TRIBUTES to Pastor Larry DeBruyn
The following are just a few of the tributes that were read at the Memorial Service for our dear colleague Pastor Larry DeBruyn on Sunday January 7th in Dale City, Virginia. Pastor Larry’s service will be posted on YouTube in the next few days. We will put up a post with the details.
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| October 7, 1944 – Dec. 28, 2017 |
When Jewel Grewe called me and said she wanted to hold a
Discernment / Berean Call Conference in South Africa in January 2016, we were
thrilled to hear that Larry deBruyn would be accompanying her. Having read
his books and articles, we were looking forward to meeting Larry in
person. Larry’s father-heart came through and we found him so easy to
converse with and despite his own hardships he had experienced, his concern and
love for people was evident. With a zeal and passion for the Truth he
selflessly served the Church of Jesus Christ travelling to different countries
with his precise teachings and power-point presentations that were a blessing
to us all.
Discernment / Berean Call Conference in South Africa in January 2016, we were
thrilled to hear that Larry deBruyn would be accompanying her. Having read
his books and articles, we were looking forward to meeting Larry in
person. Larry’s father-heart came through and we found him so easy to
converse with and despite his own hardships he had experienced, his concern and
love for people was evident. With a zeal and passion for the Truth he
selflessly served the Church of Jesus Christ travelling to different countries
with his precise teachings and power-point presentations that were a blessing
to us all.
The words of this beautiful hymn “Brother let me be your servant” reminds us of Larry! He will
be sorely missed by us all… until we meet again…
be sorely missed by us all… until we meet again…
I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
Speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping,
When you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through.
To let you be my servant, too.
In the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
Speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping,
When you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven
We shall find such harmony,
Born of all we’ve known together
Of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, let me be your servant,
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace
To let you be my servant, too.
Julie
Leo, South Africa,
The Berean Call & Discernment Ministries office
Leo, South Africa,
The Berean Call & Discernment Ministries office
Condolences from The
Theological College of Southern Africa which is based in Zimbabwe.
The College Community in Southern Africa expresses its heartfelt condolences to
Pastor Larry Debryn’s family, the Saints in the USA on the passing on of our
beloved minister of the Lord’s flock across the world. While it seems a loss
for us all we exhort the brethren all over the world to celebrate his life as a
gift from God that was given and has now been taken.
Theological College of Southern Africa which is based in Zimbabwe.
The College Community in Southern Africa expresses its heartfelt condolences to
Pastor Larry Debryn’s family, the Saints in the USA on the passing on of our
beloved minister of the Lord’s flock across the world. While it seems a loss
for us all we exhort the brethren all over the world to celebrate his life as a
gift from God that was given and has now been taken.
We had the privilege to
be ministered to by Pastor Larry in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on the 30th of January
to the 7th of February 2016. This is almost 2 years ago but we were still
feeling the blessing of lectures during those days. We were continuing to pray
for his return trip anytime this year but the Lord has seen it fit to call him
home. We then will continue to praising the Lord for the wonderful gift that he
was.
be ministered to by Pastor Larry in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on the 30th of January
to the 7th of February 2016. This is almost 2 years ago but we were still
feeling the blessing of lectures during those days. We were continuing to pray
for his return trip anytime this year but the Lord has seen it fit to call him
home. We then will continue to praising the Lord for the wonderful gift that he
was.
From
the Zimbabwe Bible College
the Zimbabwe Bible College
Remembering
Larry DeBruyn
Larry DeBruyn
Most
people who know the name Larry DeBruyn, know him as a discerner and apologist.
Indeed, he was those things par excellence. He wrote and spoke indefatigably against
error and his work is visible all over the internet and on countless
bookshelves and in the hearts of thousands. Not only did he have an excellent
grasp of the theological issues but he exhibited a Christ-like spirit towards
even his opponents. There are many who attempt to defend truth, but not many
who do it with the right attitude. Larry was one of a select few who spoke and
wrote, not because he had a chip on his shoulder but because he cared.
people who know the name Larry DeBruyn, know him as a discerner and apologist.
Indeed, he was those things par excellence. He wrote and spoke indefatigably against
error and his work is visible all over the internet and on countless
bookshelves and in the hearts of thousands. Not only did he have an excellent
grasp of the theological issues but he exhibited a Christ-like spirit towards
even his opponents. There are many who attempt to defend truth, but not many
who do it with the right attitude. Larry was one of a select few who spoke and
wrote, not because he had a chip on his shoulder but because he cared.
He
cared for truth, but he also cared for those who are deceived as well as those
who are the deceivers. This concern for the people as well as the doctrine was
no doubt borne out of his many years in pastoral work. Yes, he was an excellent
apologist, but he was also a true shepherd of the flock.
cared for truth, but he also cared for those who are deceived as well as those
who are the deceivers. This concern for the people as well as the doctrine was
no doubt borne out of his many years in pastoral work. Yes, he was an excellent
apologist, but he was also a true shepherd of the flock.
Indeed,
he was more than an apologist. He was also a teacher who cherished every
opportunity to teach the truth wherever the Lord would open a door for him –
across the world, to every culture and to large and small gatherings alike.
Once again, there are many who can point out error but Larry was one of a few
whose passion was as much for truth as against error. As a teacher he remained
faithful to the fundamentals of the faith at a time when most are defecting to
the left and right. Today teachers are dime a dozen, but those who remain
faithful to the faith once delivered are very rare indeed. Such was Larry
DeBruyn.
he was more than an apologist. He was also a teacher who cherished every
opportunity to teach the truth wherever the Lord would open a door for him –
across the world, to every culture and to large and small gatherings alike.
Once again, there are many who can point out error but Larry was one of a few
whose passion was as much for truth as against error. As a teacher he remained
faithful to the fundamentals of the faith at a time when most are defecting to
the left and right. Today teachers are dime a dozen, but those who remain
faithful to the faith once delivered are very rare indeed. Such was Larry
DeBruyn.
More
than an apologist, pastor and teacher, Larry was also a friend. Many years ago
I was struggling with a very difficult situation in a very difficult church. I
was in despair and ready to quit. Unexpectedly Larry called and spent time
encouraging me with the same comfort he had been comforted with in a similar
situation. When it seemed that all others had forsaken or forgotten, Larry had
not, and I will never forget his kindness at such a dark hour. Larry was a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.
than an apologist, pastor and teacher, Larry was also a friend. Many years ago
I was struggling with a very difficult situation in a very difficult church. I
was in despair and ready to quit. Unexpectedly Larry called and spent time
encouraging me with the same comfort he had been comforted with in a similar
situation. When it seemed that all others had forsaken or forgotten, Larry had
not, and I will never forget his kindness at such a dark hour. Larry was a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.
No
one is indispensable and the Lord knows what He is doing when He calls His
warriors home but Larry will certainly leave a huge gap in the ministry and
amongst my friends. Apart from his roles as a family man, Larry was a true
apologist, teacher, shepherd and friend. His reward will indeed be great!
one is indispensable and the Lord knows what He is doing when He calls His
warriors home but Larry will certainly leave a huge gap in the ministry and
amongst my friends. Apart from his roles as a family man, Larry was a true
apologist, teacher, shepherd and friend. His reward will indeed be great!
“Precious in the
sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.” (Psalms 116:15)
sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.” (Psalms 116:15)
Pastor Anton Bosch, 1/4/18
Sun Valley Community Church
Sun Valley Community Church
Late Pastor Larry
We have learnt through TCSA of the untimely passing on of Pastor Larry.
Untimely in that it was our desire for the dear pastor to continue with the
good work and investment of this divine partnership. However, we accept that
the Almighty had better ideas.
We have learnt through TCSA of the untimely passing on of Pastor Larry.
Untimely in that it was our desire for the dear pastor to continue with the
good work and investment of this divine partnership. However, we accept that
the Almighty had better ideas.
We nevertheless take
comfort that what Larry achieved will forever remain etched in the memories of
those who were blessed to have interacted with. That interaction still has
positive impact to this day and we prayer for its continuation in the
future.
comfort that what Larry achieved will forever remain etched in the memories of
those who were blessed to have interacted with. That interaction still has
positive impact to this day and we prayer for its continuation in the
future.
Please pass our sincere
condolences to the surviving families, the Christian community in the States
and the wider Christian community at large. Pastor Larry’s contribution was
purposeful in a life well spent.
condolences to the surviving families, the Christian community in the States
and the wider Christian community at large. Pastor Larry’s contribution was
purposeful in a life well spent.
May the Lord continue to
comfort all of us in the full knowledge that a reunion awaits us yonder.
comfort all of us in the full knowledge that a reunion awaits us yonder.
For
and on behalf of Assemblies of God Zimbabwe 🇿🇼,
Nathan Setlhako (Chairman – National Executive)
and on behalf of Assemblies of God Zimbabwe 🇿🇼,
Nathan Setlhako (Chairman – National Executive)
My name is T.A. McMahon and I’m the
Executive Director of The Berean Call, a ministry founded by Dave Hunt. It’s my
privilege to share some memories and thoughts about my friend Larry.
Executive Director of The Berean Call, a ministry founded by Dave Hunt. It’s my
privilege to share some memories and thoughts about my friend Larry.
When
I first met Pastor Larry, the Lord had directed him into writing in the area of
spiritual discernment, which he took to not only with grace but also with the
heart of a shepherd who had great concern for God’s sheep in our days of
growing deception.
I first met Pastor Larry, the Lord had directed him into writing in the area of
spiritual discernment, which he took to not only with grace but also with the
heart of a shepherd who had great concern for God’s sheep in our days of
growing deception.
For
those of us in discernment ministries we are aware of the great diversity of
false teachings that the Adversary continues to use to deceive the body of
Christ. Some are billboard obvious yet they are nevertheless seductive.
those of us in discernment ministries we are aware of the great diversity of
false teachings that the Adversary continues to use to deceive the body of
Christ. Some are billboard obvious yet they are nevertheless seductive.
Others
are very complex and intimidating in the sense that they seem to be supported
by science. It was the latest concepts of that nature, such as quantum
spirituality, that were not science but rather false teachings or
pseudoscience. Larry was wonderfully able to explain the errors simply and then
show how they undermined the truth of God’s Word.
are very complex and intimidating in the sense that they seem to be supported
by science. It was the latest concepts of that nature, such as quantum
spirituality, that were not science but rather false teachings or
pseudoscience. Larry was wonderfully able to explain the errors simply and then
show how they undermined the truth of God’s Word.
Quantum
physics and its relation to quantum spirituality was not something I was
particularly interested in trying to figure out, or was even capable of,
although I saw the serious influence it was having in Christendom. Those who
promoted the Word/Faith Movement were using quantum spirituality to support
their corruption of both God’s Word and in particular the critical biblical
doctrine of Faith.
physics and its relation to quantum spirituality was not something I was
particularly interested in trying to figure out, or was even capable of,
although I saw the serious influence it was having in Christendom. Those who
promoted the Word/Faith Movement were using quantum spirituality to support
their corruption of both God’s Word and in particular the critical biblical
doctrine of Faith.
Those
who were into the teachings of pantheism and panentheism, that God is nothing
more than an impersonal force or energy and that God is in everything, i.e.,
everything is God, were also deceiving multitudes. Larry made a valuable
contribution through his work in debunking the false science involved thereby
helping the discernment of and the equipping of biblical Christians.
who were into the teachings of pantheism and panentheism, that God is nothing
more than an impersonal force or energy and that God is in everything, i.e.,
everything is God, were also deceiving multitudes. Larry made a valuable
contribution through his work in debunking the false science involved thereby
helping the discernment of and the equipping of biblical Christians.
Larry
and I spent time together in South Africa and he helped me greatly in my own
lack of understanding regarding quantum spirituality. His explanations enabled
me to see how the latest pseudoscientific concepts fit into the ongoing
deceptions Satan had been promoting since the Garden of Eden, and which Dave
Hunt and I had been writing about for decades.
and I spent time together in South Africa and he helped me greatly in my own
lack of understanding regarding quantum spirituality. His explanations enabled
me to see how the latest pseudoscientific concepts fit into the ongoing
deceptions Satan had been promoting since the Garden of Eden, and which Dave
Hunt and I had been writing about for decades.
Larry
understood that God had given him the grace—and time—to do a unique work, and
he was ever so thankful.
understood that God had given him the grace—and time—to do a unique work, and
he was ever so thankful.
South
Africa was a special time. We both took very seriously the work God privileged
and enabled us to do. On the other hand, Larry was the main laugh track on the
personal videos we made during that trip that featured some of my blunders,
from unintentionally exploding a smoothie blender the contents of which
decorated a kitchen—to the crashing of my parafoil kite in our hosts’ most
cherished tree—to dredging their pool for my sunken GoPro camera.
Africa was a special time. We both took very seriously the work God privileged
and enabled us to do. On the other hand, Larry was the main laugh track on the
personal videos we made during that trip that featured some of my blunders,
from unintentionally exploding a smoothie blender the contents of which
decorated a kitchen—to the crashing of my parafoil kite in our hosts’ most
cherished tree—to dredging their pool for my sunken GoPro camera.
There
nothing quite like having a smiling, heavyweight Dutchman towering over me each
morning inquiring as to what adventure I might have in store for the day!
nothing quite like having a smiling, heavyweight Dutchman towering over me each
morning inquiring as to what adventure I might have in store for the day!
Larry
spoke at our Berean Call Conference a couple of years ago and it was obvious to
all that the niche that God had called him to fill regarding discernment was
wonderfully fulfilled. He finished the race by grace.
spoke at our Berean Call Conference a couple of years ago and it was obvious to
all that the niche that God had called him to fill regarding discernment was
wonderfully fulfilled. He finished the race by grace.
I’m
going to miss him, yet I thank Jesus for the time I had with him.
going to miss him, yet I thank Jesus for the time I had with him.
TA
McMahon, Berean Call
McMahon, Berean Call
Pastor Larry was a dear friend. I
will greatly miss him. He had send me a message only two days before I heard
that he was admitted to the hospital. I never expected it to be his last one to
me.
will greatly miss him. He had send me a message only two days before I heard
that he was admitted to the hospital. I never expected it to be his last one to
me.
For
nearly ten years, ever since he picked me up at the airport in Indianapolis, IN
when I had arrived from Switzerland in order to drive me to the Discernment
Conference in Niles, MI, I cherished his friendship and close cooperation in
the Discernment Research Group. He had a keen mind and a great love for his
Savior Jesus Christ. While he recommended me as a guest preacher to American
pastors and often drove me himself to one or the other church or ministry
venue, I don’t recall that we ever spoke about anything else but the truths of
the Bible and how it needed to be defended effectively against all of the
heretical teaching which had crept into the evangelical churches. I benefitted
from his godly counsel and deeply spiritual insights. I don’t believe there was
even one incident that I disagreed with his views on the Bible or anything
else. He pointed me to resources in my research whenever he could and was glad
when I was able to help him in his. Once, when I preached in his church, he
gave me an expressive Bible software program as a gift. I still use it almost
every day. While much more could be said about Pastor Larry, when I think of
him only one thought comes immediately to mind: His great dedication to know
the Bible, as best as he could, preach and teach it to others with a passion,
and live out its truths moment by moment in order to glorify God and be a
blessing to others.
nearly ten years, ever since he picked me up at the airport in Indianapolis, IN
when I had arrived from Switzerland in order to drive me to the Discernment
Conference in Niles, MI, I cherished his friendship and close cooperation in
the Discernment Research Group. He had a keen mind and a great love for his
Savior Jesus Christ. While he recommended me as a guest preacher to American
pastors and often drove me himself to one or the other church or ministry
venue, I don’t recall that we ever spoke about anything else but the truths of
the Bible and how it needed to be defended effectively against all of the
heretical teaching which had crept into the evangelical churches. I benefitted
from his godly counsel and deeply spiritual insights. I don’t believe there was
even one incident that I disagreed with his views on the Bible or anything
else. He pointed me to resources in my research whenever he could and was glad
when I was able to help him in his. Once, when I preached in his church, he
gave me an expressive Bible software program as a gift. I still use it almost
every day. While much more could be said about Pastor Larry, when I think of
him only one thought comes immediately to mind: His great dedication to know
the Bible, as best as he could, preach and teach it to others with a passion,
and live out its truths moment by moment in order to glorify God and be a
blessing to others.
Again,
I miss him dearly but am glad to know that he can see Jesus Christ, his Savior,
face to face now and be in His presence for all eternity.
I miss him dearly but am glad to know that he can see Jesus Christ, his Savior,
face to face now and be in His presence for all eternity.
Dr. Martin
Erdmann
Erdmann
I was Pastor Larry’s secretary for
over 14 years and was fortunate to get to know him very well. If you did not have this opportunity, you
missed out on a very dear friend. Most
of you know he was a wonderful Biblical scholar with such deep insight to God’s
word, but he was also a very caring, compassionate, sensitive man. He loved the Lord, and he loved His
people. There were so many times I saw
the soft, gentle side of him as he was helping someone during a difficult
time. He helped my husband and me during
the time our 21 year old son had a massive stroke. He not only visited and prayed for Brad while
we was in the hospital and rebab, but he took the time to talk with Dave and me
as we were handling this devastating blow, adding his tears to ours. He was my confidant, as I was his, and I
counted that a privilege.
over 14 years and was fortunate to get to know him very well. If you did not have this opportunity, you
missed out on a very dear friend. Most
of you know he was a wonderful Biblical scholar with such deep insight to God’s
word, but he was also a very caring, compassionate, sensitive man. He loved the Lord, and he loved His
people. There were so many times I saw
the soft, gentle side of him as he was helping someone during a difficult
time. He helped my husband and me during
the time our 21 year old son had a massive stroke. He not only visited and prayed for Brad while
we was in the hospital and rebab, but he took the time to talk with Dave and me
as we were handling this devastating blow, adding his tears to ours. He was my confidant, as I was his, and I
counted that a privilege.
He
was also a very generous, giving man. I
recall one time a young lady in our church asked him his opinion of which study
Bible to purchase. Knowing the family was tight on money, Pastor Larry
purchased his recommendation and had it sent to her house. She was so grateful! That was just one of many, many times I saw
his generosity.
was also a very generous, giving man. I
recall one time a young lady in our church asked him his opinion of which study
Bible to purchase. Knowing the family was tight on money, Pastor Larry
purchased his recommendation and had it sent to her house. She was so grateful! That was just one of many, many times I saw
his generosity.
We
would have coffee breaks in my office occasionally. Anyone who was in the church at the time
would gather in my office for a few minutes of fellowship. Often it would turn into a mini Bible lesson
as Pastor Larry discussed a topic that was on his mind at the time. I loved that!
would have coffee breaks in my office occasionally. Anyone who was in the church at the time
would gather in my office for a few minutes of fellowship. Often it would turn into a mini Bible lesson
as Pastor Larry discussed a topic that was on his mind at the time. I loved that!
One
thing that makes me smile whenever I think of him is how he tickled himself so
when he told a joke. Everyone would
laugh…..but his would always be the loudest.
I think he loved the telling as much as the joke itself.
thing that makes me smile whenever I think of him is how he tickled himself so
when he told a joke. Everyone would
laugh…..but his would always be the loudest.
I think he loved the telling as much as the joke itself.
Pastor
Larry was a dear man and I will miss him so much. As I said, anyone who was able to get to know
him well was blessed with a true friend.
I was privileged to be one of them.
Larry was a dear man and I will miss him so much. As I said, anyone who was able to get to know
him well was blessed with a true friend.
I was privileged to be one of them.
Debbie
Kennedy
Kennedy
Pastor Larry DeBruyn wholeheartedly
and lovingly served his Master and Lord Jesus Christ and the believers in each
church that he pastored. We were fortunate enough to live under his leadership
and to become friends with him and Margie. Gaylene first discovered Franklin
Road Baptist Church when we were looking for a new church home in 2008. I was
cautious about getting involved with another church without understanding the church’s
position on Christian doctrine and was hoping to read something more than a
mission statement. I wanted to know how the church put the doctrine into
practice. I found this answer in Pastor Larry’s Pastor Letters that were posted
to the FRBC website at the time. He had written an entire series of letters
about practical, everyday Christian living for the membership of FRBC.
and lovingly served his Master and Lord Jesus Christ and the believers in each
church that he pastored. We were fortunate enough to live under his leadership
and to become friends with him and Margie. Gaylene first discovered Franklin
Road Baptist Church when we were looking for a new church home in 2008. I was
cautious about getting involved with another church without understanding the church’s
position on Christian doctrine and was hoping to read something more than a
mission statement. I wanted to know how the church put the doctrine into
practice. I found this answer in Pastor Larry’s Pastor Letters that were posted
to the FRBC website at the time. He had written an entire series of letters
about practical, everyday Christian living for the membership of FRBC.
There
can be no doubt that Pastor Larry had a true calling as a Pastor. The most
compelling evidence is his fervent work after his retirement as a Senior
Pastor. He continued his teaching ministry in many countries, served with
Discernment Ministries in both writing and editing articles and began his own
website and blog. He never retired in the American sense of retirement, instead
he moved from one phase of Christian service to another. This is also true of
his death. He has simply moved from Christian service in this life to the
perfect form of Christian service and worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
can be no doubt that Pastor Larry had a true calling as a Pastor. The most
compelling evidence is his fervent work after his retirement as a Senior
Pastor. He continued his teaching ministry in many countries, served with
Discernment Ministries in both writing and editing articles and began his own
website and blog. He never retired in the American sense of retirement, instead
he moved from one phase of Christian service to another. This is also true of
his death. He has simply moved from Christian service in this life to the
perfect form of Christian service and worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Steve
Goodroad
Goodroad