Beneath The Surface, An Editorial Comment: Our Friend, Our Brother: Celebrating the Life of Rev. Gene Fackler -- By: Scott Lanser

Journal: Bible and Spade (Second Run)
Volume: BSPADE 29:1 (Winter 2016)
Article: Beneath The Surface, An Editorial Comment: Our Friend, Our Brother: Celebrating the Life of Rev. Gene Fackler
Author: Scott Lanser


Beneath The Surface, An Editorial Comment:
Our Friend, Our Brother: Celebrating the Life of Rev. Gene Fackler

Scott Lanser

I first remember meeting Gene Fackler shortly after I became a staff member with the Associates for Biblical Research, and Gene made a most definite impression upon me. His rich and resonant voice and powerful handshake demanded attention, but his gentleness of spirit belied that demonstrative first impression. His love for Jesus Christ was first in his life, and his compassion for the struggling soul was at the forefront of his daily concerns. Gene was a gifted artist, and joined ABR to assist the research staff in creating drawings with precision and artistry. In my office hangs a wonderful pastel drawing of biblical Jericho, signed by Gene, which stands out as a centerpiece and illustration of ABR’s mission to uphold the authority of the Bible. Gene’s artistic contributions were an important part of the growth of ABR, regularly illustrating with visual impact the light our research was shining on the people, places and cultures of the Bible. From large subject matter to the smallest greeting cards, to wonderful, detailed illustrations in our magazine, Bible and Spade, Gene made the world of the Bible come alive.

The importance of Gene’s impact on ABR was felt through the extraordinary gift of his powerful voice. Gene broadcast for many years on our local Lancaster County Christian radio station, WDAC, touching lives day to day and week to week throughout our region. The impact of ABR powerfully grew as Gene produced and edited “The Stones Cry Out” radio program, still heard on many stations. His commitment to radio ministry was strong, and he regularly reminded us of the important impact this ministry was having on the lives of people throughout the country. Gene was indeed the driving force of this informative and educational outreach!

On a warm spring day in 2010, I sat down with Gene and we shared about the Lord’s calling on our lives. We talked about our childhoods and the challenges and obstacles that we had to overcome. Gene’s journey profoundly touched me. As the conversation deepened, I remember particularly his stories of the men he was reaching out to in prison. Prison ministry requires a certain temperament and a special calling, because the men under his ministry were battling all sorts of personal issues…and they so often would turn back to old, destructive ways. But Gene showed enormous patience and grace, even testifying in court on behalf of the men he ministered to. Gene prayed diligently for those who were hidden away from society, but were men whom God loved and who needed the compassion and the discipline of the Lord.

Gene’s life was a testimony of love for Christ, of love ...

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