frank & Dr Cliff Barrows - BGEA

frank & Dr Cliff Barrows - BGEA

On Thursday, January 14, 2010, I had the privilege to be present at the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists Hall of Faith dedication at the North American Missions Board just outside of Atlanta, GA. A special shout out to my friend, Dr David Jackson for helping make my trip possible and I was humbled by the invite from Dr Ron Herrod – President of COSBE.

Present at the luncheon were some of the most respected and recognized individuals around the Globe for evangelism. In attendance, were Evangelist Junior Hill, Dr Bailey Smith, Dr Rick Gage, Dr Frank Page, Dr Roy Fish and countless others who have not only run the race but en route to finishing strong. The highlight of the luncheon for me was when Evangelist Junior Hill introduced a man in Christian circles who needed no introduction. Our keynote speaker was Dr Cliff Barrows whom served as Minister of Music for 65 years with Evangelist Billy Graham. It was noted that Dr Billy Graham has spoken to more people in person than anyone in history. That being true, it would make sense that Dr Cliff Barrows has sung more in person than anyone in the history of humanity.

Cliff Barrows humbly reached the podium and shared a powerful message to a packed audience the importance of not only starting strong but Finish Strong. He reminded us to Preach the Word, Exude Humility and Integrity, Offer an Invitation following the sermon and worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth. As a boy, I had the privilege to see him minister in person about ten times at various Billy Graham crusades and watch him now almost every Saturday night on TBN as they re-air Billy Graham Classics but to finally meet him was a true treat. What was most impressive was not the fact that he is in his mid 80’s or that he could still hold a note or even the humbling realization that he is now legally blind. His wife literally reads the Bible to him daily and he relies on memorization for study, devotion and preparation for future sermons.

What touched me most was not the fact that he Started strong, Stayed strong but his Swan Song was sacred and strong! My friend, Bob Smith is a well respected soloist in music circles and at the conclusion of the program he led the music and was singing Chris Tomlin’s “How Great is our God.” However, at the very end he placed the microphone in the fragile yet faithful hands of Cliff Barrows and one more time the giant of the Gospel conducted us in the powerful chorus of “HOW GREAT THOU ART.” To see this senior saint come alive like he did countless times at crusades on every continent with Evangelist Billy Graham was priceless. Cliff Barrows was in his element and not a dry eye was in the room. He may have not been able to see us with his deteriorated vision but God sure saw him and all of us did too.

Rarely, in life does one have the opportunity to see someone who was the best at what they did and yet, at the very end still giving their all and finishing their race with faith and fervor. What a testimony! All of us have dropped the proverbial ball or baton but today is a new day and may we experience God’s grace, fresh forgiveness and move forward by faith and run the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1-3). One of my friends, Michael English loves to take the old and new and combine them and as he likes to say: “Put a ‘lil ENGLISH to it.” The classic clip from one of my all-time favorite bands – NEWSBOYS is ironically, one of my favorite songs. May the life of my Lord and the Christ-like example of Cliff Barrows and song below remind us all to not only Start Strong but “STAY STRONG.”