yet to know our God. At times when I was hurting, he restored my friendship with God, through his depiction of suffering and its relationship to the gospel.
Through all of this, though, I discovered that my eyes were never pointed to Des the man, but to his God. Indeed, I found him a brother on a common journey, and a mentor. I consider it a privilege to have shared a place and time in history with him. If I am even a third the man he is by the end of my life, I shall have truly lived.
Tammy Brinsmead

Patricia Thompson…
Dear Des,
Whenever we meet I look forward to the opportunity to listen and delve more deeply into the study of the Bible as you take us through chapters we may or may not be familiar with, giving us a more complete knowledge and understanding of God\’s word. We feel so grateful for your help.
Wishing you a very Happy 80th Birthday.
With love,
Patricia Thompson

André van Rensburg…
Happy Birthday Dr Des Ford,
Wishing you love, joy and peace for your birthday and beyond.
Thank you for introducing me to Jesus and his wonderful grace. I recall with fond memory my days at Avondale listening to you sharing the gospel. I discovered an oasis in a barren land, and have continued to drink from the fountain of life. Your gracious spirit over the years in spite of adversity I have greatly admired.
As we all grow older I have found Paul’s admonition of great personal comfort and strength. Now abide faith, hope and love.
May God bless you and Gill as you celebrate the gift of life. What we do in this life echoes for eternity, thank you!
André van Rensburg
(One of your students at Avondale 1974 – 1976)

Duncan & Caroline…
Dearest Des,
Thank you so much for being such an inspiration to us both. We feel so very blessed to get to hear you speak every fortnight and to be able to ask you questions and your thoughts on so many topics. We are also honoured to be able to call you and Gill our friends.
Thank you so much for the insight and understanding of the Bible and it\’s context, complexity and beauty you\’ve given (and continue to give) us and for helping us to fall more in love with Jesus and His word every day. You have given us more than than you could ever know and changed our lives so much for the better.
So thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We wish you a very Happy 80th Birthday, a fantastic year to come and many more birthdays ahead. God bless.
With lots of love and very best wishes for today and always,
Duncan and Caroline

Shirley & Bill Glover…
Des,
Thank you for your humble recognition and personal interest in all who seek to honour and serve our Lord Jesus, and for helping us over Theological stumbling blocks on the journey; we honour your dedication to the task despite determined opposition from some who had opposing views.
Shirley and Bill Glover

Wedell Rosevear…
Message to Des:
From a young age you were always \”Uncle Des and Auntie Gwen\”….. I think that is my fondest way of seeing you.
I remember riding in the side car of your motor bike and your kindness in delivering food parcels to my poor student family. I treasure growing up being part of your extended family and sharing with your children the sense of wonderment about life. You have been gracious and accepting of me and I thank you that the Love you know about from God extends to your love of me.
You always said \”Die Young at an Old Age\” and it looks like you practice what you preach. Well done.
Love, Wendell.
Dr. Wendell Rosevear O.A.M. M.B.,B.S. DipRACOG. FRACGP. J.P.(Qual.)

Nicola Linbourn & Stephen Marris…
Desmond
Have a wonderful celebration. Enjoy the day. We will think of you.
We would like to choose this time to thank you so much for the kindness you showed to Nan. You made her last years happy ones, making her so welcome in your home and we are very grateful to you.
Nicola Linbourn & Stephen Marris

Bob & Wendy Brinsmead…
Dear Des,
We are both forever grateful that you have shown us so clearly and simply the true meaning of the Gospel. It has made a tremendous difference in our assurance of salvation and our Christian witness to others.
We rejoice in the finished work of our saviour at Calvary and look forward to eternity with him and the saints of all ages.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your untiring ministry in bringing this message to all who are willing to listen even after your have well exceeded the biblically allotted span of “three score years and ten”.
God bless you as you soldier on for him until He calls you home. Well you can say like Paul the apostle “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2Tim. 4: 7-8
Bob & Wendy Brinsmead

Dale Galusha…
Dear Des,
Wow—congratulations on this milestone—not only reaching 80 years, but doing it with grace, charm and most importantly with Christ-likeness. You are an inspiration and a role model of true Christianity. Thank you for being such an example.
May God grant you many more years. Happy birthday!
Dale Galusha

Trevor Lloyd…
Valued memories of 45 Years.
C.S.Lewis had some ideas on what constituted true friendship––something like the bringing together of those who seem to have some kind of inkling of what another was most of all born desiring––in the \”surprised by joy\” style, if I recall it correctly. I would add something further to the working definition––or maybe it is not an addition but, rather, a note on what may be subsumed within the above. I have in mind the sense that there is fellow feeling regarding what is most valued in life and what is worth striving for with all of one\’s heart and soul.
I have learnt that such a bond is not realised frequently in the short lives that we live. If once, we are much blessed. If two or three times, we are conspicuously wealthy. It commenced to dawn newly upon me forty-five years ago this very month. It happened at an unpretentious tertiary education institution nestled on the banks of a tidal inlet attached to Lake Macquarie. It might not have been the hub of the Australian academic community generally; however, many of us teaching there were convinced that it might as well be regarded as the nerve centre of the Adventist community in the South Pacific, if not the world. And, to prove it, we could boast, as meekly as possible under the compelling circumstances, a brilliant lecturing staff––headed in theology and science, especially, by the greats of earth––and a bunch of gifted students who took it all marvelously seriously and destined to go on to serve the cause of God valiantly.
So it was, in February, 1964, that I was making my way into Avondale College library. Coming towards me was the aforesaid chairman of the Department of Theology with a small green-bound book in his extended right hand. Greeting me by name, he said in his characteristic calmly energetic way: \”Would you have a look at it. I\’d be interested to know what you think of it.\” Then, with a smile and a wave he left by the library door. It was apparent that he had taken the book out in his own name and that he intended to pass it to me at the earliest opportunity––all thoroughly welcoming in one\’s first week of teaching in that august place.
There it was in my hand: Boulevards of Paradise––and the name \”F W Boreham\” was displayed on the spine. So commenced the discovery of shared interests and values between Desmond Ford and myself––a treasured pilgrimage that continued to my rich blessing over the following decades.
There is more that could be said regarding that February of forty-five years ago. Des invited me \”out\” to lunch one weekday––he was \”batching\” at the time and I was then single and \”batched\” all of the time. He chose both venue and menu and we set out striding energetically up College Drive and out along Martinsville Road towards One-Tree Hill. A third of the way up the hill, we chose a pleasant spot overlooking Cooranbong and the \”table was spread in the wilderness.\” Such a welcome repast––I shall recall it for as long as I can masticate, ruminate and cogitate! We started with a can of large, prime quality prunes, proceeded to a generous provision of freshly baked whole-meal gems and finished with some genuine, Australian-grown, Granny Smith apples, peeled on the spot. One could go for forty days and forty nights on the strength of it.
After lunch, we continued our way up One-Tree Hill and my sadly neglected prior education along theological lines took some eager steps forward. As I recall it, soteriology and inspiration were foremost topics dealt with. When, as was inevitable, I strayed from the path of sound doctrine into some logically indefensible position (not heresy, I daresay), I was gently guided towards an alternative view. For example, from that day, I have taken all care rightly to distinguish between inspiration and illumination––and the latter was in plentiful supply on that unforgettable walk.
Such was the entrance hall to an extended edifice of spiritual fellowship and intellectual adventure. What was to come lived up to the engaging introduction.
On this eightieth birthday occasion, there is much for which we can give thanks to God. Doubtless, there will be Avondale students of the sixties and seventies who will pay tribute to Desmond\’s vastly important influence for good in their lives. I saw for myself daily such an effect. The College administration and faculty were similarly blessed. Foremost, there was a doctrinal and spiritual boon. Never far away was the importance of diet and exercise.
From the College nerve centre, there were sweeping positive influences to the Church community near and far. What shall we say to sum up those two eventful and portentous decades? Under the leading and blessing of God, the mouths of [doctrinally devious] lions were shut; the fury of [perfectionistic] flames was quenched; and upright stalwarts for the truth were given an escape from the edge of the [legalistic] sword.
And, into the closing decades of the century, others have continued to join in the proclamation and there have been set in motion waves of joyful news of a declaration by God that in Jesus all mankind have been declared righteous if they will reach out and accept it into their surrendered lives. Those waves have flowed to countless corners of the Adventist fellowship world-wide and to large numbers beyond.
For all of these reasons, and many more unstated here, I give thanks to God for the gifts that have been given and used so unstintingly in the service of others during eight exciting decades. I thank you, Des, for the incalculable blessings that you have brought into my own life and pray that you may be given many years more in extended service and to see the gospel cause triumph in the earth.
Your brother in the finest of all callings.
Trevor