A friend of ours was just promoted into heaven, pharmacy which motivates us to search our own lives. Brother Wilkerson lived a full life. He was always a voice of encouragement and would seek out as many opportunities to preach God’s word as possible. He had the body of an elder and the heart of a teenager. Even though he was well into retirement his passion after God’s own heart could never be quenched. What a powerful thing it is to be able to fulfill 2 Timothy 4:7&8.
“I have fought the good fight, buy viagra I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
I can only hope that one day my life will hold the same truth.
Often we want to mourn the passing of our family and friends. I will miss him, but I don’t get sad when I think of his passing. The impact he had on my life and the lives of most people he knew brings a smile to my face every time I think of him. Besides, I know where he is and I’m a bit jealous. Not that I’m ready to stop fighting or running, but I can see the prize and it is wonderful. God calls each of us to fulfill 2 Timothy 4:7&8. Of course, how we each can fulfill it will be different and God is the only righteous Judge. Run your race, fight a good fight, and we will all be together singing the praises of our Lord and Savior.
And so, Brother Wilkerson, a pastor, a brother in Christ, and a great friend, I will miss you.
Until we meet again!
Here is Brother Wilkerson’s obituary – so you can see just how amazing he was!
James R. Wilkinson was born in the small town of LaCrosse, Virginia to John and Bena Wilkinson on September 8, 1924 with humble beginnings on a large tobacco farm. He was one of ten children. Two evangelists came to town and presented the gospel to James at which time his life was transformed forever. It was on the tobacco field that James was called into full-time ministry at the age of seventeen. Shortly after he attended Bible college where he met his beloved Betty.
James and Betty Wilkinson were in ministry for over 56 years with the Assemblies of God in more 6 states. They hosted a number of tours to the Mid-East, Europe, Africa and Asia. A trip to Kenya, East Africa included presenting the Gospel message in the rural Nairobi.
After Betty’s death in 2002, James continued in part-time ministry. Recently, James was privileged to participate in missions trips to Buenos Aires, Argentina/Quito and Succua, Ecuador/Santiago,Chili and the City of Refuge in Jamaica. James brought forth the Word of God to the Shuar Indians in Succua, Ecuador and folks in Conchali, Chili resulting in many salvations and lives being changed forever. During his ministry, James has seen many converts entering full-time ministry as pastors, evangelists, chaplains and missionaries.
Some of James’ pastimes were ministering to people, spending time with his great grandchildren, playing Skip-bo & Scrabble and watching the news & Wheel of Fortune.