For the last decade I went to probably dozens of missions conferences. I came to know many excellent persons and won a number of good friends. There was, however, noone who personally impressed me more by his unassuming and sensitive shepherd heart than Warren Carter.
Warren, American missionary to Austria and Central Europe for the last 25 years (from Bible smuggling times onward that is), was silent and strong at the same time - a true man of prayer. He would find me, ask for my well-being, pray for me and (much to my surprise) I could sense he honestly cared.
He was a man of utmost sensitivity to the young and the weak, but of fearless ruthlessness when it came to confronting leaders who acted below the quality of character that could be expected of them. You would hardly notice him, but suddenly a fatherly hug could embrace your shoulders. I knew that whatever happened, this would be a man to run to in times of highest need whenever it would come to this.
Warren died last week, February 14th, in a most unlikely ski accident, while teaching ski to a group of kids, his teenage son among them. The world of Warren's friends, rocked and shocked, but confident in the Lord's prevision, flocked to his yesterday's memorial service in Vienna, physically as well as virtually. And friends Warren had many!
I had the privilege of adding a few words to a remarkably joyous and confident gathering. Incredibly impressive the faith and strength of Warren's wife Leanne whose white robes seemed to me the ideal expression of the hope eternal that was celebrated there.
I lost a friend that - though not having had many times together - I felt deeply connected to. I gained a powerful memory: a surprisingly emotional awareness of what Warren had meant for me. I think this is, because in him I saw Christ in action - just in front of my eyes, not far in time, place or culture. I went home with a commitment to try to follow Warren's example - just as he followed Christ's. Somehow through his death he came even closer - hard to describe...
Here is one of the very few online videos available from Warren. The memorial service will also be uploaded to youtube soon. It should be linked from here.
peace to us who remain behind
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