We remember Rev Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo as others have: he was ‘a soldier of our Lord and a servant of God’s people’ and as one ‘that makes a difference he was most viciously attacked by the enemy here on earth’ (George Dunlop, email 26/5/29). In my short [printed] eulogy I said; ‘As all Christian leaders Patrick faced opposition and criticism however he was assured that God had called him to serve and share in the sufferings of Christ our Lord that is because we live in a fallen world cursed by sin and unbelief. This brought about a spiritual struggle and the believers’ challenge with self, Satan and the world.
When writing to early saints the apostle Peter exhorted them to stand fast in the faith because of growing opposition in times of persecution and suffering and at length martyrdom: “But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. … having a good conscience, 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14-17).
The apostle Paul in (2 Corinthians 6: 5-8) speaks of “tribulations, needs, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, struggles, ‘by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report; and yet true.’” Both Men redeemed and in Christ’ service knew a heavenly calling and were steadfast in faith and zeal.
We could also add the saints named in Hebrews 11 who ‘By faith “obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle … were tortured, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 had trials of mockings and scourging, yes, and of chains and imprisonment.’ 37 They were … afflicted, tormented- 38 of whom the world was not worthy”.
Such is lot of all God’s saints in Christ Jesus who serve by faith and with obedience. Did not our Lord suffer and did he not say to the disciples (Matt 10: 18, 22 & 24); “I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Beware, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony… 22 and you will be hated … for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master”.
Paul (Philippians 1:27-29) speaking of Christian discipleship said to the saints in Philippi: “stand fast …and [be] not in any way terrified by your adversaries, … 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Thus it is still today!
To live is Christ
Patrick Sookhdeo endured much [for the cause of Christ Jesus] as a serving minister of God. He experienced what those who are fully committed and called to lifelong Christian service personally find out. The Bible and Christianity’s recorded history document such realities. A call to shepherd God’s flock stirs up vile criticisms, opposition, resistance, vindictiveness- it is par for life’s course and normal as death in the service of Jesus Christ. Thus, Patrick, following Paul and Peter as did others in Christ could say, ‘For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain’ (Phil. 1:12).
I personally see Patrick Sookhdeo as one saved by grace alone, in Christ alone, by faith alone – and one who followed in the steps of the saints – old and modern. – He was redeemed, justified and forgiven and lived ‘in the midst of wolves’ (cf Matt 10: 24).
Barnabas Fund/Aid
Patrick worked hard and was supported by his wife and helpmeet Rosemary and also by his assistant Caroline [founders] as well as all the colleagues who helped to fulfill his chief passions viz., ‘the advancement of the Christian faith’ around the world and the ‘relief of worldwide suffering, poverty and distress’. He leaves a great hole which may not be easily filled. We give thanks to God for Patrick’s leadership.
He also published books [and Rosemary also] and other articles giving great help to Western Christians in understanding Islam and its threat to Christianity in the West.
Dr. Patrick’s vision to help the suffering church worldwide was shared by many Barnabas Fund/Aid supporters. It was well supported –because Galatians 6:9a &10, – was Patrick’s inspiration; ‘let us not grow weary while doing good … As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith’ (nkjv).
Sleep and resurrection
Patrick now sleeps with his Saviour. The Bible teaches death takes our spirit from us and leaves our body cold and lifeless, so for the Christian death is as sleep, (Matthew 12:52) ‘many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised.’
The saint’s body sleeps until the resurrection and waits for the resurrection day (1 Cor. 15:51-54); “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed- 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
1 Thessalonians, chapter 4:14 also helps us here. It reads, ‘even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus’. ‘Obviously those referred to in this verse are not dead but alive in heaven and are destined to return with Christ Jesus when He comes a second time’ – Hallelujah.
Let us pray
“Our Father in heaven we give thanks for the hope that belongs to the redeemed of God in Christ Jesus our Saviour for the Gospel encourages hope and comfort: “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:16-18).
- Father we give thanks for both saving and persevering grace given to brother Patrick and for his calling to help and support the suffering church worldwide
- We give thanks for Patrick’s stand against unbelief, his commitment to his calling and, his resolve to tell the greatest story ever perceived.
- We give thanks for Patrick’s dear wife Rosemary and helpmeet and we give thanks for Ester and Ruth and family who trusting the Gospel do not ‘sorrow as others who have no hope’. For Patrick has fallen asleep. Help them dear Father to say, as King David of old; ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.’
- We give thanks that when we also fall asleep in Jesus he is our hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing ‘At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints’ (1 Thess. 3:13) and will take us home.
- We give thanks for the Barnabas Aid teams/employees and Boards that give so much to ‘do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith’ (nkjv).
- We give thanks for Your gracious blessings on Barnabas’s worldwide ministries and pray that they will continue and will yet function well for your glory alone.
- We give thanks for your presence and help today in time of need.
- We give thanks in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God our Saviour.
AMEN
Rev Ian McNaughton is a trustee of Barnabas Aid UK