I first met Murray Fredlund in Texas, at Bible School. He was Ross’s friend, and played bass on the worship team. We did not imagine what an extraordinary family he was from. His parents travel together around the world, always trying to be part of what God is doing here on earth. After teaching for 35 years at the University Del now mentors PhD students for a job. In 2005 Del received the Order of Canada award from the queen for making an outstanding contribution in his area of geography and for giving significantly to charitable organizations.
Del and Joanne’s stories and the wisdom gained along the way are very helpful. He always seems to speak just what I need to hear. “When people ask me for a character reference I only share strengths. It is not helpful to share areas where people need to improve. Share strengths. Always be encouraging.” This sounds a lot like Apostle John he wrote 1, 2 and 3 John in the Bible. John was an old man when he wrote those books. He used to be known as one of the “Sons of Thunder”. As an old man he concluded, “Love one another. God is love. Love one another”. I met several people on this trip, men and women in their 70s and 80s who have loved the Lord for most of their lives. They all told me what they had learned, “Love one another. Do good. Be encouraging”.
It was great seeing Murray and Barb again too. Murray had box seats at a hockey game as a fun evening for the guys at his company. Del and I were invited too, as he had a couple of extra tickets. One of the guys that work for Murray has a PhD in math. He says it gets easier when you quit using numbers.
I went to the gym with Del. I had forgotten this Northern Canadian custom. Everyone takes off their snowy or muddy footwear at the door, and puts on their inside shoes. And your shoes are still there when it is time to leave. I wonder if this custom is other places in the world?
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