By Gregg Woodall
When Jesus finished washing the disciples’ feet, he asked them a simple question: “Do you know what I have done to you?” Jesus also gave them the answer, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:12, 15).
Paul also wants to be our example: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil. 3:17).
Don Denton was indeed our modern-day example to follow.
We are still grieving the passing of our dear friend and fellow shepherd Don Denton. On the day before his passing, we were with Margaret and the kids sharing our mutual respect and admiration for all that Don had done. At one point, we determined that the word “mentor” was a fitting description of Don. He was a good man, Christian, shepherd, husband, father and grandfather. We then shared with each other all the great many things Don had done for the Lord in serving others and helping us along life’s way. His long service as a shepherd to Karns, his evangelistic outreach far and wide, including St. Croix and Honduras will not be soon forgotten. His tireless effort in service to the Lord has won many souls for Christ.
His influence on us will last throughout our lifetimes. He was a humble, kind, conscientious, resolute, and dedicated servant of God. If the measure of a man is his lasting impact on the lives of the many, then Don was indeed a Giant among us. May we all rejoice as does all the hosts in heaven over Don’s entrance into his eternal home. Let’s use his example to live for Christ in all that we do, and some day we will be with him again.
“Pay to all what is owed to them … respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed” (Romans 13:7).
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know ” (John 14:1-4)
“When we are born it is we who cry and others rejoice, May we live our lives in such a way,
When we die it is others who cry and we rejoice!”