A Tribute To
Darrell Mcclung - A Faithful Friend
Last week I received a brief note from a
dear friend who was dying with cancer. He said, "I am still looking for
that Man who is approved of God." Yesterday,
I first met Darrell McClung twenty-one
years ago. We have been intimate friends since that first meeting. What Paul
said of David, was true of my friend that, "After he had served his own
generation by the will of God, fell on sleep" (Acts
DARRELL WAS A FAITHFUL DEACON. He was
converted as a middle-aged man in the 1940's. After proving himself faithful,
he was ordained as a deacon at
HE WAS A FAITHFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER. I
had the privilege of knowing him when his children were still young. Until they
left home, Darrell saw to it that his sons and daughters were in the house of
God hearing the gospel of Christ. How he loved the preaching of God's free
grace in Christ! After retiring from the coal mines, he mowed yards and
recycled cans, so that he and his wife, Betty, could attend Bible conferences
and support the preaching of the gospel!
DARRELL McCLUNG WAS A FAITHFUL FRIEND.
Though I was just a boy, 21 years old, when we met, our hearts were knit
together. Throughout these years, every time he has been in my home he has
brought cheer and left encouragement. I never had the privilege of being his
pastor. Yet, he never ceased to pray for me as I endeavored to preach the
gospel; and frequently let me know not only that he was praying for me, but
also what he was seeking from God on my behalf.
DARRELL WAS A FAITHFUL WITNESS TO THE END.
The last time I saw him, knowing that he must soon leave this world, he said,
"Brother, my hope is in that Man in heaven, whose blood has washed away
all my sins and given me perfect righteousness before God. Thank God for
Christ! I thank God for the blood of Christ. I am thankful to know that there
is a Man in glory. My hope is in him!"
Don Fortner