It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Gordon Warren passed away late yesterday (Thursday) evening. June, his wife, was with him and he had been well looked after in the Pilgrim's Hospice over the last few weeks.
I, and I am sure many others at St. Luke's will miss Gordon deeply. He was someone who oozed enthusiasm in all that he did. Whether it was supporting the work of St. Luke's, acting as a chaplain to the Royal Navy submarines or on cruise liners or working to set up the Royal Harbour Church. Even at the start of lockdown as his health was beginning to fade he poured his energy into both providing songs, responses and even a sermon for St. Luke's online services. He also worked to ensure that those linked with the Royal Harbour church received a weekly letter with an order of service and a written copy of a sermon, which he also videoed and put online.
He was also someone who was greatly encouraging. I personally felt encouraged by him in my work at St. Luke's and I know he spoke many words of encouragement to others as they sought to serve Christ in different ways. Many people benefitted from his teaching from 'God's love letter', the Bible, through his preaching and the small groups that he led.
Finally, he was also deeply evangelistic. Gordon had a real heart to find ways to reach out to people and share the good news of Jesus with them. This was his motivation in seeking to set up the Royal Harbour Church and he had spent years building relations with people around the harbour, so that he might help them to discover Jesus.
His death is perhaps shocking to many. Gordon seemed full of energy and vitality back at Easter, but sadly the cancer advanced far more rapidly than expected. It is troubling that he was taken from us so quickly.
In John 11, Jesus arrives at Bethany to a scene of intense grief. His good friend Lazarus had died four days earlier and was already buried. Jesus, seeing the grief and feeling the reality and pain of death, is caught up in the emotion. We are told he wept with others, but also that he was 'deeply moved and troubled in spirit.' Jesus was angry at the power of death to cause so much pain and grief.
Death is man's greatest enemy, but Jesus had come to defeat it. He proved his power over death by raising Lazarus. More than that he faced death himself on the cross, before victoriously overcoming it in his resurrection. His question for us is the same as that to Martha, Lazarus's sister: "I am the resurrection and the life... do you believe this?"
Gordon was passionate about evangelism, because he knew that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. That is what Gordon believed and that is what he strived for others to believe. As we mourn Gordon's passing, let's be encouraged that he is now more truly alive with Christ - which is better by far, but let's also take forward that same enthusiasm for to see others put their trust in Jesus's offer of eternal life.
We will miss Gordon deeply. Do pray for all who are mourning at this time, but especially for his wife June at what must be a very difficult time for her, that she may know God as the one who comforts those who mourn and brings peace to our distress.
There are further reflections on Gordon by Eleanor Dawson below.
