Tribute to David Southam Bell (1927-2007)
It
was with a mixture of sorrow and joy that we learned of David’s sudden death
on June 18th 2007. We
pray for his family whose lives have suffered a great loss but rejoice that he
has been called to a greater life. We
had not known him for very long but he had been a
faithful and prayerful member of the Executive since November 2005.
His life was completely dedicated to our Lord Jesus and it was a pleasure
to print his testimony in our last issue. His
joy in the Lord was clear in all he did.
Here
are a few words from his son Nigel’s tribute given at his funeral.
‘Our
very presence here this morning, is evidence that we all have something to
bring, by way of thanksgiving for dad’s remarkable life.
As I have pondered how to describe dad’s life, I want to bring you a
picture. Dad’s life can be
likened to a vessel, a cup. This cup was surrendered to God, cleansed by God, and filled
with God’s goodness and grace. Yes,
but not only filled, but filled to overflowing. The overflowing of goodness and
grace resulted in many being touched for good, and we are all thankful’.
‘You
may be surprised, that there were three loves in dad’s life, The Lord Jesus
Christ, Fishing, and of course mum. The first priority is without doubt – It
was The Lord, Dad put his Saviour first, whatever the cost. The second and third
priorities were not always as clear – Saturday mornings were kept for fishing,
in the river here, or in the reservoirs, dad loved fishing, but dad’s love for
mum was evident also, 52 years of married life together does not just happen, it
takes real love.’
‘His
Church was St. Hillary’s, Erbistock near Wrexham, and
he was Lay Reader - here within The Church of Wales.
Dad preached his first sermon in this church in 1964 and 43 years later
he was still preaching here.
He was also a Lay preacher in the area, preaching at
various churches in Overton, Bangor on Dee, Ellesmere, Pentre Maelor.’
We
already know of his conversion and work of evangelism on the streets of Wrexham
from his testimony in the last issue and will remember him as a true servant of
the Lord.
We
send our condolences and love to his wife Jenny and sons Stephen and Nigel.