I just read the news that Bishop Rueben Job died this afternoon. - TopicsExpress

I just read the news that Bishop Rueben Job died this afternoon. I expect that each United Methodist clergy person has a favorite Bishop and that who that might be can vary greatly. Bishop Job was clearly my most loved. Rueben, as he insisted I call him, understood me as a person and as a minister more clearly than any other. He didnt find it strange that when he asked Iowa United Methodist Conference members to write abo, ut their current spiritual disciplines, I wrote that it was listening to a Bach cantata every day and meditating on the works texts. He strongly supported my playing in the Des Moines Symphony indicating that for me to not use my gifts and training in music would be denying a gift of God. He and Beverly bought tickets to the orchestra and on a number of occasions and sometimes would take me out for delicious dinners before the concerts. When I accepted an appointment at a very large and prestigious church outside of Iowa, it was he who was the voice that told me that I would be painfully tested, but that the Lord would bring me though. How right he was, He could understand my extreme I on the Myers-Briggs scale and would call to check how I was doing during hectic times. On more occasions than I can count Rueben would thank me, one who has often struggled to have faith, for my faithfulness. Many know him for his writing that has enriched the church in so many ways. To me he will always be more than that. He has been the caring friend who held me in prayer, put up with my failings, and more than many knew my struggles. Rueben, (and dear Beverly), I will always thank God for you.