I RECEIVED SAD NEWS OVER THE HOLIDAYS regarding the passing of a dear friend and mentor. Rev. Robert Mattke, one of my professors at Houghton College went home to be with his Lord whom he had successfully served as a pastor, missionary, and educator. A finer man, I could not have known. I am internally richer for having known him; he made a lasting impact on my life.
As a freshman in college, I came to the point of being very discouraged regarding my academic abilities. I had graduated from high school fifteen years prior to this and was accepted as a “probation” student, due to my poor grades. I had entertained the thought of dropping out after the first semester even though I had a strong sense of call to the ministry. I was struggling because I hadn’t yet learned how to study properly. That’s where Professor Mattke came in.
One day as I was walking across campus, feeling very dejected, he stopped me and said something to the effect, “Bruce, I just wanted to tell you how glad I am that you are a part of our student body. The fact that you are slightly older than most students has a positive effect on your fellow classmates. I can tell that you really are making a difference here.”
That one statement kept me trying. Rev. Mattke believed in me. His words refreshed my spirit. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and dug in to the books. The good news is that I finished. And not only that, but I graduated magna cum laude…thanks to those encouraging words. In fact, I can’t remember how many times I have used this experience to illustrate the impact of a word of praise fitly spoken. I am reminded of a quote from Mark Twain: “I can live for two months on a compliment.” Well, I have lived and ministered for far more than two months.
It was also this man of God who encouraged me to go on and earn my Master of Divinity degree. He not only encouraged me to pursue it, but in fact, took me to Asbury Seminary for a visit so that I could catch the spirit of the place. I spent three of the greatest years of my life at this facility where my horizons were expanded and my faith deepened.
My wife worked with Mrs. Mattke in one of the offices at college. They became friends and as a consequence we established a social relationship with she and her husband. We remained good friends all these years.
I am quite sure that I am only one of thousands who have been influenced by this one man. One day I fully intend to resume that relationship on a higher order. Thank you Robert Mattke. Save a place for me in the celestial classroom. Together we will continue to learn and grow as we worship and serve our blessed Lord.
As a freshman in college, I came to the point of being very discouraged regarding my academic abilities. I had graduated from high school fifteen years prior to this and was accepted as a “probation” student, due to my poor grades. I had entertained the thought of dropping out after the first semester even though I had a strong sense of call to the ministry. I was struggling because I hadn’t yet learned how to study properly. That’s where Professor Mattke came in.
One day as I was walking across campus, feeling very dejected, he stopped me and said something to the effect, “Bruce, I just wanted to tell you how glad I am that you are a part of our student body. The fact that you are slightly older than most students has a positive effect on your fellow classmates. I can tell that you really are making a difference here.”
That one statement kept me trying. Rev. Mattke believed in me. His words refreshed my spirit. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and dug in to the books. The good news is that I finished. And not only that, but I graduated magna cum laude…thanks to those encouraging words. In fact, I can’t remember how many times I have used this experience to illustrate the impact of a word of praise fitly spoken. I am reminded of a quote from Mark Twain: “I can live for two months on a compliment.” Well, I have lived and ministered for far more than two months.
It was also this man of God who encouraged me to go on and earn my Master of Divinity degree. He not only encouraged me to pursue it, but in fact, took me to Asbury Seminary for a visit so that I could catch the spirit of the place. I spent three of the greatest years of my life at this facility where my horizons were expanded and my faith deepened.
My wife worked with Mrs. Mattke in one of the offices at college. They became friends and as a consequence we established a social relationship with she and her husband. We remained good friends all these years.
I am quite sure that I am only one of thousands who have been influenced by this one man. One day I fully intend to resume that relationship on a higher order. Thank you Robert Mattke. Save a place for me in the celestial classroom. Together we will continue to learn and grow as we worship and serve our blessed Lord.
posted by kazookid | 10:08 AM
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