(Editor’s note: A version of this article was published by Patheos.com. Click here to view it.)
Dr. Tim F. LaHaye, prominent Evangelical leader and co-author of the Left Behind series, died on Monday, July 25 at 90 years old after suffering a stroke. On his passing, I can’t help but smile at the way Penny Nance, a close friend of the LaHayes, and CEO of Concerned Women for America, said it, “I know he is in Heaven enjoying worshiping at Jesus’ feet and refining his knowledge and views on eschatology.”
Despite the critics and differences in eschatological opinions, Dr. LaHaye was devoted to the Lord he served so well until the end of his days. A pastor of a large Southern California church, Dr. LaHaye was a man of moral conviction who took an unwavering stand for the Gospel.
While he might have presented a big personality on radio, television, and in politics helping to found the Moral Majority, in person Dr. LaHaye was a gentle, soft-spoken servant-leader who, for example, always made time to encourage a struggling 20-something woman tired and frustrated with her job.
On several occasions I met Dr. LaHaye while working for Concerned Women for America, which was founded at his wife Beverly’s kitchen table in the 1980s. Though he might not have known my name, Dr. LaHaye and his wife always took time to walk over and chat with me for a few moments.
I can remember one occasion Dr. LaHaye shared just the right words to get me through a tough day. It was the March for Life. We staff members spent the day preparing for a board meeting, walking the halls of Congress for a lobby project, walking in the March for Life, and then hosting a dinner-time celebration event. That evening this introvert was in charge of the registration table. Perhaps noticing the fatigue all over my face, Dr. LaHaye walked over and asked me how I was feeling. I couldn’t hide the exhaustion and was pretty close to tears as replied, “I’m hanging in there.” He smiled, shared a Scripture passage, and even prayed a short prayer with me.
It might not seem like much, but that gesture helped me face the next few hours of greeting strangers at a registration table. I’m forever grateful for his kindness, his passion for people, and his contagious love of the Lord.
Dr. LaHaye will be missed.
Comment by Ann Morgan Miesner on December 2, 2016 at 3:29 pm
I just bought Tim LaHaye’s book, A Quick Look at the Rapture and the Second Coming. My husband said he died, and I just had to find out…somehow I missed knowing this. I’m sorry he left this earth before the Rapture, but I think his passing marks the tipping point for it to happen. I believe Nov. 8, 2016 marks the very DAY the tipping point manifested, as the Body of Jesus Christ TURNED to the RIGHT.
The Lord gave me an open vision of this happening in 1995–the body slowly turned in slow motion, took one step, then another until it was running east, then west over and over again; eventually, and so naturally it’s feet lifted from the earth like an airplane taking off. This and another supernatural event of 1994 spoke the same thing. Both visions have the same meaning – taking me to Genesis 41 where Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh. He says, “Take note! Seven years of great plenty throughout all the land . . .are coming. then there will come seven years of hunger and famine . . . that the dream was sent twice to Pharaoh and in two forms, indicates that this thing which God will very soon bring to pass is fully prepared and established by God” (vs, 29, 30, 32 Amplified).
These visions the Lord gave me are being fulfilled. At the tipping point, change will happen very, very quickly! More can be seen at http://www.godwhoareyou.com
Thank you for allowing me to share.
Comment by Charis R Kendall on May 7, 2019 at 8:30 am
He has certainly left a legacy of love for prophesy for many believers to cherish. Loved the left behind books, anticipating the next book each time. Also a member of CWA for many years. We are missing him but know he is now at the very feet of the ONE he served.