I first became friends with Bruce Revel when he was pastoring First Church in Cambridge, Md., and I was pastoring the South End Church in Frederick, Md. Even then I could sense his passion for missions and his love for our Lord and and this convention.
When he was called to the Eastern Association as their director of missions, I was excited for him and for our mutual work here on the Eastern shore.
I came to admire Bruce for several key reasons.
- He came back to the area where he spent his early years of physical and spiritual growth. He wanted to give back to the place that had given so much to him. His 14 years at First Baptist, Cambridge and his eight years of ministry to the Eastern Association have left a lasting legacy.
- He was kingdom focused. He was willing to partner with me in doing church planting and training conferences. He was not worried about territorialism. He just wanted to see the kingdom advanced. In fact we were scheduled to join John Brittain within the next few days to talk about partnering in starting a work in Centreville.
- If you knew Bruce, you knew he was committed to missions, whether here on the Eastern Shore or overseas. I had the privilege of training the team he recently took to Scotland. Upon his return, he shared with me how proud he was of the work his team at done in Cumbernaul, Scotland and how excited he was to plan a return trip. Praise God he was given the opportunity to make that trip.
My life and the ministry of our association is richer because of the sacrificial service that Bruce gave so willingly to all of us. I know he will be missed by his family, friends, and co-workers. However, I am also convinced that he has heard the voice of our Lord welcoming him into the glories of heaven with the words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Joy,
Jim McBride