A Tribute To Bill Clark

One of the most remarkable men I have ever known was called home to glory last Sunday morning. I met Bro. Bill Clark in Memphis, Tennessee in 1972. I remember the message he preached distinctly. His subject was The Sovereignty Of God And Missions.

It was obvious that he knew his subject well, both academically and experimentally. Bill was a missionary. He never deviated from his calling. After serving faithfully in France, he and his wife, Evelyn, moved to Welwyn, England, with their children.

There Bill, Erroll Hulse, and Herbert Carson, started a small publishing company to print sovereign grace books. That publishing company is Evangelical Press. From its beginning, the object of EP has been to print and distribute gospel literature for distribution in various mission fields around the world. He also served as editor of the Evangelical Times.

Demanding as those works were, that work which consumed his heart and life was his missionary work in Africa. Though he was not well for the past few years, he labored tirelessly to his very last days in his many fields of ministry. Through his radio broadcasts, the African preachers’ training course flourished. Many have been converted by the grace of God, numerous gospel churches have been established, and gospel preachers have been well trained and established in those churches. I know of no man who labored more tirelessly for Christ.

Bill understood that the gospel of Christ is the message of Holy Scripture, the message by which God saves his elect, and the message God’s servants are sent to proclaim. He realized, as few men do, that the gospel is an exclusive message. That is to say, there is but one gospel, and it is a message of pure, free, sovereign grace flowing to chosen sinners through the merits and efficacy of Christ’s blood and righteousness as the sinners’ Substitute.

In the twenty-six years I knew him, Bill never abated, but only grew in his commitment to Christ and the gospel of God’s free grace in him. Divine sovereignty, electing love, accomplished redemption, and the sure perseverance of every believer were themes which gave joy to his heart. Like the apostle Paul, he gloried in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Of this man it may be said, “There is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.” Our friend will be missed by many. We sorrow for our loss; but rejoice in God’s goodness to his servant. Bill ran with patience the race set before him. He finished his course with joy. Today, he wears that crown of righteousness and glory which the Lord Jesus Christ earned for him. I can almost see him, casting the crown at his Savior’s feet, saying, “Worthy is the Lamb!” I thank God for the privilege of having known this remarkable man, for having him as my friend, and for the influence he has had in my life and ministry.

Don Fortner