so so It's just a matter of putting it out there. Okay. Good morning. on behalf of my mother, my sister,
our spouses, grandchildren, and the entire Campbell family, I'd
like to thank you for being here today. For those of you that
are watching on the live stream, thank you wherever you are. I,
too, want to thank for the many well wishes that we've had over
these last couple weeks, the thoughtful notes, the texts,
the phone calls, and certainly the prayers for my father, and
my mother and her well-being. We are forever appreciative.
I do want to say that we are very thankful. We received a
call this morning from Brother Todd Nybert that his wife Lynn
was able to go to the Columbus Hospital this morning to hopefully
get a couple of her organs that she has been waiting for for
eight months. And I can tell you unequivocally,
My father is very pleased. Very pleased. Erin Greenleaf's
son, Tuck, was also placed in the hospital this morning with
an emergency appendectomy. So those gentlemen won't be here
with us, but we are pleased nonetheless. Very pleased. Brother Larry? Thank you, Michael. I'm reading from 1 Corinthians
15, if anyone would like to follow along. 1 Corinthians 15, verse 51. Behold, I show you a mystery. We should not all sleep. but
we shall all be changed. This is speaking to God's people,
of course speaking of God's people, the believer. In a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall
sound and the dead in Christ shall be raised incorruptible
and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put
on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. So when
this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal
shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass
the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory. O
death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and
the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth
us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved,
brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work
of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in
vain in the Lord. Amen. Let's pray together. Our great, our gracious Heavenly
Father, thank you for this time. Thank you foremost for the unspeakable
gift of your grace, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is Christ alone that gives sinners a good hope. It is Christ alone who is himself
our hope. It was the hope of our dear,
dear departed brother. And oh, what a joy, what a joy
it is for us who have experienced that same
grace through the Lord Jesus Christ to know that he now stands
in the presence of that one who loved him and gave himself for
him. He now beholds the King in His
beauty. What unspeakable everlasting
delight and joy He is now experiencing. And it's only because of the
good hope through grace that He was given through your unmerited
favor and mercy. Oh Father, may Christ be exalted
this day. The best way we can honor our
friend is to honor his Savior. Bless everything that's done,
every song, every prayer. God, help us to exalt our Redeemer. Our dear brother Marvin, as he
stands here to deliver the message, grant him the presence and the
power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you, Father, for the honor,
the privilege it was to know this dear man, Brother Lindsey. What a friend. What a faithful,
faithful friend and brother. Lord, we pray that you would
bless this assembly who will miss him terribly. But God, we
ask that you would do for them what you did for him, what you
do for all your children. Give them grace to look to Christ. to keep our eyes upon our Redeemer.
Again, Father, thank you. Thank you for your son. Thank
you for grace. Thank you for salvation in him. In Christ's name we pray, amen. Michael Lindsey Campbell, 74,
was called home to glory September 27, 2021 in Danville, Kentucky. Born April 6, 1947 in Dayton,
Ohio, he was the son of Woodson and the late Janetta Campbell.
Lindsey was co-owner of Lexington Insurance Agency in Lexington,
Kentucky. He was a charter member of Grace
Baptist Church. His love of family, friends,
and his community embodied his strength and faithfulness. Lindsey
loved watching his grandchildren participate in their sporting
and school events. He is pre-deceased by a brother,
Kenzie Judy Campbell, and a sister, Debbie Jim Hume. Lindsey is survived
by his wife, Diane Blake Campbell, his son, Michael Nicole Blake
Campbell, his daughter, Michelle Bill Campbell Augustine, sisters
Sharon K. Campbell and Brenda Rick Miller,
brother Mel, Barbara Campbell, and five grandchildren, Eloise
Campbell Augustine, William Blake Augustine, Blake Ryan Campbell,
Grace Carey Augustine, and Margaret Ann Campbell, and many nieces
and nephews. Psalm 116.16 reads, O Lord, I am thy servant, I am thy servant and the son
of thine handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds. And
our dear brother is truly loosed from the bonds that bind us as
long as we're in this flesh. He's loosed from dragging around
what Paul called the body of this death. He's loosed from
all the hindrances that prevented him from loving and worshiping
His Savior as He desired. He is loosed from worry, from
fear, from the dread of what might or might not come to pass.
No more shackles, no more sin. There are many men and women
that I admire. Some are historical figures,
and some are people that I have met and known through the years.
And most of these men and women I admire for their achievements,
for what they've done. There are very few people, however,
I can probably count on one hand, that I have known, who I have
looked at and thought, I wish I was more like him or more like
her. And Lindsey Campbell is at the top
of that list. He was one of the most patient,
thoughtful, and kind people I've ever had the privilege of knowing.
He never forgot a birthday. He never forgot an anniversary.
You could count on getting a birthday card from Lindsey about as sure
as you could figure on the sun coming up the next day. Larry
Brown and I were texting back and forth while Lindsey was sick,
and Larry told me that he had been reminded that he had a birthday
coming up And he said the one thing that was constant the last
21 years since he had known Lindsey was that there was going to be
a birthday card in that mailbox. But not this year. But I told
him, don't bet on it, because my daughter had gotten a card
from Lindsey a week after he was in the hospital. So that
was Lindsey. Let me give you another example
of his thoughtfulness. Several years ago, Lindsey and
Michael, Lindsey's brother Mel, and Mel's son Matthew and I were
hiking in the mountains of Colorado, and that particular day happened
to be my birthday. I don't remember which one. When we reached the top of one
of the 14,000 foot mountains that we climbed that day, Lindsey
reached in his backpack and pulled out a pack of Hostess chocolate
cupcakes, and a candle, and a lighter, and they sang happy birthday
to me while we were up in the clouds. I never would have thought
to do that. Never. But that was Lindsey.
And I know for certain that there is one man that Lindsey knew
who he wanted to be just like. That man is the Lord Jesus Christ. And you know what? His desire has come to pass. He is now an exact duplicate
of Christ Himself. Absolutely perfect in every way. If He wasn't, He wouldn't be
there. allows perfection in His presence. Right now, thanks to the finished
work of Christ, our dear brother is now the epitome of perfection. Indistinguishable in righteousness
and holiness from Christ Himself. Think about that. So let us remember what it was
like to have had the privilege of being part of and witness
to a life lived so well. And let us try each day to be
a bit more kind, a bit more loving, a bit more thoughtful, a bit
more patient, and a bit more caring, a bit more like our friend,
Lindsey Campbell. Nothing I've done could merit
God's grace Nothing I do can take it away I have one hope
in life and death I have been clothed in Christ's righteousness
Christ is sufficient His work is finished He is my face of
the earth Christ is enough, my Savior and friend. Nothing remains since Jesus has
died. Justice was paid, the judge satisfied. Great is my sin, greater his
love. I have been cleansed with Calvary's
blood. Christ is sufficient. His work is finished. He is my face, author, and end. Christ is enough, my Savior and
friend. Nothing I've sought on earth
satisfies He I was designed to thirst after Christ Beckoned
by Him, drink and be filled I am content, yet yearn for Him still
Christ is sufficient, His work is finished. He is my faithful servant, and
Christ is enough my Savior and friend. Nothing but Christ can
undo the fall. He will return to reign over
all. Come to us, Lord, right every
wrong. Soon the redeemed will join heaven's
song. Christ is the faith. His work is finished. He is my faith's Father and end. Christ is enough. Christ is enough. my Savior and friend. Last Thursday, give me a second,
Michael, mom, and I were able to spend time with dad at the
hospital. We were talking, trying to talk
actually. The mask was so large over his
face that we couldn't understand anything he said. In fact, he
was yelling and it didn't help. And at one point, I just started
laughing because it was funny. And we should laugh when something
is funny. But we finally landed on a form
of communication of just nodding. And towards the end of the night,
I asked Dad three questions. The first question, Dad, you're
working so hard, aren't you? He nodded. The second question,
Dad, do you want to quit fighting? No. He vigorously shook his head.
Now before I tell you the third question I asked Dad, I want
to read something to you. On August 26, 1992, I received
a letter from Dad. It was the first day of my senior
year of high school. And Dad proceeded to write me
a letter every day of my, every school day that year. I want
to read for you the last letter that he wrote me, dated June
4, 1993, graduation day. Today is the day. You have traveled along the path
of schooling for 13 years, and tonight completes that journey.
This also is the end of 169 daily 3M highways. That was his title
for the letters, 3M highways, which stands for Michelle, Michael,
Mom. I've contemplated on how to end
these daily journals. My first thought was a stop sign. But you, highway, stop sign,
street signs, My first thought was a stop sign, but your educational
studying does not end today, so that sign is inappropriate.
Throughout the year, there have been approximately 70 different
signs used. Today's sign has not been used
during the year, and the thought came to me that is best fits
the need. You are at a crossroad. on your
life's journey. This is just one of the many
in which you already have traveled and the first of many more to
come in the future. Each of us has daily decisions
to be made. Though difficult, they must be
made. We must learn to live with them. What advice can I give
you at this crossroad? Seek the Lord. In him is the
answer of life. Psalm 1611, thou wilt show me
the path of life. In thy presence is fullness of
joy. At thy right hand, there are
pleasures forevermore. Have a good day. Love, Dad. The
third question I asked Dad last Thursday was, Dad, are you at
peace? No. So, this is the sequel. This
is the sequel. Instead of 3M Highways, it's
Wheezy Way now. Wheezy's Way. 213 letters. Every single day
of my senior year of high school until my delayed graduation.
As I have re-read every letter over the past two days, here
are just a couple of the lessons that pop on still in me. Ones
that I think that embody him as a person, and ones that I
can only hope and pray to emulate like he did. Unless it was broccoli for dinner,
never once did I hear Papa complain. He was a man of gratefulness
and perseverance who relied on the Lord's direction and guidance
to lead him through life. That was his attitude, and he
often reminded me that a strong, positive attitude is necessary
in order to focus on dreams and goals. For my 16th birthday,
Papa took me to fly a little plane. And I'm telling you, no
training. No intro course. Just threw me in a plane and
said, fly it. And on this plane, there was this instrument panel.
where there was an attitude indicator, to let the pilot know where the
position of the plane was in relation to the horizon. And
just as you wanted to keep the nose of the plane above the lines
on the indicator, so also Pawpaw made sure I knew to keep my nose
up and stay positive. And even when things spin out
of control, when well-laid plans go awry indeed, when carefully
crafted backup plans blow up in our faces, and all that we
had expected to happen vaporizes into actually what happens, we
are reminded that it is God's will and not ours that shall
be done. And we are humbled into our proper
place. And God is exalted to his proper place. And that is
positively good. Never forget to focus on the
vision. not the circumstance, and keep your nose up. Papa always
knew who he was and whose he was. He was willing to be a person
of integrity and honor at all costs because he represented
the Campbells, his company, his church, and most importantly,
his Lord. He constantly throughout my life
and my mom's and my uncle's instilled the importance of reputation
and how important it is to earn a reputation for being reliable,
hardworking, trustworthy, others-minded, a family-centered person whose
character is more important than personal gain, and whose principles
are superior to convenience. He said to me, live so that others
have no doubt where you stand, how you behave, and how you compete
without ever quitting. And it is not what you eventually
do for a living, but what matters is what you do for the living. Learn to be a giver in a world
of takers. Do not settle for the ordinary. Go forth and do
the extraordinary. You are the Lord's. Do His work.
Always remember who you are and whose you are. My papa and I,
over the past couple years, have shared the tradition of trading
off inspirational or motivational books that we enjoy. Initially,
these books surrounded the lives of Olympic athletes or college
sports teams. But in the past two years, the
focus has shifted entirely onto the Navy Seals. Papa and I love
the Navy Seals and all they stand for and the values they portray.
Make Your Bed, by Admiral McRaven, continues to be our favorite,
and the last chapter discusses the lesson that Popeye emphasized
most. In the middle of all Navy SEAL
training camps, there is a bell. All a trainee has to do to get
out of early mornings, cold swims, painful workouts, and draining
obstacle courses is ring that bell. Ringing the bell is the
easy way out, though, quitting. Those who stayed refused to give
up on their dreams, stood tall and strong against the odds,
and never gave up. Papa was one of those men, an unofficial Navy
SEAL who never, ever rang the bell and instead let the Lord
do it for him. I know he would say this if he was here, so I'll
say it for him, but never, ever ring the bell. Through all 213
letters and every conversation, Papa encouraged and loved me.
My number one fan and supporter. But even more than he loved me,
Papa loved the Lord and would only hope that you would see
his love for the Lord more than you can see how much he loved
his grandkids. And maybe he's telling the Lord about us right
now, but he's home and we can only rejoice and anticipate the
day where we join him. Pawpaw truly left a legacy, and
I'll sure miss the book trades, butter pecan ice cream, red velvet
cake, hiking trips, red and white peppermints during church, watching
Shark Tank together, and getting a plant every time I saw him.
But Pawpaw, know that I won't forget to focus on the vision,
not the circumstance. I'll remember who I am and who's
I am. And I'll never ever ring the
bell. And I'll keep doing sit-ups and maybe buy helmets for you
too. I love you. I miss you. I love your number
one fan, Louise. You expect me to follow that?
Are you nuts? I can guarantee you that we did
not talk about what we were speaking. We did not share notes. Maybe
we should have. I've thought for years in all
the conferences that we had here at this church, I was like, I
wonder if they ever talk about what they're going to preach
on. Because what if they preach on the same thing? But that's all
right. Because every message of this
church was the same message. Is that right? Unfortunately,
in today's political climate and amongst this pandemic, which
has obviously caused our family much strife, many others as well.
My dad will only be listed as a statistic for our leaders to
volley and argue about. But I can assure you, unequivocally,
Lindsey Campbell was no statistic. If you will allow, let me take
the next few minutes speaking about my father, and hopefully
do so in a way that causes us to laugh, to smile, maybe shed
a tear or two. But in all things, may it bring
glory to my dad's savior and heavenly father. Mom, I'll do
best to stay brief. Faith, I'm so glad you're sitting
here. I am. We've been truly humbled by the
outpouring of support from folks across the country, across the
globe. Mom got a text from someone in England earlier in the week,
never met him. Through the power of the stream,
Michelle even remarked that last night was somewhat fun, getting
to see old faces and old friends. But to be honest, the number
of people that have been here and reached out really doesn't
surprise me. In some way, shape, or form, my father, Lindsey Campbell,
had some sort of impact on your life. It may have been through
the leading of the singing here at Grace Church. Perhaps it was
through the Danville Little League, Danville High School football,
baseball, cross country. Maybe it was his years in the
insurance business. Or perhaps it was the Saturday morning discussions
at the Danville Liars Club. I say those things not in arrogance,
I say those not in pride for my father, because every one
of you would agree he would have hated this. He would have been
questioning all the fuss about him. He would be upset at these
comments, for he was the most humble and the most simple man
I've ever known. While he led singing, taught
Sunday school, and preached often from this pulpit, the last thing
he would ever want would be the center of attention. He would
never want to receive praise. It is why when we ate downstairs,
he was always the last to get his food. While he would always
stand in the back, it is why he never made anything about
himself. He was a servant called of God
to glorify and bring honor to the Lord. He never, ever, ever
rang the bell. Dad was slow and methodical.
He was a creature of habit. He always did the same things.
He called my grandparents on Monday evening, called my sister
on Friday afternoons. He rode the same roads, stopped
at the same gas stations, ate at the same restaurants, and
ordered the same food. So whether it was Jeff Ruby's
or Ruth's Crisp, Or the Q, he ordered the same thing, chicken. But not broccoli, not broccoli. Oh, that man hated broccoli.
Oh, he hated it. And I found it funny when Michelle,
Mom, and I were able to go to the hospital last Wednesday.
We walk in, and I looked over at the dinner tray, and there
was a bowl of broccoli. No wonder Dad didn't eat for
the last couple weeks. I doubt many of you know this,
but my father, like his siblings, grew up in what could be said
as humble surroundings. He began a paper route at 10
years old and delivered papers every day until he left college.
Rarely, if he ever, missed a day through rain, sleet, snow, and
the cold, cold winters of Dayton, Ohio. Perhaps that's why he had
such a strong work ethic, often being in the office before 6
AM often not leaving until seven to come home to his home office
to work more. He worked his way through school
and was quite successful, eventually owning Lexington Insurance Agency.
Eloise, Will, Blake, Grace, and Margaret look no farther than
your Pawpaw. Adapt his character. Adapt his
servantship and his work ethic. Never say no to a friend or a
loved one in need. Pawpaw never did. And you do
that, and you'll be successful in any walk of life that you
ever go on. He never, ever, ever rang that
bell. Over this past week, several
have said, we are hoping and praying for a miracle. And we
appreciate those thoughts and sentiments. And I know that they're
meant genuinely. But folks, I'm here to tell you
that, indeed, a miracle happened. But it happened long ago. Before
the skies were formed and for the light of the day was seen,
God Almighty in his divine wisdom and grace said, Lindsey Campbell,
you are mine. Oh, what great comfort and peace
we shall find in him. Precious in the sight of the
Lord is the death of his saints. During times of trouble and in
times of loss, words of encouragement and superlatives are often always
abound. That certainly has been the case
for the last three weeks. Here are some of the adjectives
that I have been told to me personally about my father. Serving, selfless,
steadfast, loyal, humble, tremendous, great, role model, buddy, friend,
mentor, and blessed. And I agree, he was indeed those
things. But he would first to tell you that he was just a man,
a sinful man. And similar to what Paul wrote
in first Timothy, sinners of whom I am chief. That is the
way dad saw himself. But dad was a sinner saved by
grace and grace alone. Above all of the comments that
was said, the one that stood out the most, the one that was
often repeated the most was faithful. So very, very faithful was he. Faithful to his family, faithful
to his friends, faithful to his business partners and clients,
and certainly faithful to this church and its message. Not one
time in my life could I honestly say that dad let me down. Not
one time. Think about that for a moment.
Never ever let me down. Dad was a man of his word, was
incredibly honest, dedicated, Blake, Margaret, it's my sincere
hope that I can be half the father to you that Pawpaw was to me."
Sure, I didn't agree with some things that he did, especially
as I was growing up. I recall that dad in sixth grade
wouldn't let me buy parachute pants or a red Michael Jackson
zipper jacket. He wouldn't let me get a spike
haircut or grow a rat tail in the back of my hair. I didn't
agree with him at the time. Looking back, what was I thinking? Parachute pants? He never, ever,
ever rung that bell. Dad was faithful to his friends.
He thoroughly enjoyed telling the tales at the Danville Liars
Club on Saturdays, and he spoke of it often. Coach Kamek, Saturday,
ordered a sausage biscuit and an orange cheese for old time's
sake. He was faithful to his friends, enjoyed hanging out
with them, talking to them, sending birthday cards to them. Many
of my friends, my own personal friends, would lean on my dad
for advice or direction. His door was always open. and
he accepted my friends as his own. Michelle's too. I wasn't
older than probably 10, 12 years old, and our house was kind of
the collecting place, and a bunch of our friends were playing baseball
out in the backyard, and Dad came out and started playing
with us as well. It was one of the few times he wasn't working.
And as I was accustomed to do, and my uncle will attest to this,
I got mad, I pouted, I complained, Well, dad said that's enough
and I had to go and he put me in my room. I looked out the
window, looked over the baseball field and there was dad still
playing ball with my friends. That same window years earlier,
I witnessed another part of my dad's faithfulness. Faithfulness
in disciplining his children. Dad was mowing the backyard and
told me, hey, pick up your balls, pick up your toys. When I didn't
do it, he sent me to my room. As Dad pushed the lawn mower
by my window, I thought it was a good idea to stick my tongue
out at him. It was a really smart thing to
do. Dad was never quick to discipline
or quick to anger. He thoroughly thought everything
out, rarely if he ever acted on emotion. So he let me percolate
on it, think about it. So when he finished the yard,
he came to my room, opened the door to find out it was locked.
Dad was not coming into my room. That was an even smarter thing
to do. I got disciplined that day, and discipline in a way
we can't do these days. It was deserved, and it was out
of love and faithfulness. He never, ever rung that bell.
Dad was faithful to our activities. Dad was never a big cheerleader,
or so I thought. Well, at least not until Eloise
started playing volleyball and Blake playing baseball and basketball,
Will soccer, and so forth. It wasn't that Dad didn't want
success for me. He just didn't feel the need
to be that parent. You know, kind of like my mom. I recall one time playing a game
over in Junction City, and the other parents were giving Dad
a hard time for never standing up and being loud. So during
the game, I hit a nice little jumper. Dad stood up, cheered
louder than ever before. I'm running down the court, I'm
like, who's this guy? My senior year at Danville, we
won the school's first baseball region title. And well, I had
a pretty good tournament. And after the championship game,
parents and students were congratulating everyone. Dad walked over to
me, very simply said five words. five words. Dad simply said,
I am proud of you. Oh, what that means for a son
to hear that from his father. And oh, I hope I made my dad
proud. Michelle, he was so very proud
of you. Don't cry. Proud of what you accomplished,
proud of your family, your kids, and proud of the woman you came.
Faithful are you, as it was he. So much of him I do see in you. Humble, never attention-seeking,
beautiful heart and soul. Always with the right words,
thoughtful and sure. And while it isn't the same,
it's not the same as dad, I am proud of you too. Last Thursday
night, your words, they were perfect. I'll never forget them.
Eloise, I'm sorry that he never got to see you play in person,
play volleyball in college. I wish he would have. He was
forever proud of you. He never missed a game and enjoyed
watching you from the computer. One of the last games he was
able to watch, he was so sick, he was in front of his laptop
like this, just watching Eloise play. You have a heart like Paw
Paw. Strive to be like him. Will Pawpaw
was equally proud of you. You have a kind heart, never
high maintenance, and simple in a good way, in the best of
ways. He loved how you constantly could fix all of his technical
things. He always worried about what you ate, about your food
allergies, but loved it when you went to town on things, you
know, kind of like bone meat. Blake Pawpaw was your biggest
fan. He thoroughly enjoyed watching you play baseball and basketball.
Your constant hustle and aggressiveness made him proud. Keep working
hard and never forget him. He also loved spending time with
you one-on-one, the lunches, conversations. More than once
he said, Blake is so enjoyable to talk to. I would say, my son? But he would also say, he is
so funny. He is really, really funny. Blake,
allow the memory of him, allow the memory of him to drive you
to accomplish great things. Grace Pawpaw loved your spirit.
He loved your demonstrative actions, your wonderful laugh, and the
ability for you to have fun in about most everything that you
did. He always saw you smiling, and that's a wonderful trait
to have, because he was always smiling. On this difficult day,
Cry not that you lost Pawpaw, smile that you knew him so well. And finally, Margaret, Pawpaw
said you were one of a kind, and certainly I agree. He was
always amazed at your tenacity, your insistence on getting anything
that you wanted. He recognized your gift of art,
and like the rest of us, he couldn't win an argument with you either. He never, ever rang that bell. Dad was faithful to his country
and to his community, whether it was serving as the president
of the Little League, to working Coach Promer's cross-country
meets, or the 25 years he worked at the gate at the Danville High
School football games. And while he never served in
the country, he had great respect for those that did, and great
respect for the values that this country was founded on. We were
at a basketball game at Danville, probably my sophomore or junior
year of high school, and the band started playing the national
anthem. And while I stood up, I was cracking jokes and talking
to my friends, not really paying attention. Following the home
of the brave, he came down from his seat, took my collar, jerked
me back, and said if he ever caught me disrespecting the flag
again, it would be the last game that I ever go to. Blake, I have
taught you at early age, when the national anthem is played,
we stand at attention, we look at the flag, we place our hand
over our heart to honor this great nation of ours. He never,
ever, ever rang that bell. Dad was faithful to his family
and he was proud of being a Campbell. Not in a boastful manner, but
it was an honor for him to be the second son of my grandparents. Growing up, he would drop me
off and drop Michelle off, and he would always say, don't forget
who you are, or don't forget you're a Campbell. Blake is the
only Campbell grandson, I hope that is in God's good providence,
to provide you and your potential wife a son. The Campbell name
is well respected because of our great grandparents, our aunts
and uncles, and certainly your Paw Paw. It would be a blessing
to carry on the Campbell name. While not a very good golfer,
in fact, he was downright lousy, Dad loved the 25 years of the
Campbell Open. He enjoyed the fellowship. The
camaraderie and the laughs, oh my goodness, the laughs. From
the awful shots to the ribbing of his brothers and friends,
it was truly the one year that Dad put away the work and the
stress that came with it and enjoy the time. His laughter,
Uncle Mel, still sits with me on those Campbell Opens. Dad
could also be very direct when he needed to. You're gonna be
mad. Sometime not knowing exactly
how it could be taken. After dating my mother for quite
a period of time, they had dinner one night. Dad felt the need
that he needed to break up with Mom. Being the gentleman he was,
however, paid for the meal, drove Mom home, walked her up to the
front door and said goodnight. And as doing so, he reached out
his hand, shook hers and said, may the Lord richly bless you.
That's cold. It's okay to laugh. Mom, thank
you for your faithfulness to Dad. Thanks for raising Michelle
and I when he was working. Thanks for putting up with me,
most of all. And thanks for being the greatest
Nana to these grandkids. These next few days, weeks, and
years, they're gonna be tough, but we have much to be thankful
for. We all do. You had the good pleasure of
spending more time with Dad than anyone. He loved you so. Thought
you were the most beautiful lady he had ever seen. And he loved
your energy and strength. We are a family, and we will
walk together forever, hand in hand. I love you. We are so very
blessed to know our grandparents intimately for so long, both
Campbell's and the Blake's. Blessed to have such a large
family that it get together as there was never any arguments,
never any fighting, never any drama. And while he could not
be with us today, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my 99-year-old
grandpa. Pray for him as you are led.
I can't begin to fathom having to bury three kids. He will miss
those weekly Monday phone calls from Dad. Four generations of
Campbell men. It is I that have been truly
blessed. Never, ever, ever ring that bell. Finally, and most importantly,
my dad was faithful to this church and faithful to the cause of
Christ. Beginning in April 1972, my father has stood in this pulpit
singing, teaching Sunday school, and preaching on the saving power
of Jesus Christ. In a few minutes, my father will
be laid in the ground directly behind us, and I think it fitting
that his earthly body be laid by his dear friend and our loyal
pastor, Don Fortner. What friendship they had. And
thankful that are we that dad got to serve alongside Don for
40 years. Two men with one wonderful message. On or about August 15, 1989, my dad stood in this pulpit and
preached a message that he had done numerous times before. The
message, as was all dad's teachings, was all about Christ and Christ
crucified. Nothing, and I mean nothing,
ever wavered that message from him. But in saying that, that
message in 1989 was just a pinch different. You see, in a few
days I was to leave for college. He stood up and as stoic as always,
looked directly at me in the pew, right back there. And he
said, Michael, you're going to college in a few days. I trust
everything mom and dad have taught you, you will be able to carry
out as you leave home. But in the next few minutes,
this sermon, I will be preaching to you. Look at me, pay attention,
and follow very closely. This will be the most important
advice I ever give you. Eloise, Will, Blake, Grace, and
Margaret, look at me, pay attention, and follow very closely to what
I'm about to say about Pawpaw, the way he lived his life, his
testimony, and his undying faithfulness to his Redeemer. Listen closely
to Brother Marvin and Brother Larry to follow. Hang on to their
every word. It's convenient to speak about
the Lord and call upon his name when sick New York tragedy hits,
but not Pawpaw. He called upon the Lord every
day. Pawpaw's testimony, Pawpaw's his witness, was his daily walk. Faithful was he to serve. Faithful
was he to pray and faithful to seek God's counsel and forgiveness.
And the Lord God Almighty called Pawpaw one of his own. I do not
begin to understand the ways of the world and truthfully the
ways of the Lord. Fred Evans spoke about this earlier
this week. As Deuteronomy 29, 29 states,
and Larry, in his passage you read earlier, the secret things
belong unto the Lord. Therefore, I do not know why
Dad passed away on Monday. I don't know why God called Papa
home after three weeks of being sick. I don't know why God sent
a pandemic to take his life. And truthfully, I don't know
why God gave Lindsey Campbell to be a faithful husband. a faithful
father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. But I do know
this, God makes no mistakes. He has no accidents. And in Paul's
passing and ascension to heaven, they which are called might receive
the promise of eternal life. And in all, Lord God received
all the glory. Papa's daily prayer was for Michelle
and I and then the five of you to know the Lord. That he calls
upon you to be born again, faultless from sin, blessed in mercy and
glorified in his dear son. On that day back in 1989, as
my father speak to me from this pulpit, his message was quite
simple and I say it to kids, Michelle said earlier, seek Christ. Seek him with all your heart.
Pray that he refills himself to you, not only today or tomorrow,
but daily. Be fervent in your prayer, and
at the time of God's choosing, may it be his will to call upon
your name and call you one of his own. That was Pawpaw's prayer,
and may it be yours as well. Never, ever, ever ring that bell. And what does that all mean?
As many of you know, my dad was an avid reader, sometimes reading
three, four, five books at a time. And over the last ten years,
as Eloise so eloquently stated, he really enjoyed reading books
about the Navy SEALs and the ones she's speaking of, Navy
Admiral William McRaven. SEAL training is meant to be
the toughest of tough, to test one's mental and physical limits.
Less than 20% of all candidates complete the training. But to quit, one simply has to
ring the bell three times. Lindsey Campbell, he never, ever,
ever rang the bell. But Lord God Almighty, in his
wisdom and grace, in his infinite mercy, sent his only son, Christ
Jesus, to ring Pawpaw's bell, to free him from the shackles
and the burdens of the world, to acquit him of all sin. Before the foundation of the
world, God called his son to save sinners, to save Pawpaw,
and to be a substitute in ringing the bell. And now, sitting with
the saints in glory, he is in the presence of God Almighty.
No, Pawpaw didn't die. He did not ring that bell. He
is alive, never to be separated from Christ again. Pawpaw never,
ever, ever rang that bell. But he had a savior that gladly
took his place. And at noon on Monday, September
the 27th, with Nana at his side, singing Amazing Grace and There
is a Fountain Filled with Blood, God called Pawpaw home to glory. And I can't help to think as
he approached his precious Redeemer, Christ looked and said, well
done, my good and faithful servant. We're very pleased here to have
Brother Marvin Stoniker, pastor of the Katie Baptist Church in
Fairmont, West Virginia, to bring our message. Lindsey Campbell was my friend.
That's how he addressed me. My dear friend, that's the way
he called me. We'd chit chat for a minute. Earlier this week when I received
a call that he had passed away, immediately my mind was racing
on Okay, what would be the arrangements? How would I kind of change everything
so I can be there? Oh, I don't know if I can be
there. I don't know if I can make this work. Had a dear friend
one time tell me, we often get one chance to do the right thing.
So while I was just pretty well convinced, I cannot work this
out. There's no way I can work it. Michael calls me and says, my
mom wanted me to call you. As soon as he said that, I thought,
must be there. I need you to take care of the
closing comments at the gravesite. I said, OK, that's what we'll
do. So I get a call this morning from Todd, and they found donors. Todd says, Marvin, I can't make
it. I need you to take that service. I'll tell you what I thought.
The lot is laid in the lap. And the whole disposing of it
is of the Lord. I'm going to make a few comments
out of Revelation chapter 7. The next morning after I'd spoken
with Michael, this passage came to my mind. I want to just take
Revelation 7, and this is what I'm thinking about. Our departed brethren, we speak and knowing that they're
with the Lord. We know that from the scriptures. And in the book of Revelation,
if you've got your Bible with you, I want you to look at verse
13, Revelation 7, 13. Let me just say, while you're
turning, let me tell you what has come about in this passage
of Scripture. The Lord is going to allow The
winds. Verse 1 says, Revelation 7, after
these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners
of the earth holding the four winds of the earth. You know,
we speak of the Spirit of God as being the wind. It blows as
the wind. This is not that. The winds here,
these four winds that are going to go forth are going to be that
which Almighty God allows to go forth These winds of deception. Deception. They're going to be
blown upon the earth. Almighty God orders all things. And whenever the Lord allows,
whatever goes through this earth, He does it to His glory and the
good of His people. But before these winds of deception,
are gonna be released by these angels. An angel, in verse two
says, ascended from the east, having the seal of the living
God, and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to
whom it was given to hurt the earth and sea, saying, hurt not
the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we've sealed
the servants of our God in their foreheads. Almighty God is going
to protect His people, those that He's everlastingly loved,
and they're not going to be deceived. They're not going to be tossed
with every wind of doctrine, deception. God's going to protect
them. Well, they are sealed. They're protected. And Almighty
God, after sealing and protecting His people, The scripture says
in verse 9 of Revelation 7, John speaking, and he said, after
this, I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could
number of all nations and kindreds and people and tongues stood
before the throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes
and palms in their hands. Now here we behold this great
number No man can number, God knows them. Man would be better
off trying to count the grains of dust upon this earth than
he would know those who are the Lord's. And here they are, they've
been sealed in their forehead and God has protected them, kept
them from deception, kept by the power of God from this era
this world. They're not going to leave this
world tossed to and fro. And John is allowed to see this
throne standing there clothed in white robes. And I began to
think on this passage as I looked over it and I thought, God's
people are there. They're there. What are they
doing? There's so much that we don't
know. There's so much that we're left in ignorance of. The Lord knows. But I looked
at this passage of Scripture and I thought, now here's a multitude. John sees them, verse 9. They're
from everywhere. And in verse 10, what are they
doing? Here's what they're doing. 10,
11, 12. They cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our
God. Isn't that a beautiful thing? Our God. Our God. What's He doing? Which sitteth
upon the throne unto the Lamb. I thought, this is a God that
this world doesn't know. Our God rules. David, where's
your God? Our God's in heaven. What's he
doing? Whatever he's pleased to do. And verse 11 says, And all the
angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders,
and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces,
and worshipped God. I thought to myself, I know so
little about that. Worshiping God, we assemble ourselves
together. We say we're going to a worship
service. Oh, how little I know. Verse 12 says, this is what they
were saying. Amen. So be it. and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving,
and honor, and power, and might be unto our God forever and ever,
so be it. John's looking at this, and he's
beholding. This is where the departed saints
of God are now, if you want to know. Where Brother Lindsey is. You want to know where Brother
Don is? You want to know where they are? Right now, according
to these scriptures, the only authority that has any merit
to it whatsoever, what are they doing? They're standing before the throne. And they see Him. And they know Him. He knows them. And here's what they're saying.
Blessing and glory, wisdom, thanksgiving. Oh, thank you. Thank you that
I'm here. Honor. Honor. The only honor that is deserving Power and might be unto our God. What power do we have? We're
frail creatures of the dust. We're just here for a moment. Oh, but unto Him forever and
ever. And then John said, one of the
elders, verse 13, answered, saying unto me, now listen to this question. I thought, what a question. What
or who are these which are arrayed in white robes? Who are these? Who are these people? Who are
these people standing in white robes? Now, he's asking a question
that he's going to answer in just a moment. And listen to
the second part of that question. And whence came they? Now, you
talk about a question. Now, here's a question. Who are
they, and where did they come from? That's what he's asking. Who are these people? The scripture says, verse 14,
answers out of complete submission to the one doing the asking.
And he said, sir, you know. Who are these that are standing
there in these white robes? And then that one that asked
him, that elder, said, these are they which came out of great
tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb. Who are these people? I'll tell
you who they are. These are the elect of God, those
that were chosen before the foundation of the world, that Almighty God
loved, loved with an everlasting love, that though nothing was found
in them, according to His will, He chose to show mercy. Moses
asked Him, Exodus 33, 19, Show me your glory. Show me your glory. Here is the glory of God according
to the Lord's answer. Here's his glory. I will have
mercy on whom I'll have mercy. And I'll have compassion on whom
I'll have compassion. And the Spirit of God moved upon
the Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 9 to say this, so then it's not
of him that will it, or of him that run it, but of God that
showeth mercy. These, verse 14, are they which
came out of great tribulation. Great tribulation. What is this?
We're in it. We're in it right now. This is
this great tribulation of these afflictions and trials persecutions
of this world all but the affliction from within the fighting and
the warring within Lord told his disciples. He said you be
hated of all men for my name's sake They came out of great tribulation And have washed their robes and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb They have robes that were not
of their making. This is the imputed robe of Christ's
righteousness. These are they that were chosen
of the Father and given to the Son, and those who the Son, the
surety, who stood and answered the demand for the justice of
God, 2 Corinthians 5, 21. He, the Father, hath made him
sin, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness
of God in him. These are the ones that the Spirit
of God came in the day of love, crossed their path through the
hearing of the gospel. He called them power, grace,
made them willing in the day of His power. And the scripture
says they've come and they've had their robes washed by faith
in the blood of the Lamb. I've thought of this scripture
so many times I thought they washed their robes white in the
blood of the Lamb. You know this is the only place
you're ever going to find that blood washes anything white. Oh, the preciousness of His blood. That blood that is beheld by
the Father, that blood that was put on the doorpost there in
Egypt, Almighty God said to Moses, tell the people, you put the
blood on the doorpost. And when I pass through, when
I see the blood, I'm gonna pass over you. And the scripture says in verse
15, and therefore, are they before the throne. These that God Almighty has everlasting
to love. Those that God chose to be there
with Him. What are they doing? I'll tell
you what they're doing. Therefore, are they before the
throne of God, and they serve Him, they worship Him. Now this is something, now just
think about what I'm about to read. They serve him, they worship
him day and night in his temple. We're so frail. I can't even
try to pray and keep my mind constant. I catch myself just
so, where was I? I called myself praying. Let
me tell you what they're doing. Separated from the body of this
dead, as you just mentioned. Separated from the very presence
of sin. Standing in the very presence
of God. They worship day and night in his temple. And he that
sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. He'll put his tabernacle
over him. Scripture says in verses 16 and
they shall hunger no more Neither thirst anymore Neither shall
the Sun light on them nor any heat There's not going to be anything
That's withheld from them that they need. What do they need?
I don't know But I can tell you this there'll
be no need that's not supplied. Verse 17, for the lamb, which
is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them. They're going
to be fed by the Lord Jesus Christ. He who loved them, lived for
him, died for him. He who ever liveth to make intercession
for him, he who said, Father, I will, that where I am, there
they may be also. Here they are. They behold his glory. And the
scripture says, and when he feeds them, that is to tend to them,
to nourish them, and cherish them. Oh, we try to be a little encouragement
to each other, you know, and help each other and say, I'm
going to be praying for you. But the scripture says there,
the Lord himself is feeding them. And then it says, and shall lead
them into living fountains of water. That is, lead them, to
teach them, to show them or guide them in the revelation of the
living waters of God's mercy and grace. I'm the first to admit I don't
understand all that I'm reading, but I believe it. And then lastly, and God. shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes. Not an angel. Almighty God. God who spoke this world into
existence. God who says and it is. God himself
in absolute tenderness and compassion and mercy Scripture says, shall
wipe away their tears. You know, right now, here we
are, we're hurting. I've looked at and I've listened
to these things that's been said that were so tender and they're
so sweet. And I was, my heart was just
moved. And I watched you, I saw you.
You couldn't hold back your emotions. We love Lindsey. We miss him,
miss Don. These men that I talk to all
the time, I love them. I love them. I'm not gonna say
loved, I love them. I miss them. My heart breaks. Betty Groover told me one time,
a believer dies and this is our attitude. We rejoice with a tear
in our eye, but they're coming to town. when there won't be
any more tears. And God will wipe away, right
now, this presence of sin, this body of death. We have anxiety,
we're troubled on every side, but oh, in that day. Freed from
the very presence of sin. Never again, never again to know
the occasion of weeping or despair or tribulation. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Deliver
us, deliver us from the body of this death according to your
good pleasure, your glory, and our eternal good. Amen. Let us all sing a very special
hymn out of your hymnal number 256. If you would stand with
me please and sing, It Is Well With My Soul. My soul is well. ? That's the surest control ? ?
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate ? ? And hath
shed His own blood for my soul ? ? It is well and truly known
? Oh. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! in my soul and glory. And the Lord shall be praised. Let's be dismissed in prayer. Our Father in heaven, Lord, how
we give you thanks for our dear brother Lindsey Campbell. We
thank you for his faithfulness. His faithfulness to us individually,
but most of all his faithfulness to Christ and the glory of Christ.
We thank you that in his life, he sought to glorify Christ.
And we pray that in his death, Christ would be glorified as
well. We thank you for the blessed assurance knowing that he is
now in the presence of our dear Savior, worshiping him perfectly. How we give you thanks. Lord,
we also know that our dear brother Lindsay prayed for his family,
for his children, for his grandchildren, that he earnestly prayed that
you might have mercy upon them, that you might give them that
which is most needful, and that's life and faith in Jesus Christ.
And we ask the same. Lord, let us continue that prayer
for him and pray that you would be merciful. not only to his
family and his children, but also to our families and our
children. We pray that if it might please you that you would
continue to use this small band of believers here in this church
to continue the furtherance of the gospel for the increase of
your kingdom, for the glory of Christ. And Lord, we pray that
today, that as the gospel's been preached, that if it might please
you that At least one person may have heard the truth of the
gospel, that they might believe in Christ and have life. But
we pray for this dear family. Pray that you would comfort them
in this time of an earthly loss. Pray that you administer to their
needs according as only you can. Provide comfort. Provide peace. Provide comfort. Remind each
and every one of us that all things are of God. and that you
do all things perfect for the good of your people and
for the glory of Christ. Lord, let each and every day
for us be Thanksgiving. Thankful that we've had men like
Lindsey in our life. I thank you, Lord, for crossing
our paths for the past 36 years. I give you thanks. Thank you
for him. Most of all, thank you for Christ.
Have mercy upon us. We ask that your will be done
in all things, that we would bow to your will, and we ask
that you would forgive us for our sins. Amen. Amen. Also, I want to say that
there'll be a brief burial service following immediately here, and
then also the family requests that you'll stay and join us
for a lunch that's going to be served down in the basement with
some fellowship. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It's good. It's good. Thank you. I'm I'm going to lose. I've got to
make sure I get this on the rack. I'm on the rack, so I'm just
going to... Let's talk for a while. Thank you. Oh.