WORLDWIDE PHOTOS Ltd The Religious Media Agency

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THANKSGIVING FOR A MANY FACETED MAN OF GOD

On Tuesday, February 11, a Thanksgiving Service for the Rev. Dr Sir Alan Walker Kt.O.B.E., M.A., D.D. revealed many aspects in the life of this man of God, not known to many who attended. Held in Wesley Mission, Pitt Street - a ministry once led by Sir Alan (1958-1978), the packed audience was introduced to his many achievements as evangelist, concerned mentor for the people of the South Pacific, loving father and a man with strong principles.

The current Superintendent, the Rev. the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes A.C. MLC read a greeting from the Premier of New South Wales, Bob Carr and another from Billy Graham who said he was grateful "for the wonderful support of Alan Walker over the many years which has been a blessing and help to many people in Australia and other countries. His heart for Christ for evangelism has filled a great need and we are grateful to God for his commitment to the Gospel over many years."

The Hon. Philip Ruddock MP representing the Prime Minister, John Howard, referred to the many involvements in the formation of the World Council of Churches, youth work and the ministry of Lifeline with an influence which continues today. "I regard it as a great privilege to have known Sir Alan. He had a profound impact upon me - some might say 'not enough' (accompanied by spontaneous applause and laughter) - but can I say it was a great privilege to be able to serve as a local member with Sir Alan . it was my privilege to have known him personally," said Mr Ruddock.

The Rev. Bruce Walker of Bankstown Uniting Church, one of three sons and a daughter of Sir Alan and Lady Winifred, led the proceedings. He explained that it was called a "Thanksgiving Service" because "my dad was a person who gave his all in everything that he did. He meant so much to everyone who knew him. He meant a lot, not only to us personally, but to literally thousands of people across the world. He was truly a very remarkable man.

"He was a man, called by God to speak for Him to individuals and to nations, calling for faith and for justice." Rev. Walker likened Sir Alan to the prophet Ezekiel, who was sent to "a rebellious nation". Ezekiel 2: 4-5: "The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them 'This is what the sovereign Lord says' and whether they listen or fail to listen, they will know that a prophet has been among them".

"Alan Walker spoke without fear what he believed the Lord would have him say and many people did listen, but not all," said Rev. Walker.

Following the singing of the Charles Wesley hymn, "And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour's blood", Mr Walker told of the family's lineage back to a convict couple, who had a drunken son who was converted and became a Methodist minister.

Sir Alan was the thirteenth minister of the family and is now followed by Bruce and his brothers, the Rev. Dr Christopher Walker, a resource officer on the Parramatta-Nepean presbytery and David Walker, a chaplain to Westmead Hospital.

Words of appreciation were presented by the Rev. Professor James Haire, President of the Uniting Church in Australia; the Rev. Alistair Christie, Moderator of the UCA NSW Synod; the Rev. Dr 'Alifaleti Mone, President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga; the Rev. Jione Langi, representing the Methodist Church of Fiji and the Rev. John Mavor, representing the World Evangelism Committee of the World Methodist Council.

The Bible Readings were presented by Sir Alan's grandchildren, Mrs Heather Williamson (Matthew 25: 14-21); Miss Jessie Walker (Acts 1: 4-8); Miss Joy-Lyn Sue (Matthew 28: 16-20) and Mr Ben Walker (Romans 10: 9-17).

The Fijian Choir symbolised Sir Alan's concern for the people of the South Pacific, for whom he established the Pacific College of Evangelism at North Parramatta to help train them in evangelism. His love and concern for them was mentioned several times by the representatives from that area.

Dr Chris Walker presented a tribute to a father he obviously loved, cherished and admired greatly. He described the family involvement of a very busy minister who always had time for his children.

A seven minute video presentation, produced by Mr Es Giddy, followed the life of Sir Alan through his various ministries and the outworking of his principles. His pacifism during times of war; his stand against apartheid (he called it "apart hate"); his creative outreach to the youth of the city and his commitment to personal evangelism was portrayed through film clips and a photographic record.

The closing speaker was his former assistant, Mr Harold Henderson currently living in Florida, USA, who travelled to Australia to present his tribute to a friend whose contributions were "not those of a politician, or as a scientist, but as a preacher in the Wesleyan tradition".

"He embraced the whole gospel for the whole world. He believed a purely personal gospel response was irrelevant - we are saved to serve and to spread the gospel!

Mr Henderson also paid a special tribute to Lady Walker. "Win, you are the heroine of this day." He acknowledged her loving partnership with Alan which supported their work for the Lord, together.

He concluded: "The gospel is not good news unless it is shared", which summed up the life and ministry of Sir Alan Walker, Kt.O.B.E., M.A., D.D.; June 4, 1911 - January 29, 2003.

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And here's my tribute (from the UCA NSW website):

It was my privilege to be pastor for a short time of a neighbouring inner-urban Church in Sydney (Central Baptist Church) while Alan was at the Wesley Mission. We met with other pastors to pray from time to time. And I was able to host part of his visit to Vancouver in 1982, and at a picnic with his wife Winifred and my wife Jan reminisce about ministry in Sydney. He was a great man and an original thinker. Who else would have suggested that every inch of Australia be proclaimed a National Park to preserve our ecological heritage? Rowland Croucher