In loving memory of Bryn Jones

In loving memory of Bryn Jones
Today I have been preparing for my speech at the Memorial Service for Bryn Jones (1940-2003) to be held at Coventry Cathedral 3rd June 2003.
I met Bryn at a crucial time of my life twenty-eight years ago. God sent him to Norway to save my life and put me back on track again. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but praise God, Bryn came, to set me straight! When I first met him I was left with a feeling on my inside that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him.
I will never forget when we sat on the bus in the Northern part of Norway and he started to ask me about myself, my family and my economy. I had been in the ministry for 13 years but no one had ever asked me questions like that. He actually cared for me personally! His care and love melted my heart. When he started to talk about my appearance, my long hair and wild beard my defence had already fallen down. He told me that he used to be a hairdresser when he was a student and he kindly offered to give me a free haircut. I trusted him and submitted my long hair into his hands and had an apostolic haircut. There was almost no hair left after he had used the scissor and my wife was not blessed by my new hairstyle! But to me it was a turning point in life!
During his visit in Norway God used him to give my life a new direction. He helped me to write a priority list for my life, family and ministry that has been governing my life since! Bryn also invited me to come to England to spend time with him there. That first visit in 1975 changed my life radically. I returned home to Norway as a new husband, father and servant of God. God used Bryn to save my life! I will for ever be thankful to God for Bryn!
From that initial life-changing meeting with Bryn in 1975 a close and warm relationship and friendship developed. He was like a spiritual father to me and a faithful friend. He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare. After I met Bryn I discovered the meaning of true friendship. Through him I was introduced to my best friends in life. I have enjoyed his friendship during the years and benefited tremendously from his apostolic ministry. His prophetic preaching and teaching have opened new horizons, given me new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights. He has stirred my heart, enlarged my faith and motivated me for action.
He was a master in asking questions to help me come to new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities. He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scriptures. Sometimes his open-mindedness frightened me but normally it helped me to a broader understanding of spiritual truths and a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
Through Restoration magazine, Harvestime publications, Bible weeks, elders� conferences, team-gatherings for prayer, theological discussions and dialogue, and personal involvement, Bryn has enriched my life and enlarged my understanding of Biblical truths. And not only me but so many leaders from Norway and many other nations as well. He was a Christian statesman, an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. He was the most excellent preacher of the word of faith, envisioning all his hearers. But more than anything else he will be remembered for his love and care for people. He gave his life to people. He invested in people. He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and insight, and a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God, that will continue to produce fruits in generations not yet born! May his life and faith be followed by thousands of believers pursuing God as he did!