I had the pleasure of knowing Larry over a period of about 20 years, and worked closely with him for over 5 years at CMA. He was my boss, mentor, colleague, friend, and also my Christian Brother. Although I’ve already used the word brother, I also see him as a father figure. So to me, and to so many others, Larry was indeed many things, all at once. He could even be like a bear; he’d sometimes crush me when giving a hug, such was his enthusiasm and passion. At other times he’d rush into my office with a new idea, and I would have to drop what I was doing, listen, take a few notes, and later on, take off in a new direction, on a new path that Larry had seen, prayed about, and thought we should explore. That was often how new projects or new activities got started at CMA.

If he felt I was on the wrong path, or if something I was saying or doing was bad for me, for CMA, or just plain bad, he’d come in, close the door, sit down, and gently begin his approach to the subject, deliver firm and excellent guidance, followed by a few words of encouragement. He never failed to set me straight, and he had to do that more than once. Each time, even if I didn’t always agree, or even if I felt I was right, I appreciated and loved his way of correcting, guiding, and counselling (and he was almost always right).

Larry was a great man of ideas, inspiration, faith, prayer, and vision. He didn’t worry about thinking too small or too big, he prayed a lot and loved the Bible, so he took his inspiration from the good book, which gave him revelation, enlightenment, and purpose. It also gave him great joy and comfort. He was driven by what he saw in the Bible. I believe that is how God wants us to be. When we love the Bible as Larry did, God’s happy with that.

At other times we would talk about knives, axes, sticks, poles, staffs, tents, boats, fishing, hats, food, rocks, trees, tyres, flashlights, wild animals, pets, clouds, birds, rain, the sea, and every good thing under the sun. Larry loved life, loved nature, the outdoors, and he sparked enthusiasm and excitement in others. I only went camping with Larry and Debbie once, but now I wish I had suggested more trips into the wilderness.

Larry’s conversations roamed widely, over the earth, touching on his life experiences, his world-wide travels, and even beyond. He spoke about his spiritual life, his struggles and God’s victories. He spoke for hours about the Bible and its wondrous inspirational teachings. His life and his faith made him creative and original, unique and passionate.

It was indeed a great pleasure to have known and spent time with him; the world has lost a great man, but oh what fun there must be in Heaven when Larry’s around; I hope they have enough ice cream up there for him.

Thank you Lord for a man such as Larry, thank you Lord, he was a blessing, and a joy to know. Amen.

Hedd Thomas
Former CMA Sudan Director