We also say farewell to three faithful servants of the Lord, Stuart Briscoe, Sue Gilmore and Christian Bastke, who served many years at Capernwray Hall and Ravencrest Chalet, and whose influence within and beyond the ministry of Torchbearers spurred countless others on toward Jesus. Mark Thomas writes of Stuart:
For us as a fellowship, there is a deep sadness in having to accept Stuart’s going, yet a deeper joy in knowing he is at home. How grateful we are for what Stuart meant to us all through his godly character, Christ-centered life, and his clear preaching and teaching based on thorough study of the Scriptures. His gift in communicating the Gospel and ability to share Christ with clarity throughout these decades has had an impact on countless thousands around the world. For many of us who knew him personally, Stuart’s warmth and sense of humor have left a lasting impression along with the honest and practical counsel he so often wisely brought to us.
Stuart was born and brought up in the northwest of England and lived in Kendal just 14 miles from Capernwray. Having served in the Royal Marines, Stuart took up a profession in banking, though early on had a love for preaching. It was at Capernwray that he met Jill and what a great team they proved to be. Having met Major Thomas through his visits to Capernwray, Stuart was invited to join the staff and took on the responsibility for business and finances, and subsequently became Assistant General Director for the work of Torchbearers.
It was Stuart who initiated the Spring Bible School at Capernwray, and it was during his ten years on staff from 1960 -1970 that his preaching and teaching gifts took him around the UK and then further afield. He was truly accepted in so many places for his ability to communicate Christ and the implication of His life in the believer. Jill and Stuart left a lasting legacy in the area around Capernwray through the local youth work centered in what became the Warehouse in Carnforth. Stuart’s move to take up a pastoral role in America broadened his experience, and we are very much aware of the growth and development of Elmbrook Church in Wisconsin from where he had such influence in the USA. After handing over leadership of the church, Stuart traveled the world to share Christ in so many needy places. He and Jill established a ministry called “Telling the Truth,” which served the proclamation of Christ and His Word to be spread through radio and other media. The Torchbearers centers benefited wonderfully from their visits to Bible schools over recent years. Stuart will be very much missed, but we praise the Lord for the privilege of his friendship for so long and his investment through the Lord into our lives.
