Day of prayer organized for Charles Siburt as he battles cancer

Charles and Judy Siburt

As Charles Siburt battles cancer, friends and ministers mentored by him plan a day of prayer and fasting Friday, Feb. 3.
Siburt, associate dean for ministry programs and services at Abilene Christian University in Texas, is a well-known leader among Churches of Christ.
Jordan Hubbard, senior minister for the Belton Church of Christ in Texas, writes in a blog post:

Charles and Judy Siburt have dedicated their lives to giving to others. I want to pray for Charles in his final days for there to be peace and courage. I will also be praying a prayer of thanksgiving for all that Charles has given to the Church, and especially what he has done for me. I also pray for Charles’ ministry of blessing churches and church leaders that God would raise up more to take up the call.

In a separate blog post, Dan Bouchelle, executive director of the Missions Resource Network, writes:

Like the rest, I am deeply conflicted at the news that Charlie’s battle with cancer is drawing to a close and Charlie is in his final days with us on this side of Jesus’ appearing to set all things right. I’m thrilled Charlie will soon be with his Lord. I grieve over the hole his departure will leave behind. Thousands of us have been praying that God would deliver Charlie from this cancer and God has certainly been gracious to give Charlie many extra days. However, it appears now that the Lord is getting ready to take Charlie home.

Visit Siburt’s CaringBridge page.

• Feedback
  Thank you Charles and Judy Siburt for your selfless contribution to churches of Christ for these past several decades. Our staff at Missions Resource Network continue in daily prayer for your family. May the peace of the Lord rest on you!

  Alan W. Phillips

  January, 31 2012

  Another <a href=”http://godhungry.org/2012/01/31/charles-siburt/” rel=”nofollow”>great blog post</a> about Charles Siburt by Jim Martin.

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  January, 31 2012

  A <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/events/181671755273380/?notif_t=event_invite” rel=”nofollow”>Facebook page</a> related to the day of prayer and fasting.

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  January, 31 2012

  Charles Siburt was one of the most influential men in my life during the critical years of college and graduate school. Such an incredible spirit, joyful sense of humor, smart, innovative, and insightful. My prayers go out to the family as they face this difficult time.

  James Townsend

  January, 31 2012

  For Charles and Judy and those who know and love them:
  I am sure Charles doesn’t remember, but I called him years ago when our congregation was searching for a minister. He was wonderfully helpful. He had all the connections across our fellowship which allowed us to draw and benefit from his great knowledge and wisdom. Charles is loved by many. We have prayed for him during this difficult time, and we will continue to pray for his peace and his journey to be with God. Judy, we will pray for your peace, as well. Thank you both for all the kindness and wisdom, and for being spiritual resources to further God’s kingdom here and now on this flawed earth among His flawed people.

  Christie Cofield

  February, 1 2012

  I first met Charles Siburt April 30, 1997, at Pepperdine University. We were on a panel discussion in Lindhurst Theater at the Bible Lectures, “Reopening the Conversation between Churches of Christ and Christian Churches.” I found him to be a cordial, witty and engaging man. Charles Gresham and Prentice Meador were also on that panel. Brother Siburt and I are still among the living and I do join others in praying for this good and honest soul at this time.

  Victor Knowles

  February, 1 2012

  Charles is a wonderful leader and gifted counselor. His life is a victorious statement that the church has a great future. Well done, well lived!

  Jim Harris

  February, 2 2012

  Churches of Christ are better because of the insights and service of Charles. There is no one whom I know who has had more practical impact on so many ministers and churches as Charles has had. I am a better person, and have really become who I am (and there are many others who say the same), in large part because of “Chainsaw Charlie’s” “non-anxious presence.” It was my joy to have Charles as a teacher, as a mentor off and on through the last 23 years, and to have served as his grad assistant. Charles spoke often of his hero, Carlyle Marney. Charles has become my hero in the same way. I continue to hear his voice as I minister. May the Lord grant peace to Charles and his wonderful wife, Judy, and their good family. I share in your deep grief and also in the Living Hope.

  Kevin Kopsa

  February, 2 2012

  Thank you Charles for love of the Lord’s church. You walked with many through deep valleys. and for those walks we are both blessed and grateful. I preach today because Charles reached out with love and care, thnk you brother. Judy you have a fine husband and may God hold you both in the hollow of His hands.

  Bruce Pierce

  February, 2 2012

  My prayers and wishes are with you and Judy. You are a wonderful role-model to many Christians. I will always remember you and the great times we had at Fort WOrth &amp; Jax.

  Sharon Crozier

  February, 2 2012

  Charles and Judy,
  The Grace Chapel leadership team raises you and Judy up in prayer to our God of love and comfort. Charles we came to know you through Elder-link in Atlanta and we are better leaders because of the way you shared your faith in God with us. We praise God for sharing you with us in the Atlanta area.

  Stephen Daniels

  February, 2 2012

  Thank you for this article, Bobby. He has meant so much to so many. He has blessed so many with his shepherding.

  Clyde

  February, 2 2012

  What a tremendous blessing and privilege I had to study, if ever so briefly, at the feet of Dr. Seburt in Irving TX back in the autumn of 1996. I learned so much about church leadership and character in that short time and I will always cherish his wisdom and grace. Thank you for living your live passionately, humbly, and intentionally.

  Joe Cranford

  February, 2 2012

  Praying for Dr. Siburt and his family. He has been an immense blessing to countless ministers, churches, and, whether they even knew it or not, church members. If this is his time, praying God’s Great Reward for an amazing life of ministry. His crown will surely weight a ton with all the extra jewels!

  John Morris

  February, 3 2012

  I only met Brother Siburt once or twice, an awesome mind, great teacher and truly a mentor for those of us that minister God’s word. I will keep him before the throne.

  Clarence Campbell

  February, 3 2012

  It’s almost been 48 years, Charles, since you were auditioning just ahead of me for Bro. Hinds at Lubbock Christian on February 29, 1964. Was truly thankful that I was NOT a guy, and you were not a girl. Enjoyed those two years at LCC and remember meeting your sweet Judy our sophomore year.
  Then we transferred to Abilene, and I’d completed registration and was ready to take a nap when I remembered a promise to my father to audition for A Cappella. Was I surprised / shocked or what to audition right after you again?!?! That night when several from Lubbock Christian were together, Eddie Chance told me that if I did NOT make ACC A Cappella Chorus that I would be the FIRST LCC transfer not to do so. What pressure! How much prayer? So I asked Eddie to check the board for me because I couldn’t do so!!!
  Whenever I hear “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” you also come to my mind because our eternal walk after our walk on earth is what truly matters.
  You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers because Roberta Bender has been a good friend after Loyd’s company transferred him to Grapevine and we began worshipping in Lewisville. (Did you realize that I married that guy I met after a concert in Wichita Falls when my roommate was Cherie Romight spring break of 1966? Oh, yes, you &amp; Judy were in East Texas for a marriage seminar in the ’70’s when we worshipped at Mobberly in Longview)
  Thanks for the wonderful memories! You’re in our prayers even more now.

  Janice

  February, 3 2012

  My thoughts and prayers are with Charles and Judy, a servant couple who daily model Christ to all who meet them. Charles is such a warm and caring individual; he and Judy both showed great kindness during a difficult period in my life. Charles will be sorely missed by the church on earth, but a celebration of victory will meet him in heavan. Thank you, Christian Chronicle, for providing this opportunity to offer tribute to a true man of God.

  Sherry Pierce

  February, 4 2012

  What a great man. I once felt the warmth of God’s comfort from his arm across my shoulders and his encouragment through Charles voice. Thanks Charles, I love you brother.

  Allan Fain

  February, 6 2012

  I just learned about the Day of Prayer. Charles has been a great help, a personal spiritual mentor, and a friend and spiritual guide. I will continue to pray and for both Judy and Charlie – THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your incredible service to the Kingdom of God!

  Fuller Ming

  February, 6 2012