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By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 26, 2007; Page B01
LYNCHBURG, Va. -- With the Rev. Jerry Falwell's body lying in repose in the sanctuary of his church on the night before his funeral, the line of hundreds of mourners waiting to pay their respects to the evangelist and his family was inching forward at only a few feet per hour. It looked like many wouldn't be able to say their final goodbyes before the viewing was shut down at 9 p.m.
But then his two sons -- Jerry Jr. and Jonathan -- emerged from the sanctuary. The family, they said, would remain as late as needed. Far into Monday night, they and their families moved up and down the line, shaking each hand, greeting many by name, exchanging hugs, holding those who were in tears.
My father, Jerry Falwell, was buried on Tuesday. Since that time, I have come to realize anew what an incredible team of people Dad placed around him. I would like to pay tribute to them today.
First, as readers know, Dad loved a good political battle. A few years ago, he became a colleague of Mathew and Anita Staver of Liberty Counsel and together they have uniquely influenced our culture. Mat, the founder of Liberty Counsel and the dean of the Liberty University School of Law, and Anita, now the president of Liberty Counsel, are frontline warriors in our nation’s religious freedom wars. Dad loved standing in the trenches with them and helping them educate future generations of Judeo-Christian soldiers.
Dad also loved to engage the culture through this communiqué, his National Liberty Journal newspaper and through national media appearances. I know that the Liberty Broadcasting Network and National Liberty Journal staffs loved Dad and were grateful for the opportunities they had to help him represent Christianity to a society that largely eschews our values.
At Liberty University, Dad placed around him men and women of character and passion who helped him establish and nurture what is today the largest evangelical university in America.
My brother, Jerry Falwell Jr., speaking at Liberty’s commencement exercises on May 19, confidently stated, “All is well at Liberty.” I can say with all honesty that there is no person alive today more qualified and more gifted to lead Liberty University than my brother.
Jerry, who has now assumed Dad’s role as chancellor of the university, could make this statement largely because of a great faculty and administration that will continue to train up thousands of students (Dad always called them “Champions for Christ”) who will impact their communities and workplaces with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, more than 125,000 Liberty alumni are carrying out the dream of their chancellor to be “salt and light” representatives of Christ, just as Dad dreamed.
All is also well at Liberty Christian Academy, our K-12 private school that Dad loved and had recently given much attention. As I write this column, additional construction is taking place at LCA because of a record enrollment of young people, most of whom will continue their educations at Liberty University.
At the historic Thomas Road Baptist Church, we are carrying out Dad’s original and continuing vision to be fearless and compassionate representatives of Christ throughout Central Virginia. As executive pastor at the church, I am fully aware of the sacrifice and dedication of our staff who want to carry on Dad’s plans to reach more and more people with the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Other ministries are also boldly carrying on. From our Liberty Godparent Home for Unwed Mothers and Family Life Services Adoption Agency to the Elim Home for Alcoholic Men, we are reaching out to all with Christian ministry — just as Christ called the church to do.
Dad often said that his greatest accomplishment was his family. My parents have spent their entire lives pouring themselves into Jerry Jr., Jeannie and me. They have taught us character, integrity, love for country, love for family, and most importantly, love for God. I know that my Mom will continue to lead our family and to impart to us the great wisdom that God has granted her. She is a Godly woman that shines as an example for all mothers everywhere.
During Dad’s funeral, Dr. Jerry Vines — one of Dad’s dearest friends — said that the clearest expression he ever heard for the definition of the word “anointing,” is that it is “a special touch for a special task.”
Dr. Vines noted that God uniquely anointed my father with three special anointings: to engage the culture as a prophet, to be an innovator in Christian education and — most importantly — to serve as a pastor.
Those who remain will now carry these three torches for my father. It is an honor for my family to serve these ministries as we continue to reach out to the world with the Gospel of Christ and to engage our culture.
- By Humble_Opinion