By Barbara Edwards
(ED: Grace Communion International [GCI] pastor John Halford passed away at age 73 in October. As a writer, teacher, international trip coordinator, script writer and television presenter, overseas office manager, publisher and author, the world was truly his parish. Barbara Edwards was a good friend and colleague and shared these thoughts in Glendora church on November 29 after attending John’s funeral.)
John Halford made a global impact on the life of multiple thousands. During his illness thousands of cards were displayed on the floor so he could see them. He would simply say, “Amazing.” Each card to him represented a love note from his family. To him it was a carpet of love.
I was very privileged to attend the funeral of John Halford in rural Indiana. Amid the grief and sadness the peace, grace and love of our Lord Jesus flowed freely. The service commenced with the ringing of the church bell at St. Paul Lutheran Church where John had served as interim pastor. It sounded 73 times for each year of his life. Every seat was filled. There was joy and laughter amid the grief. Just as John would have it. From students John had taught at Imperial School and Ambassador College in Pasadena, California, to fellow GCI pastors John had mentored and served alongside – the occasion was truly special.
GCI friend and Pastor Rick Shallenberger affirmed John’s love for his family. He said that John left a legacy of investing in the lives of others, following the example of our dear Savior who through the Incarnation invested in us. Rain was forecast but it turned out to be a beautiful day. The service ended with a fitting video of John titled “Changing Seasons.”
After a closing prayer the bell rang again another 73 times. His grandson Kyle, his sons in law, and pastors Jeff Broadnax and Richard Frankel carried the coffin to the hearse. His final resting place is located a few feet from the barn where John loved to work on his special “hands on” projects. Rick prayed a deeply moving committal prayer.
While living on his father-in-law’s homestead farm where he did his writing after serving in England for so many years and from where he ventured forth around the world, John – ever restless – joined the local Lion’s Club. He was a member for seven years and served as President for two years. Under John’s two terms as President the Versailles branch had the joy of purchasing their own Lion’s club building. That was just like John. He was always reaching out for new members. Along with keeping the meetings interesting, he was very entertaining. His fellow Lions saw in him what most of the far-flung GCI had already seen – he had this wonderful wholesomeness and approachableness and sense of humor.
The presiding Lions president presented the Halford family with five carnations. Each carnation represented a letter spelling out LIONS. The first was given to Pat, John’s wife. It represented “Loyalty,” dedication to country, community and home. John was loyal to Pat and the children. He was loyal to the code of LIONS, International. But most of all they knew he was loyal to his God and Savior.
The second carnation went to John’s youngest daughter – Judy Hoban. It represented the letter “I” – bespeaking individual integrity. The Lion’s president saw John as very firm about codes of conduct and yet expressed with compassionate concern. There was one individual John just refused to publically shame or embarrass even though it seemed justified. There he was, an English transplant in the great American heartland, standing at the end of his life for the values he had caught and taught from his worldwide friends and family! How beautiful.
The third flower went to his oldest daughter, Becky. It stood for the letter “O” – Our flag and Our language. John loved being an American citizen. And he liked to remind everyone he came by it legally, going though all the procedures necessary.
The fourth flower given to his sister Gerrie Bayley stood for “N” which the Lions explained bespoke “newness.” John typically was bursting with new ideas, new hopes, new ambitions for businesses, professionals, and for students. His creativity was legendary. He wanted the Lions clubs of his region to be united rather than give in to competition – a noble endeavor.
The fifth carnation given to John's son-in-law Chris Hoban conveyed the letter “S” which stood for Service. Do unto others. John was not a finger-pointer, telling others what to do. He was “hands on.” He labored to see the community prosper. Few knew he was serving as interim pastor for the Lutheran church before his illness. What a way for a minister to spend the golden years, especially for a pastor. But then John had a servant’s heart that was reflected all across his busy life.
The Lion’s President said John reminded him of Jesus’ tribute to John the Baptizer – he was a shining light. John’s legacy, they affirmed, will continue.
Even though American thanksgiving was John’s favorite holiday – he loved having his family around him – his 50 years of ministry took him around the world and back again. A Facebook friend commented that when he led church tours to Thailand he insisted on visiting the northern villagers called the Karen people. As John’s life ebbed he received an inspiring note from Chugait Garmolgomut, one of the first students from Thailand to study at Ambassador College in Pasadena where John taught. After Chugait’s graduation John‘s close colleague, Herman Hoeh, gave him $100 and told Chugait to start a school in Thailand. He approached John wondering what to do. John said that he would mentor him. He did. Chugait started a bilingual pre-school in Thailand, which began in Chugait and his wife’s basement. He called it Ambassador Bilingual School (or ABS) teaching English and reflecting Ambassador College values. ABS now serves more than 2,000 students a year in two branches of their language schools. They also run a kindergarten and Ambassador grade school, which serves another 900+ students. In December 2013 John (and Rod Matthews) went there to dedicate a new high school building and donate books for the library he had collected from GCI members.
The $100 gift and John’s mentoring has borne rich fruit. Chugait and his wife hope to build an Ambassador University in Thailand and it will have special place to honor Messrs Hoeh and Halford. Chugait commented that John committed to him for 30 years to ensure that he was successful. This is just one example of John’s international influence.
Mike Feazell, retired Vice president of GCI, stated: “John Halford simply by being himself, has generated more good will and had more positive impact on the widest range of people than any other single person in the annals of our denomination. He is much loved and will be sorely missed....”
This is so true. We are all thankful for the life of John Halford, a life that made a difference.