I was always struck by two things. First, his ability to remember names. It has been a long time since I saw him last, but when I did run into him he remembered my name. He remembered facts about my life. It had been like 15 years since I saw him on a regular basis and he still remembered who I was.

Second thing was his brutal but loving honesty. When I was going through dark times as a teen and wanted to meet with him, the very first thing he said after listening to me rant for like 20 minutes was, "Well, is there habitual sin in your life?" He said in the most loving, noncondemning way that I was taken aback. He was one of the most well-read and smartest man I knew and he didn't sit and give me a run around. He got straight to the point. And that has always stuck with me. He was committed to the Word of God. Focused. And there was nothing else that caused him to deviate from that.

Fun fact. I asked him his secret for remembering names. He told me when he meets someone for the first time, he finds a way to refer to their name numerous times during the discussion. He does this every time. I have used this technique as a teacher and it has proven invaluable to learn student names quickly.

-Adam Denevic

I was actually able to stump him once. At a congregational meeting, where the subject of eldership was the main focus, and Randy was explaining the “man of one wife” concept in 1 Timothy 3:12. I asked if he knew what the punishment for polygamy was. He admitted he did not. I told him and everyone present, that it is two mothers-in-law!

Another memory is when we were digging to do the remodeling of the church in 1997 (or thereabouts). Digging for the elevator shaft, we found out that the foundation on the “church” side was nonexistent. I then suggested to Randy that his next sermon series should be titled, ”The Church Without A Foundation."

At some point in time he had a PA license plate that had the letters ”AWE” on it. Switching vehicles his new license plate started with “DVD”. I just thought that was a downgrade - not an upgrade. He seemed to enjoy that joke, or he just pretended (not that he EVER pretended). Yes, Randy had a great sense of humor and a VERY firm handshake. A man you could trust your life with and know you were in good company.

-Kjell Eriksson

The Quintessential Randy Elliott, My Friend

I hope to never forget one unexpected evening with Randy. It was in his recovery room from lung biopsy surgery that my heart and memories were tremendously impacted by his character.

I was there, hopefully, to be good company and a distraction while giving Esther (his wife) a few hours break. It had been a difficult day for him, full of anxiety, discussions about diagnosis of his terminal disease and then the excruciating surgery. My job was just to sit (stay awake) and maybe smile. I anticipated him to be drowsy and maybe sleep while I sat quiet. Unexpectedly, Randy announced (quite alertly), “I’ve been thinking about something you said,” (a couple of months prior)…”how have you sensed God leading you on that?” I actually laughed because it was so like him to be thinking about someone else even though he just had surgery, and was emotionally processing a likely life-ending disease.

He continued to question and offer possible solutions when a young male nurse came in the room. “Pastor Randy, I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier…I’m going to pray some more but I think I will go back and get my graduate degree.” They chatted a while longer. I sat wondering when or how had they became such good friends. Randy told me later “Oh, I think we talked before surgery.”

A few minutes later another hospital staffer peeked in the room. She said, “My shift is over, I’m leaving now. I just wanted to say thank you for talking with me…I’m going to try going back to church.”

This was extraordinary. I had never seen anything like it. On a day most of us would (understandably) be self-absorbed, anxious, needing help and comfort. Randy was thinking about my problem, the nurse's career/life path (by the way Randy told him about a good church and Pastor at the college town discussed) the staffer's family life and spiritual needs.

His habit of putting others first, seeing the needs of others and asking good questions allowed the Spirit of God to be mightily at work all the while he lay in a hospital bed.

This moment comes to mind often. Especially when I pray, “What’s my ministry, today?” To DO the little things, excellently. To serve those around you with sincerity. To give others Hope. That was Randy Elliott.

(A second submission by Randy's friend, Jim.)

I consider my friendship with Randy Elliott to be one of life’s great surprises. Thinking back to our first conversation, I remember being aware that I had met my better. Not only his expansive intellect but his warm smile and intensely active listening gave me the sensation that my world had become brighter and better.

Through the years, I watched the impact Randy’s ministry had on many people’s lives. I heard countless comments like, “He had a divine calling”, “He is an anointed preacher” and on and on. We talked together many times about perceived success and failure and Randy would often conclude with the old refrain, “The breath of ministry is God’s business, but the depth of my relationship with Him is my responsibility.”

The privilege to spend extended time on vacation and long weekend getaways showed me the practical side of “anointed”. He was always awake early finding extra hours to pray, study for sermons, follow-up emails, letter writing and phone calls. I suspect he often did more before 9:00 a.m. than most do in a week. And all this was on his days off!

When I find myself praying, “What is my job, today Lord?” Randy’s reminder echos...

“To DO the little things, excellently.

Serve those around you with sincerity.

Give others hope.”

I look forward to the next time we chat.

Your friend,

Jim Reiter