Today is the funeral of Bill Decker. Bill was the first professor I had at ACU, teaching freshman Greek Monday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. That fact alone probably qualifies him for sainthood. He was a strict teacher, yet knew how to convey Christian love to his students.

Bill was always very interested in Argentina. He was one of the key members of the missions committee at the University church in Abilene back in the 1980s. He wanted to see some research done in Buenos Aires to aid in the outreach there and approached me about doing that as part of my master’s thesis. However, he had just stepped down as chair of the missions committee (all of the elders had left their committee posts) and had to run it by the deacon who was now in charge. This man replied, “I don’t need to know anything more to do my job.” Ah, the wisdom of youth! Even today, I wish that someone had had the foresight Bill had to do such research. I feel that the church would be reaping the benefits of that research 25 years later.

When we moved back to Abilene, Bill continued to be very supportive. The last few years he was on a walker. He would leave the main service before it was over, to beat the crowd, and would be waiting outside the chapel when we finished our bilingual service. He would be there to encourage, often asking me, “Did you preach the Word today?” He had uplifting words for everyone he saw.

Everyone I know that knew Bill tells similar stories. He was a modern-day Barnabas.

We’re saddened by the loss, yet inspired by the example of this godly man. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)