怀念Dale Ward /04:

譬如，基督徒面对死亡时，基督耶稣的教导和真理能不能让一位基督徒面对死亡而不绝望，不害怕？基督教的价值在此就出现。一名基督徒最后一个月，最后一天，最后一小时，最后一分钟，他的信仰使得他平安的过世呢，或让他很孤独，很害怕地面对死亡呢？一个人临终的话时常让亲朋好友看透他的心理，知道他内心深处如何，得知真正的他是什么样子。

When I say that Dale was my teacher, I use the term in a very special way. It wasn’t in a history or math class, but rather in the hospital, with Dale flat on his back and unable to get out of bed, that he taught me much.

Before I explain, let me tell you some other things. World Christian Broadcasting and radio station KNLS were established by a group of Christians. Those who work for KNLS are Christians, and the financial support for the radio station comes from Christians. I think, however, that you—our faithful listener—aren’t as interested in the background of this Christian radio station as you are in knowing whether Christianity is true or not. Does it work in life? Isn’t this what you’re thinking?

For example, when a Christian is about to die, do the teachings of Jesus Christ enable him to face death with conviction and without fear? It’s in the face of death that one can know whether Christianity is worth anything or not. Does a Christian’s faith sustain him during his final month, final day, final hour and final minute, and enable him to pass into eternity in peace? Or does he feel alone and scared to face death? A person’s final words often enable his family and friends to see deeply into his heart; the kind of person one really is becomes evident on one’s deathbed.

Dale’s "true self" became obvious while he was in the hospital. During the first several days there, physician, family, friends and co-workers all told him that he would be better soon, and would be able to return home and return to work. Dale’s reaction to this was very positive.

Before long, however, the doctor changed her mind, and told Dale that he would need a very long recovery time before he could return to the office. Dale accepted this conclusion also, and said that he would take things one day at a time.

One or two weeks later, however, the physician told Dale’s wife, Pat, that she and the other doctors had done everything they could, that they had given Dale all the treatment and medication that was available. "There’s nothing left that the medical field can do for Dale," she was told. "You should prepare yourself, because your husband cannot last much longer," the doctor said.

Pat and the physician talked to Dale together and broke this tragic news to him. How did Dale react? Yes, of course he was sad, but Dale did not complain, he was not angry; he did not use profanity or blame anyone. He asked the physician how long he had, and the physician replied honestly. "After we turn off the dopamine IV drip, you’ll have about 48 hours." Even this sentence Dale received in peace. Dale told the doctor that there were several family members, friends and co-workers to whom he wanted to say Goodbye. "May I use the dopamine a few more days?" The doctor agreed.

All during this time, Dale’s Christian friends, his family members and the staff of World Christian Broadcasting were all praying for him. The Christians where Dale had his church membership were praying for him. Students in Harding University in Arkansas were praying for him. People attending the annual Lectureship at Abilene Christian University in Texas were praying for him. Even his friends who lived in foreign countries were praying for Dale.

Dale told his wife to tell his co-workers at World Christian Broadcasting that he wanted to see them one more time. He said to tell us that he welcomed us to come to the hospital one-by-one and visit him. When we entered the room, we didn’t see an ugly frown, we didn’t see someone who had lost all hope, and we didn’t see someone who blamed God or man for his problems. No, no. Rather, we saw someone whose heart was at peace and whose mind was clear.

Yes, we went to the hospital to comfort, encourage and support our boss and our friend, but we had no idea that it wasn’t Dale who would be comforted, encouraged and supported. No! Instead, we received these things—from Dale! One-by-one, Dale told us how thankful to God he was for our friendship. He expressed appreciation to each of us for our contributions to World Christian Broadcasting, and he encouraged us to continue to work faithfully, and produce the very best programs that we could. Dale also asked God to bless each of us.

Under such circumstances, as Dale faced death, for him to be able to say the things that he did, and to think of others, he indeed was my teacher.

After Dale had expressed his final thoughts to the people he had worked with everyday, he then told his wife and the doctors that they could turn off the dopamine IV drip. Then Dale put himself into the hands of God.

What happened? God granted the prayers of many people and did not let Dale’s life end so soon. Although the physicians had said that Dale would continue to breathe for a couple of days after the medication was stopped, God enabled Dale to live for three more weeks! Even his mind stayed clear.

Finally, however, on October 10, 2006, Dale’s life came to an end, and his soul returned to the Creator of the universe and of all mankind.

The employees of World Christian Broadcasting remember this great man—our co-worker, friend and boss, Dale Ward.