I received word in mid-February that Wes Reagan was in his last days dying of liver and kidney failure. Dialysis had been tried but was not effective in prolonging his life. His prognosis of life was just a matter of weeks but on February 21 he died. Wes was a great friend from about 45 years ago. He preached the sermon at the Abilene Christian College annual lectureship that further ignited Jim Bevis' and my commitment to begin what became known as the Campus Evangelism movement in 1966. That sermon dynamically brought to every hearer's attention the "lost frontiers" that Churches of Christ had yet to address.
Jim and I were in the congregation that day and as Wes spoke about the impact that could be made on the campus, both domestically and internationally, we were electrified. Jim had already been weighing how Churches of Christ might mount an evangelistic effort and Wes' speech convicted both of us to accept his challenge. So, in a real sense Wes provided the spark that cast fire on the campuses of the US, and even internationally!
Beyond that, Wes was always responsive to be a keynote speaker at CE seminars. He was a trusted confidant and wise counselor. Many student participants in our seminars benefited from personal conversations with Wes.
I remember his mild unassuming manner punctuated by his charismatic eyes and understated messages that touched your soul where it was needed. From him we learned more of God's grace and forgiveness -- and the blessing of sharing it.
I can hear his persuasive voice as he called out the best in his listeners and spoke of God's grace and in-dwelling power. My wife, Elizabeth Ann, and I heard those messages at the seminars, but they echoed through the years as we replayed the recordings again and again. When he spoke of "Jesus, the Good News," we learned and were reminded that God loves us -- not just when we're good, but always. And, "Jesus in Me" taught us to rely on the Lord to bring us to the fulfillment of His Will and the futility of attempting to achieve that unattainable goal on our own.
Before I sat down to write this, I looked through the photos in the archive to include one here of Wes. But, to my surprise we don't seem to have a single photo of Wes. I'm sorry. Although, I can still see the intensity in his face as he leaned slightly over the podium and spoke earnestly and urgently to the first generation that Churches of Christ had attempted to inspire and mobilize to carry the good news of Christ to their campuses.
That friendship forged more than 40 years ago was strong. And neither the decades over which our paths diverged and we didn't see or talk with each other, nor the events of our lives sullied or tarnished the great appreciation and admiration I had for Wes Reagan.
Joe Barnett, a fellow preacher and Wes' long-time friend who conducted Wes' memorial service told me of a mutual friend who spoke to Wes for the last time within a week of his passing and closed the conversation with, "I'll see you on the other side," to which Wes replied, "I'll be there."
I'm glad because I look forward to seeing him again myself.
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