Elder Linburn Farquharson, was a teacher, mentor & friend. The measure of a man! What a man! What a man! To God is the Glory!

Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” He had a good name! Elder became a part of my life in 1979 upon my immigration Paterson, NJ. As a young girl, I was impressed by his commitment to prayer so I began attending Tuesday night Prayer the ministry he led. I later was privileged to serve with him on the Prayer Band, a prayer & visitation ministry. We visited and prayed for the sick. He had a resolved to pray with the expectation that God would answer. When you heard “Righteous & eternal Father, we your humble servants approach ourselves at your great mercy seat where thou hear & answer prayer”, you knew a prayer of faith would follow! He practiced taking authority in Jesus’ name. “This is not the body of sickness, but the Holy Ghost! Be healed, be healed!”
 He made you want to say, Lord I believe, but help my unbelief!! Hallelujah!
 When he said, “Let me tell you something” you listened.

Like the 12 disciples, Elder asked God to teach him to pray. The disciples had seen Jesus ministered in sundry venues. The gospels chronicle Jesus’ life & ministry. BUT, their hearts desire, request was Lord, TEACH US TO PRAY! Why? They observed the intimacy that Jesus had with the Father. Elder understood. His very existence was characterized by frequent prayer & time in God’s Word. I can remember visiting my mom’s home while he and Evangelist resided with her while their retirement home was under construction. Like Jesus, Elder practiced rising early in morning for prayer- time with God. If you had a request that Elder was praying with you about, you know it was bathe in fervent, effectual prayer. I am grateful for the many prays he offered on my family & and my behalf.

We are commanded to keep our hearts with all diligence because out of it flows the
issues of life. The heart is the essence of who you are! In my visits with Elder F. during his illness and my conversations with his wife, his heart remained totally devoted to God and the things of God. He spoke of God and what he wanted to do for Him. He was concerned for the Church and continued to pray for others.

So today, I praise & thank God for the measure of this man! Like Moses he used what God gave him, faith, love & prayer, like Job he experienced hardship, was misunderstood, but he trusted God and held on to his integrity. Like Paul he was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like David he fulfilled his purpose in his generation. Yes It’s what’s the in the heart that defines the measure of a man. I thank God for Elder’s faithfulness, devotion to prayer, service & demonstration of love for people. His measure is great.

Pastor Linburn F. Farquharson

Angella Beckford-Days