I'm confident that his deep bass voice is joyfully lifted strong as he praises God face to face ... and I can only imagine that he's having the time of his life meeting and greeting the many saints, family, and friends that went on before him.
From 2002 - 2015, I had the joy of serving with Bob on the pastoral staff at the church where he was senior pastor and then at Creekside Ministries, the pastoral counseling center / house church we co-founded at the home he shared with his lovely, gracious wife, Dottie.
Along the way, Bob and I partnered together in developing a Celebrate Recovery program, facilitated week long seminars for single parents, and provided marriage counseling as a team so that both husbands and wives could feel comfortable as they sought help and support.
Bob's deep love for Jesus and his passion for caring for his flock are well known. His hearty laugh and propensity to burst into a verse or two of a favorite hymn as he went through his day are fondly remembered by all who interacted with him. This mighty prayer warrior deeply cared for those who were broken in spirit and was an incredibly powerful preacher of God's Word, a kind and tender-hearted pastor who loved his people well.
In our 13 years of serving God together, Bob generously opened numerous ministry doors for me, championing my work in ways that I most likely never would have otherwise experienced as a woman in conservative evangelical circles.
To say I am grateful would be a vast understatement.
Bob, if you're somehow reading this, please know that your Christ-centered life and faithful ministry impacted countless souls for the Kingdom. Tim and our family join me in grieving your immense loss. We thank God upon every remembrance of you {Philippians 1:3}.
Linda
2010
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I'm so sorry, Linda. Bob sounds like he was an amazing man of God and a great lover of people. Praying for you and those who knew him.
ReplyDeleteLisa, thanks ... he was an amazingly energetic servant of God!
DeleteWow what a tribute to our buddy in Christ. Amen to this: “This mighty prayer warrior deeply cared for those who were broken...”. I will never forgot my first encounter with him at our church of 700 when he asked me about a certain situation I had shared with him a couple of weeks before. I never experienced this too much in our world of busy people.
ReplyDeleteI keep envisioning him in heaven in the front of a parade waving a flag and announcing he ran the race and won the prize (Phil 3:14). He was no wallflower and that was one of the things I loved the most about him.
So long Pastor Bob (for now)
Yes, Carol, your story about him reconnecting with you about what you had shared was so typical of Bob. He was never too busy to hear someone's story or concern or heartbreak.
DeleteHe listened well and prayed with fervor. What a gift we've lost ...
Wonderful tribute to what seemed to be a wonderful man. Only heaven knows his impact on lives. My sympathies to you.
ReplyDeleteYou guys would have loved connecting with each other, pastor to pastor.
DeleteBill, thanks.
I'm so sorry, Linda. May God give his family and all of you strength and comfort! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteStrength and comfort. Yes, Trudy, thank you! I've felt the Spirit's presence in startling yet calming ways this week.
DeleteSo very sorry for this deep loss for you and your family, Linda. Pastor Bob sounds like he was a stalwart warrior for the faith. May he now be rejoicing around the throne of God.
ReplyDeleteBlessings at this time of grief, my friend.
A stalwart warrior for the faith. Exactly. So well said, Martha.
DeleteThank you ...
What a touching tribute! It surely sounds like Bob left this world a much better place, and to know he is rejoicing with the angels makes the loss a bit easier to bear. One day you will see him again, and you can see the results of all of your labors in the Kingdom. This reminded me of the song, "Faces." Have you ever heard it? Here is a link, in case you haven't: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4OnuWLwi18 In the picture of you and Bob, you look so much like my Aunt Joyce! It is amazing how much you look like her! May the Lord bless you during this season of missing your dear pastor, mentor, and friend.
ReplyDeleteOh the Faces, Cheryl.
DeleteMy tears are flowing because I believe this is true for what Bob and the Lord have experienced together this week.
What an untold impact for Christ ...
I'm sorry for the loss you, no doubt, are already feeling from his earthly absence. Thank you for the wonderful tribute as I feel I know his character and thank God for the influence he had in your life and how we gave himself as a servant for the Lord. A faithful servant - well done.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad I could capture just a glimpse of Bob's godly character, Debby. He would have loved to sit and talk with you guys about your ministry. He's be all in ...
DeletePastor Bob was an incredible inspiration and example of God's love to me. I was so blessed to be part of a counselor's group that he and Linda Stoll began years ago. Month after month I would glean insight, encouragement, and strength to continue as a pastoral counselor. Despite his being a spiritual giant with years of experience he never considered himself to be 'out of my league.' Rather, he continued to always listen and learn from others. In my conversations with Pastor Bob, I felt heard and like I was the only person in the world at that moment. He really, sincerely cared about people, his colleagues, parishioners, and clients. His quiet wisdom and pearls of knowledge remain with me still. And most importantly, his love for God and desire to serve his Creator will always be an inspiration. I know there could never be another Bob Eckler. But I think he would want his family and friends to carry on the work and the Word he so passionately preached and LIVED. Thank you Linda, for providing this connection so that he may be appropriately remembered!
ReplyDeleteOh Pam, thank you, thank you. You were right, he never threw his weight around but was humble and gentle of heart. Those counselors groups were such a wonderful connect, a time of listening and learning and giving each other the support to keep on.
DeleteThe prayer times were powerful.
I thank God for the mentors He gave me like you and Bob. I felt so blessed to have you both in my life.
And did you know you are both still with me, cheering me on? Right here --> http://www.lindastoll.net/p/references.html
Dear Linda - I have just read your beautiful and very meaningful words of remembrance of your respect, your admiration, your Christian love and devotion for this friend who has been such a deep part of your spiritual life and encouragement in your service for our Lord as you ministered along with Bob over such a long period of time ... I pray that the comfort of our Lord and Saviour will be just what you need and desire at this Thanksgiving time of the year.
ReplyDelete- via email -
You're right, this is my Thanksgiving desire ... the Savior's comfort so that I can be very much fully present with my family this week.
DeleteThanks for understanding and for hearing my heart. I so appreciate your prayers.
My dear Linda! What an incredible gift he passed on to you from our precious Lord Jesus. So sorry for your loss of such a dear mentor - but grateful he lived a life for our Lord. Grateful he poured into you (I have no doubts you blessed him greatly also).
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine this is a tough loss ... I love the people of God and even ones I did not know. Pastor Bob's life was obviously a life well spent for our Savior . I am sure he received a welcome - well done good and faithful servant.
Sending a big hug! My heart is with you.
- via text -
Your words have so deeply encouraged me, friend. I can't begin to tell you. I see your warm smile in each and every line. I'm beyond grateful that God has brought you into my life.
DeleteI am blessed indeed.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Linda, and so glad you had and have such a stalwart Brother in Christ.
ReplyDeleteSSo many have gone on before,
slipped away, and then were gone
in through Heaven's welcome-door
and we now feel bereft, alone.
Their company was lent to us
upon this dry and dusty load,
but in eternal calculus,
eternal love is thus bestowed
for though lost to human eyes,
they abide in the beloved Other,
and on the day that we shall rise
you shall greet your Christian Brother.
Let mourning tears run down your face,
the manna of both love and grace.
Ah, this, Andrew ... so eloquently put -->
Delete'Let mourning tears run down your face,
the manna of both love and grace.'
Yeah, you captured it well, friend, and I thank you ...
Linda, I know it is so painful to feel the loss of a spiritual mentor! Just knowing you will see him again and will rejoice in heaven for all eternity is comforting!
ReplyDeleteCome quickly, Lord Jesus!
DeleteHow difficult to say goodbye to one who walked with us through such significant times in our lives. Though we rest in the confidence of a "hello" when we join them, for now our hearts long for more time together in the now.
ReplyDeleteA challenge for us increasingly each decade is how often we say goodbye to someone we loved so dearly.
Hugs for you, my friend.
Oh this right here is so true, Pam --> 'A challenge for us increasingly each decade is how often we say goodbye to someone we loved so dearly.'
DeleteI watch my 89 year old mom navigate this over and over again and wonder how she does it. I guess we don't realize how much God can strengthen us and supply our needs until we're actually in the situation.
Thank you for being one of those mentors in my life, too, friend. I am indeed blessed to have others show me how to do ministry life well.
A beautiful tribute! Sorry for your loss Linda.
ReplyDeleteLynn, thank you, friend ...
DeleteI'm once again saddened by your loss. I was humbled by your tribute to this amazing man, and reminded how much more I can and should be doing to care for those broken in spirit. That's what a well lived life is I think: an inspiration to others to do the same.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences.
Wow, this should be true for us all Barbara, you're right --> 'a well lived life - an inspiration to others to do the same.'
DeleteThis verse just came to mind ... Jesus said, 'go and do likewise' {Luke 10:37}. Maybe that is the gift in the midst of loss.