The psalmist ends chapter 91:16 with this promise from God . . . with long life I will satisfy him. The same psalm begins the psalm with this . . . He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust" (Psalm 91:1-2).
I just attended a glorious memorial service for Peter Stam III, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Peter was a member of the board of directors for Barnabas International. He passed away on December 8, 2009, the very same day that his aunt and uncle, John and Betty Stam, were martyred in China, 75 years earlier.
Peter was 92 years old at the time of his passing. He lived a rich life of ministry, starting as a young boy and continuing until the day of his death. His ministries included the following . . .
• He pastored a church in Western Springs, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He followed Billy Graham as the pastor of the church.
• He accompanied George Beverly Shea, who was a member of his church.
• He, with his wife, Mary Lou, lived and served in the Belgium Congo of Africa. He trained hundreds of pastors.
• He served as the Director of AIM (the Africa Inland Mission) in Canada for ten years. Later he held the same position in the United States. After `retirement', he continued to serve . . .
• He served as the Pastor of Missions at the 4th Presbyterian Church, outside of Washington D.C. Following this he served in the same position at the Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church in North Carolina.
• He was effective as a teacher and preacher for over 70 years.
We met at the Willowbank Hotel in Bermuda. We became good friends. We shared many things in common. We both loved music. He used these gifts as a vocalist and as a pianist, as I have done. Both of us also served as pastors and preachers. We both were involved in missions and more specifically, we both had a love for pastoral care. In later years, He became a mentor to me as I observed him still actively serving in ministry, even at age ninety-two. And so, he urged me to `keep on keeping on' in ministry. Both of us have been impacted by the aging pastor who, when asked "how long will you keep preaching?" responded with this reply . . . When God called me to preach, he didn't say until you're sixty-five.
Peter was a giant among us. His wisdom helped to steer our board into the discipline of accountability. His
faithfulness to God was an exemplary quality. His love and care were passed on to us and through us to others.
He mirrored these and other spiritual attributes.
In Hebrews 11, we read the brief accounts of many Old Testament characters who shared one quality. They were in God's Hall of Faith because they trusted God. Peter could now be added to that roster of men and women who trusted God.
In Malachi's day, God spoke of his faithful and obedient followers, as He said . . ."they shall be Mine," says the Lord of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels" (chapter 3:17). Peter Stam is destined to be one of God's jewels.
Jesus (in Matthew 25:23) looks forward to the day when He can say to you and me . . . well done, my good and faithful servant. What a day that will be. As a young child, I remember singing . . . What a day that will be when my Jesus I will see . . . when I look upon His face, the One Who saved me by His grace . . .what a day, glorious day, that will be.
Thank you, Peter Stam, for the life of Jesus that you modeled for us.
