In Memory of Robert Van Wingerden

There was a David and a Paul,
A Jeremiah and a James.
These greater men received their call
And walked by faith: we know their names.

Yet to His praise, He loves to choose
Forgotten men who serve their time.
It was His pattern with the Jews:
“Humble” and “Great” to His ears rhyme.

Who knew Robert Van Wingerden?
His wife and four, plus sev’ral score
Of workers in the greenhouse when
He saw in Heav’n an open door.

A large extended family
Compete in growing through the week.
Yet larger still at Calvary
Will miss his presence and his cheek.

A box of books he passed to me
That showed the Son in His right place.
Bob aided my theology
And helped turn Tsongas to His grace.

Of mission work we often spoke
Our fellowship here was greatest.
When Jesus called, he surely woke
To receive a Double Harvest.

He has no faith left, only sight.
Now he desires one last thing;
I’ll labor then both day and night
For other souls to help us sing.

It is not death to die, ‘tis sleep—
To die is gain, not pain nor loss
For so our Lord has taught His sheep.
We do not sorrow with the Cross.

Unknown on earth, he now above
Cleansed from corruption and all sin
May kiss the Son in peace and love
The highest joy in earth or Heav’n.