Rev. James and Marilyn Marshall
Jim and Marilyn Marshall have been a part of my life, for a very long time. Jim’s role was a larger part, for sure. But Marilyn always was happy to lend him to me for a while, as she did when he was best man at my wedding. A blessing and memory that I will cherish until my last breath.
As a member of Black Rock church for many years, I was there when Jim came as a candidate for Music Minister. His talent in music was evident whenever he sat at a keyboard. When Jim did the Christmas Musicals at Black Rock, I volunteered for drama, as I knew he wouldn’t want my singing. We had great fellowship doing those musicals. They were well performed, and well received by the community. All because of Jim’s direction. But more importantly, thousands of people heard the Gospel at these performances over the years. That is what Jim’s motivation was for this.
My friendship with Jim evolved some years later, when things started to go in the wrong direction in my life. We would meet once a month, often at great cost to him in terms of time and distance. He did this, not for weeks or months, but for years. His encouragement for me to trust the Lord, was at times, what carried me through what I was facing. We spent much time in prayer, not only during those days, but from then on. I had the privilege to pray with him in the hospital, a few days before he went home to Jesus. HIs love for the Lord, and his love for people was most evident when he prayed. And what was his last verbal prayer with me was beautiful and heartfelt, as he prayed for me and Janet, (my wife).
The last couple of years were difficult for him. He understood that life changes, but the changes he faced came quickly, and it was tough for him. We spoke on the phone weekly, and I found myself with the opportunity to be an encouragement to him now, as he had been to me so often. I hope I was able to do that for him. I always made a point to tell him that there were many people praying for him and Marilyn, not just me. He was always greatly encouraged to hear that, as I believe we all should when someone says it.
During the toughest time in my life, Jim encouraged me to memorize scripture. Each month when we met, he would ask me: “What have you memorized this month?” The first one I did is Hebrews 12: 1-3, which says; “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you do not grow weary and lose heart.”
The writer of Hebrews spoke about the hero’s of faith from the Old Testament in chapter 11 when he spoke of the great cloud of witnesses. We too are given a great cloud of witnesses of faith in our lives. People who God puts into our lives, who in turn, invest in our lives. People who show us by word, and example, how to mature as believers. So that we can do the same for others. Jim Marshall was a BIG part of my cloud of witnesses. Thank you Jim. Thank you Marilyn, for being his perfect match, and the love of his life.
Thank you God for bringing them both into my life.
Tim, Debbie and David, my heart is broken with your parents passing. I can only imagine the loss that you feel. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies, and my sincere prayers for God’s comfort in your loss.
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