A Recent Visit With Uncle John

April 1, 2008

by Ken Perez
President, John Stott Ministries

In early March, I attended a Langham Partnership International Senior Management Team (SMT) meeting, held at the Hookses, John Stott’s coastal hideaway in Wales. “Uncle John” himself had been there with Frances Whitehead, his secretary of more than 50 years, and other friends, the week before. A few days after the conclusion of the SMT meeting, I had the privilege of paying Uncle John a visit at his home within the grounds of a retirement community for Anglican clergy 30 miles south of London.

At the Hookses, we faced what some British meteorologists called “the storm of the winter,” and the cold and wet weather continued during my train ride from London and short walk from the small village train station to Uncle John’s place of residence. But any thoughts about the inclement weather were quickly replaced by a sense of joyful expectation when I heard Uncle John reply to my knock on his door with a strong and cheerful, “Come in.”

It had been a few years since I had last seen Uncle John, and others who had seen him more recently had informed me of his increasing frailty and his need to use a walker to get around. While those reports were certainly true, it was just as true that his character remains intact—gracious, kind, gentle, faithful, hopeful, loving—in a word, Christlike.

We began our hour together reminiscing a bit, walking down the memory lane of our friendship of over 25 years. I also brought Uncle John the greetings of many friends from across the pond, which brought a smile to his face and some fond memories for him.

I asked how he was finding his living situation, which has been his home for about a year now. Uncle John shared that he has a number of evangelical friends in the retirement community, including one man whose friendship with John goes back 70 years when they were students at Rugby School! Uncle John related that he is often asked whether he is happy. His response is that while he would not say that he is happy (I would imagine that he misses many people, the activity of his ministry, his home in London, and the ability to travel abroad), he is content, citing Philippians 4:11, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

I provided Uncle John an update on JSM, which greatly interested him. He encouraged me to claim the promise of James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

We closed our time together, as we had done many times before, in prayer. Uncle John asked me to pray for his continued work on what he promised will be his last book. I was struck that the lone prayer request of this man of God would ultimately result in a gift and blessing to many, many people.

As I walked back to the train station, I pondered the words that he had graciously shared with me, and I gave thanks to God for the opportunity to be with Uncle John, a man who has been with Jesus and who so clearly gives off the aroma of Christ.

6 Responses to “A Recent Visit With Uncle John”

1. Mark Kiekhaefer say(s):
   April 28th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

   Ken: Thanks for that snapshot into your visit with Uncle John. Your brief report reminds of John’s faithfulness and inspires others to finish the race set before each of us. Blessings on you in your new role with JSM.

   Mark Kiekhaefer

2. Dr. Bill Greenwood say(s):
   April 28th, 2008 at 12:51 pm

   Ken;
   Thanks for this item and update. What a man of God Dr. Stott is…and how I rejoice in your visit w/ him and your report of it…and your strategic ministry w/ JSM.
   God’s best,
   –Bill Greenwood, Winston-Salem, North Carolina/usa Senior Adjunct, Biblical Studies, Garner-Webb Universtiy

3. Thomas W. Oduor say(s):
   April 28th, 2008 at 7:40 pm

   I had the priviledge of listening to Dr. John Stott on two separate ocassions at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Kenya. That was about twenty years ago. His preaching was incisive and profound. I praise God for his ministry.
   Thomas W. Oduor, Lebanon, Tennessee/USA

4. Rev John Oliver say(s):
   April 30th, 2008 at 3:41 am

   So good to hear latest news of this special Uncle. I first heard him lecturing on Jesus’ Footwashing in London Uni Christian fellowships in the late 1960s. So often helping God’s work both publicly and behind the scenes, and personally Dr John helped this pilgrim make connections between research, praxis and a personal walk with God. Thank God for him.

5. Rev. Jim Rush, South Carolina say(s):
   April 30th, 2008 at 7:33 pm

   For a man who never married, you have left untold numbers of “spiritual sons and daughters” around the world whos lives have never been the same because of an encounter with one, unique, timeless Christian, John R.W. Stott. Thank God for not only the effect you have had on my life, but all the persons I have had the joy of introducing to Jesus of Nazereth and nurturing them towards maturity as you have done me through your books, tapes and DVD’s. It’s only fitting that you have been able to “sqeeze” one more book out to bless the countless children you have helped to spiritually sire. I await its publication. Jim Rush

6. Happy Birthday, John Stott : John Stott Ministries say(s):
   May 1st, 2008 at 1:05 pm

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