Living in the present yet still learning from the past
From heroes leaving memories to treasure that will last.
Changing many lives are the brave and the strong,
For they endured the bitter with God’s joy and a song,
Bearing each loss
For the sake of the cross.
Lonely, persecuted, weak, and in pain;
Devoted to their Lord who would always sustain.
Oh, we have heard and we know,
God’s servants were brought low
For His own honor and glory;
To further the old, old story!
Missionaries and martyrs leave us in awe;
Reformers and Puritans proving the law;
Hearts full of passion paving the pilgrim’s way,
Full of fire telling others of Christ’s returning day!
God uses these giants of old
To convict us to be bold,
To remind us of the lost soul,
And to fight for the goal.
These persevering saints of the historical past
Would study the Bible, and daily pray and fast
With purpose, order, and joy,
With God’s honor to employ.
Unshakable character, with compassion, and care
Resulted from trials, they were faithful to bear.
Our heroes earnestly searched about God to know why,
To prove what they believed in the Bible was no lie.
Their lives of deliverance through spiritual warfare
And suffering with Christ, made them braver to share.
They looked to God’s Will and His Sovereign plan,
Knowing all was dealt from His perfect Hand.
Cherishing the assurance of salvation from God,
They strived to do all for His purpose abroad.
These soldiers who conquered had unsinkable drive,
Clinging to grace and God’s Word to survive.
And yes, they were sinners, fighting the race,
But so grateful for a Savior who died in their place.
THESE are the REAL heroes who are still alive and speak,
Being used by God to stir our souls that seek.
Thanks be to God for these examples and gifts,
That bless us on this pilgrimage and truly uplift!
Pastors that point us on a path so straight,
Teachers that keep us focused while we wait.
Holy men of God like Peter, Paul, and Moses,
Enduring till the end when the last chapter closes.
Sober men with constant gratitude,
Showing forth a humble attitude,
Treasuring salvation in their souls,
Bringing God glory through their goals.
These faithful heroes are dead, yet still living,
To remain in our hearts, as God guides us in our giving.
These true heroes are the ones to surely point to,
Who encourage and inspire us in all that we do.
Oh, may they continue to teach us about life,
To focus on heaven, in good times and strife.
Charles Spurgeon and John Calvin lived daily in pain,
Yet their ministries grew, used by God to proclaim!
And then there were missionaries like John and Betty Stam,
Who gave up their lives, surrendering to God’s plan.
So many spread the Gospel, knowing what it might entail:
Persecution, beatings, and even life in a jail.
But the risk is taken to tell the lost the true Way,
For their hope is in Christ, who they long to obey!
The "Swans" that never "died" inspire us to go on;
"Redwood Trees" in the forest still stand tall and so strong;
To God be the glory
For each fearless story,
In our hearts deeply stored,
Driving us to our Lord!
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