Murrell Ewing is now singing with the Angels

[DAII]

Originally Posted by timlan2057

Well, what can I say?

He was my pastor during my growing up years, and a tremendous influence on my young life.

Even before I left the pentecostal church and ministry, Marvin Treece became more of an influence on me as far as a mentor--his approach to ministry was much more scholarly and I felt more of an affinity with him.

His death does bring back a lot of memories.

In my later years, of course, I could not relate to him in a lot of ways, but I'll share a memory that has nothing to do with his singing or music.

I was a young minister-- an "up and comer" as T.F.Tenney said.

Around 1981, there was a bit of turmoil in my life, ministry and marriage.

I'm like former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards: he said: "I'm closer to the tomb than I am to the womb, and I'm only interested in the truth."

I'm far past worrying about making impressions or caring what people think--especially about my former life as a pentecostal preacher.

The bottom line was: I had a now-ex wife who felt it necessary to trumpet and make into a crisis every disagreement that we had until--at her insistence--we had to get "counseling" from Tenney.

Word began to get around--wonderful for a full-time evangelist.

I walked into my home church and Brother Murrell met me at the door. He'd heard about the situation.

"Tell me what's going on," he said. "I need some ammunition if I have to go to talk to the District Board. You're mine and I'm going to fight for you."

He didn't ask me particulars. He was unconditionally on my side.

He would have been a very powerful and willing weapon had I chose to use him, but there were many other situations besides my marriage that dictated there was nothing to do but walk away. I have no regrets.

We called him "Brother Murrell" because until 1981, his dad was "Brother Ewing."

Anyway, that's my memory.

Thanks Brother Murrell. I could not accept every single one of the tenets and treatises you stood for--but your love and support was unconditional.

Farewell and godspeed.

This tells me a lot about the character of the man ... thanks for sharing this memory.