Earlier today I received the sad news that a good friend of mine, John Griffiths had suddenly passed away. A Christian for over 30 years, John first heard the call from Jesus in his forties, where the Saviour worked miraculously in his life as an evangelist. I have no doubt that John is now singing the praises of his Lord and Saviour face to face in the Heavenly realms, most probably singing louder than anyone!
During his time as God’s servant, I occasionally accompanied John as he tirelessly worked in schools throughout the Rhondda Valleys, preaching the Good News in a way that only he could, with great warmth, humour, passion and love, his big voice booming out, filling any size room without the aid of a microphone!
Which reminds me of another John…
John the Baptist, ‘a voice calling out in the desert’ for the people to return to God. Two thousand years later, John Griffiths was another voice, this time ‘a voice calling out in the Valleys’, and you can be sure that thousands heard his booming voice, crying out wherever he went of the people’s need for a Saviour.
Just like his famous predecessor, John was uncompromising in his faith, preaching the Gospel fearlessly and calling for everyone to turn to Jesus. I can only guess at the hundreds, if not thousands of souls who will be joining John in Glory because of his wonderful message, where even at this moment, Jesus is welcoming John Griffiths with arms spread wide and a beaming smile with the magnificent words: “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
It is a well known fact that John often walked the streets telling the people about Jesus, so perhaps it is rather fitting that God took him to his eternal home while he was out walking the streets he loved so much.
There will only ever be one John Griffiths – a true one-off who will be sorely missed by everyone.
For me personally, John was a great friend and a true inspiration – I will miss him.
Our prayers of comfort go out to all his family.
