THE LEGACY OF TOM POWELL

Tom Powell and his family have blessed many of us at cciph for some three years now. What do you suppose will be their greatest legacy? Here are some that strike me; maybe you would like to contribute more:

1. Family life. Having eight children, all with bright eyes and spiritual sensitivity and individual names and personalities. That sets a standard for many of us to realize that, yes, family is important, and it is worth it. Whatever my idealistic standards might have been, the Powells have gone beyond it and stand as a testimony of success in family life. The very fact that the first thing I think of about Tom is his family says volumes about his priorities.
2. Living by faith. They have lived on less than most people make, choose to have no insurance, and seldom go to the doctor, birthed six of their children at home. Somehow, Tom and Kerri have been in agreement, and the Lord has miraculously taken care of them. Now they long for a free church, with all the benefits and disadvantages that a free church implies. Again, whatever level of faith I have pales in comparison, and I realize that I can, with confidence, go further, because I see faith lived out in the Powells.
3. Humility and service. Tom moves easily among and poor and disadvantaged, blows no trumpets, draws no attention to self, and thinks only of service to others. Nothing is beneath his dignity, and no one knows about most of what he does. He avoids the temptation to bring up his sacrifices in casual conversation, for he does not do things out of false humility. He is the real deal, and he calls me higher (lower) in service to others. He served as pastor of this church for two years and was never given, nor did he ever claim, an official title or office. He had the authority handed to him, if he had wanted it, but he never took the mantle of The Man.
4. Spiritual wisdom. Tom really hears from God. He listens to prophets and dreams, he digs for insight in Scripture, and he pays attention to Providential details. When he speaks, he brings out insights that come from having been with God in the secret places. When I need wise counsel, Tom is one of the first people to come to mind, and I listen to Tom because I know that he hears from God.

More personally, I find myself to be losing a man whom I view as a brother or close relative. I feel like I grew up with him, and I think I did grow up with him these last couple of years. My greatest regret in Tom's leaving Cincy is that our children will not continue to grow up together. The Powell home was a safe refuge for Anthony, an island of peace in the midst of the unsafe city, and that leaves a terrible hole in my family and in my heart. I know that we will keep in touch, and I will enjoy watching from a distance as the Lord blesses the Powell family. Godspeed, Tom. I love you.