My grandfather, Cal Witham, is a Baptist pastor - and has been for more than forty years. I had the privilege of hearing him speak this past Sunday. He spoke on the subject of Living Memorials and the Scriptural call for us to be living memorials to Jesus Christ.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12.1-2 NRSV)
I thought, in light of the message he delivered Sunday, that this was the perfect opportunity to make a few observations about my grandparents. I can say, in complete honesty, that my grandparents (Cal and Bonnie) are two of the finest, Godliest people I know.
My grandparents were professional entertainers until they became Christians. Once they decided to follow Jesus they left their careers in show business behind them and went into the Gospel ministry. They have never looked back. The list of people they have impacted over more than forty years of ministry will never be known this side of Glory. But I have become accustomed over the years to having complete strangers introduce themselves to me and then tell me the impact my grandparents have had on their lives.
Why am I writing this post now? I think for two reasons:
- My grandfather likes to say, “Give me the flowers while I live.” This is one small way I can publicly thank them for the Godly example they have set for those that follow behind them. My life and ministry have been forever impacted by their lives. So, thank you, Bumpa and Grammie for the fine, Christian example and testimony.
- The Christian community is sadly lacking in examples of people who finish well. Too many abandon the faith or shipwreck before reaching the other shore. My grandparents stand as shining examples of finishing strong. This is a story that all of Christianity needs to read more often. Cal and Bonnie Witham are living memorials to the Lord Jesus Christ and to his call to abandon it all to follow Him.
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I agree with Rob that Grammie and Bumpa are the first couple that I have met that are totally committed to the Lord. I have learned so much from them and I want to thank them for showing me just what it means to belong to the Lord.
What a wonderful tribute to our grandparents! Thank you for saying what I feel!
Yes, Rob, your grandparents Cal and Bonnie Witham are a very unique couple. Just their mere presence gives light to the world. They have a genuine sense of love to everyone they meet. A true “LIVING” memorial.
“Mega-dittos!” Well said Rob. They have impacted their family as well as the house of God. They are a GREAT example for ALL of us to follow!
Thanks, Rob for putting in print what I feel as well. Mom and Dad have truly been living memorials to Jesus Christ to me as well as the whole family.
Thanks Rob for writing such a tribute. Mom and Dad are the most wonderful examples of Christians, as a married couple, as parents, grandparents, friends, and the list goes on. The love they have for the Lord, for one another and everyone they meet is amazing.
They are certainly treasures in my eyes.
I’m not related to Pastor Cal and Bonnie, but have had the joy of listening to them. Despite many trials they’ve been through, they never fail to give glory to God.
When Pastor Cal preaches, it’s clear how deep his love is for the Saviour.He’s a pastor that people want to continue listening to, long after the service should be ending.
They are certainly loved by everyone who meets them.
I have had the joy of growing up knowing Pastor Cal and Bonnie. I received Christ through messages Pastor Cal taught at First Baptist Hanson, then Calvary Baptist.So many blessings have been mine over the years. Being baptized, having him marry Steve & I (29 years yesterday!)and dedicating our daughter to the Lord. The joy of Jesus is so evident in their lives and it spills over to all who know and love them! They share and show Him well!
I came to a saving knowledge of Christ through Pastor Cal’s ministry at Calvary Baptist of Hanson, MA in 1975, and of all the Pastors I’ve known since that time, none have had the heart of love that Pastor Cal & Bonnie have for people. He was always available, and even their home was open to calls and visits. They practice what they preach…that’s a living testimony!! LOVE YOU PASTOR CAL & BONNIE!
Where to begin? Pastor Cal and Bonnie Witham I love you both so much! I also have had the privilege of being blessed by them since my teen age years. Pastor Cal was instrumental in bringing Christ into our home when I and my sisters and brother were young. Jesus, through Pastor Cal and Bonnie, instilled in me a desire to live for Him. Thank you Pastor Cal & Bonnie for allowing God to use you then and now. For God’s Glory!
Rob,
I couldn’t have said it better. Mom and dad have continually been a consistent example to all those around them. We are blessed.
Thank you, Rob for putting into words what many people feel about your grandparents. The Witham’s and their family have been a special part of our lives for many years. We love you all. They have had many trials and they always give God the Glory. They are wonderful examples of Christians to the world today. I want to thank them both for the impact they have made on our lives and the love they have shown over the many years to all. May our Lord & Savior continue to bless Cal & Bonnie.
Rob, I am truly touched by what you have put in print. I don’t read a lot like some of you do, so Thank You for writing this, and Thank You Terry for pointing it out. Bumpa and Grammy mean so much to all of us, I think the living memory is the only way to go. I also feel no one including them will ever know the impact of their ministry until they reach Heaven. I know people of all denominations in Cambridge who continually tell me how much they have been blessed by Pastor Cal and Bonnie. In particular one recently retired Episcopal Pastor, forever comments on Pastor Cal being a Pastor’s Pastor. Words will never express how much they both mean to me. Cliff
Cliff, I very nearly mentioned the phrase “pastor’s pastor” while writing the article. Thanks for bringing it up.
Another note for those of you who may be wondering… I had a bit of a speech impediment as a child and I pronounced ‘Papa’ as ‘Bumpa’. Since I was the oldest grandchild it sort of stuck. Poor Papa was known as Bumpa for many years. I decided to use my old name for him in this article. And now you know the rest of the story.
Dear Robert
Thanks for the unexpected,wonderful tribute.Yes,the old song says”Give me the roses while I live,trying to cheer me on. Useless the flowers that you give,after the soul is gone” Rob,you have given me a beautiful bouquet. thank you.
BUMPA
Pastor Cal,
Where do I begin to tell what a humble man and such a wonderful man of God Pastor Cal is. He loves God and his family with all of his heart. He is my favorite Pastor of all time! I still remember our days at Calvary Baptist of Hanson as being such wonderful and Blessed days of God with us. Even those days with the old metal building were such aweseome days. Also your family is just lilke the 2 of you, you and your lovelly wife Bonnie who I love also. Your family is also humble and loving. I know Pastor Cal, if I ever needed you to talk to about anything, you would be there for me. I love you so much. When are you coming to First Baptist of Rockland to see us. Love in Jesus,
Joan Bryant
you put it into words so well…i am amazed at how much they go through and yet how firm their faith is.
they are one of the best examples, if not the best, of a couple who loves the lord and their family with all their heart…and their love spreads out to everyone they meet too! they have more love than anyone i’ve ever known. i am truly blessed to have them for grandparents.
Hi Pastor Cal and Bonnie… You both will endure in my memory as such a positive and loving influence in my life. For this I thank you. It is amazing the things you remember when you are grown. Thank you both.. .and your family for all of the love and support over the years. Love Kim
I’m happy that Rob put that into words. I’m so glad that Papa and Grammy have been in my life to take care of me ans our family. I enjoy going to their house each summer because when I’m there, I’m pretty much always happy because they are always in a good mood to praise the Lord. They are probably the biggest influence to me to keep on trusting God to get through tough situations in life. Papa has such a good sense of humor that always makes us in a good mood, and so does Grammy! Thanks you both for being in our lives! Love you both!!
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