Editorial: Farewell to Bev Shea

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Steve Harper

Billy Graham was one of my main influencers in the early days of my Christian faith (and since), and that meant that the music ministry of George Beverly Shea was also.

Learning of his death last evening, I felt (as with Brennan Manning’s homegoing) that another of my guides has departed for “that happy shore.”  So, I stand on this side and wave good-bye to another person God used to shape my life in Christ.

When I got my Kindle Fire HD for Christmas, one of the first music I downloaded was Bev Shea ‘s best-loved songs album.  I will listen to it today, I’m sure.

About Steve Harper

Dr. Steve Harper is retired seminary professor, who taught for 32 years in the disciplines of Spiritual Formation and Wesley Studies. Author and co-author of 45 books. He is also a retired Elder in The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
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2 Responses to Editorial: Farewell to Bev Shea

  1. John Lewis says:
    April 17, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    Dear Steven

    I feel for you at the passing of another of your guides. I’m finding life getting lonelier as the years pass and life’s markers leave the scene, even those I didn’t know personally. For Christmas 1963 my new girlfriend (now my wife of 45 years) gave me a recording of George Beverly Shea’s and I presented her with a recording of choral Church music, both of us giving what we ourselves appreciated. Since then both our tastes have broadened.

    I’ve only recently subscribed to Oboedire (love the humour in that) and have come to appreciate you as a person, as a brother in Christ, as well as an author who I came to know through one of your books some years ago.

    Thank you

    John

    Rev John G. Lewis

    Methodist Church of Southern Africa

    _____

  2. Michael W Duvall says:
    April 17, 2013 at 8:06 am

    The world lost another great person of God.

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