This week I found out that Evangelist Gary Gillmore pasted
into eternity in July of 2023. Even though you may have never heard of him, he has
had a profound influence in my life.
The summer of 1978, was a very tumultuous time. I had just
graduated from high school and was trying to decide what to do with my life. I
was looking at 3 career possibilities. Part of me wanted to go to diamond
appraisal school and make my fortune. Part of me was considering a musical
degree/career as a song writer. Another part was considering a science degree working
toward a career in the CDC tracking down strange and unusual diseases. Then
there was the part of me that was running from God.
I ended up finding a new girlfriend, and having surgery on
my leg. The surgery I needed; the girlfriend was connected to the running from
God thing. I remember a week late in August, where not only was I discouraged
because I was hobbling around on crutches, but my parents made me go to evening
evangelistic meetings every night at our church. Each night was worse than the
previous night. I don’t remember what was said, but do I know I was uncomfortable.
My brother was already in Bible college and I know my parents “expected” me to
go also. Each night brought a feeling in the pit of my stomach not unlike the
felling of the first big drop on a high roller coaster. It is a feeling that I
do not cherish in the least. By Wednesday it was constant and I found myself
taking sinus medicine just to take the edge off. By Friday night I couldn’t
stand it. I remember sitting in my bed, contemplating the present, the future, and all the various scenarios. To this day, I cannot tell you where it came from,
but I knew I needed to make a choice. I
could keep going the direction I was headed (I’ll spare you the details of a
life spiraling out of control) or I could give in to the will of a sovereign
God. If I kept on the present path I somehow knew I would be dead in 6 months,
probably due to my own devices. It was in that moment that I arrogantly told
God, “All right, I give up. Go ahead and ruin my life.” The roller coaster
stopped.
At church on Sunday I (more at my mom’s urging that anything
else) told Rev. Gillmore that I would be going to Bible college. Instead of the
ol’ “atta boy” I got, “I’m not sure I believe you. I will be at that college in
September. Come see me if you make it.” You have to admit, he didn’t mince
words.
Fast forward to September and this young man is standing in a
line of dewy-eyed students waiting to meet the visiting “evangelist” and get their Bible
signed. When it was my turn he held his hand out for another Bible, and only
looked up when he noticed nothing was placed in his hand.
He peered up at me and asked, “Can I help you?” “Do you
remember me? I asked. After a long pause he admitted he was stumped. I told him
my name and the name of my home church . I reminded him of what he said. I saw a smile
slowly spread across his face. I really didn’t think you would make it”, he murmured.
Fast forward 4 more years to graduation year, 1984. Rev. Gillmore
was visiting college for the day and spoke in chapel. I stood in line, just
like last time, only this time he remembered me. I just wanted him to know I
made it.
I did have the chance several years ago to track him down through email
and let him know I was still teaching Christian school after all these years. I
thanked him for giving me the shove I needed all those years ago. His grandson was glad I had let them know. You may have
never heard of him. But without his influence, you would have never heard of me
either. Gary, I thank you for your love and service.
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