Hugh,
I am so thankful for the life and legacy of John W. Swails, II. It was such an honor to know him personally. And to have the privilege of reading in Hugh’s News the account of the funeral service and especially the testimonies of his friends and family over the past few days has been a special blessing. It was the next best thing to being at his funeral in person. Thank you for your service.
I am so thankful for the influence of Brother Swails in my life. Although I didn't know him as intimately as many and although I never had him as a formal teacher, like countless thousands of others, he influenced me deeply by the life he lived, through our numerous conversations, both in his home in Franklin Springs and in various conventions and conferences across the country, and through his preaching and teaching. On several occasions during my trips to Franklin Springs many years ago, I dropped in unannounced to see him and his dear wife in their home. I find it amazing now that I felt free to do that. He always made me feel welcome and always seemed to be genuinely glad to see me. I remember once walking with him through the cemetery at Franklin Springs and listening to him talk about those buried there.
I am so grateful today for Brother Swails' love, his acceptance, his warmth, his congeniality, his friendliness, his wisdom, his goodness, his quiet strength. His life and character remind me so much of Jesus and I pray that the Lord will continue to build into me the character He built into John Swails. Thank you again for letting those of us who could not be there in person participate in his memorial service. May God's special blessings be upon you and Melvine.
James R. Eby
Founder and CEO of Mission Catalyst International
Ministering and Mentoring to leaders in Third World Countries
Posted on
Tue, June 22, 2010
by Hugh Morgan