Friday, February 1, 2008, our beloved brother
J.C. Choate crossed the threshold between the here and the now
versus the there and the forever. Familiarity with the life and
the lifelong labor of brother Choate provides insight respecting
his eternal destiny. Consequently, his funeral and subsequent
interment were reminiscent of a victory celebration rather than
merely a commemoration of grief by those he left behind.
Numerous preachers officiated J.C.'s funeral at
2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 5, including Wayne Barrier, Gordon
Hogan, Dennis Larson, Colin McKee, and L.D. Willis, each of whom
spoke a few words. Gene Gibson and Byron Nichols led congregational
singing. Jeremy Barrier, Joey Barrier, Jerry Bates, Louis Rushmore,
Will White, and Charles Brymer served as pallbearers. Loy Mitchell
concluded the memorial services at the graveside.
Over the last 45 years, J.C. Choate (along with
others) built up one of the oldest contemporary and one of the
most effective programs of foreign evangelism in the Lord's church,
comprised of 36 radio and 8 TV programs abroad, 9 overseas Bible
schools, an international Gospel magazine, an internet Gospel
magazine and campaigns abroad. Further, massive distribution of
literature blankets Asia and Africa.
J.C. planned ahead; the program of foreign evangelism
he established is bigger than the man, as well as more durable.
Last year, he invited two couples to become team members in Winona,
MS to help perpetuate the program of world evangelism when illness
would take him from us. Jerry and Paula Bates, with Louis and
Bonnie Rushmore, attend to the daily responsibilities in Winona
respecting the various publications and worldwide correspondence,
and they make two six-week (or so) teaching trips to various Asian
countries.
For more information, or to schedule a media presentation,
call 662.283.1192 or email choate@worldevangelism.org. We solicit
your prayers, moral support, and financial help to perpetuate
J.C. Choate's lifelong investment in world evangelism, which has
a proven track record of bringing souls to Christ. 705 Devine
St., Winona, MS 38967.