Comments on: In Memory http://www.richhubbard.co.uk In Memory Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:31:18 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Noel Christopher Kurian http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-301 Noel Christopher Kurian Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:31:18 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-301 Dear Lynda, Loving Greetings in Christ, wherever you are! Even as I type this, I am listening to a inspiring message by Rich that Links sent sometime ago. I am looking at his smiling face of joy amidst the pain he went through on the cover page of the links mag; and my sincere concern for your well being and comfort of all your family, has been on my mind and occassional prayer many times. I was a brand new missionary with my wife and two children to Shillong, and I first met Rich in 2001, and though I hardly knew who he was or what links was about; he so lovingly pulled out this worship cassette of Chris Bowater and gifted me a copy. We used to be in occasional touch via email, and once in great discouragement, I received a caring and personal email conveying he was praying for me and had added my name to receive the book and CD pack from Links. I cannot recall even once, that the LORD would just bring alongside the special giftpack from Links, just at a time I felt like absolutely giving up....and the LORD would prod me to keep going through the encouragement of the message, book and worship CD. My entire connection with Links was directly with Rich, and now I do feel that missing link in my life. I do pray you would continue your precious involvement and contribution to Links worldwide. Thank you Rich for connecting me to the Links family and I pray to be a blessing back some day. With the Love of Christ, Noel Kurian Pune, India. Dear Lynda,

Loving Greetings in Christ, wherever you are!

Even as I type this, I am listening to a inspiring message by Rich that Links sent sometime ago. I am looking at his smiling face of joy amidst the pain he went through on the cover page of the links mag; and my sincere concern for your well being and comfort of all your family, has been on my mind and occassional prayer many times.

I was a brand new missionary with my wife and two children to Shillong, and I first met Rich in 2001, and though I hardly knew who he was or what links was about; he so lovingly pulled out this worship cassette of Chris Bowater and gifted me a copy. We used to be in occasional touch via email, and once in great discouragement, I received a caring and personal email conveying he was praying for me and had added my name to receive the book and CD pack from Links. I cannot recall even once, that the LORD would just bring alongside the special giftpack from Links, just at a time I felt like absolutely giving up….and the LORD would prod me to keep going through the encouragement of the message, book and worship CD.

My entire connection with Links was directly with Rich, and now I do feel that missing link in my life. I do pray you would continue your precious involvement and contribution to Links worldwide. Thank you Rich for connecting me to the Links family and I pray to be a blessing back some day.

With the Love of Christ,

Noel Kurian
Pune, India.

]]> By: Bruce http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-269 Bruce Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:38:56 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-269 It is a long time since I saw Rich when he came to Scarborough to speak at what was then called 'Breakthrough'. Rich had no heirs and graces - a great guy with a quick whit and sharp mind which made him a very effective communicator and his joy was infectious. It is a surprise for me to just discover that he has gone to be with Jesus but 'His ways our not our ways' and we bow the knee in glad surrender. My love to all the family and friends - may Grace fill all the gaps till the day when we all meet again x It is a long time since I saw Rich when he came to Scarborough to speak at what was then called ‘Breakthrough’. Rich had no heirs and graces – a great guy with a quick whit and sharp mind which made him a very effective communicator and his joy was infectious. It is a surprise for me to just discover that he has gone to be with Jesus but ‘His ways our not our ways’ and we bow the knee in glad surrender. My love to all the family and friends – may Grace fill all the gaps till the day when we all meet again x

]]> By: David Tucker http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-258 David Tucker Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:09:04 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-258 In 1992 my wife Heather and I organised a Bible Camp for the Cornerstone network of churches. Rich was the guy we invited to do the Children’s work. The facilities weren’t great and the marquee we gave him was really too small. But there was never a complaint from him. He just got on and did the job – a great job – with a smile. He was a gentleman. It was a joy to work with him. And from time to time when our paths crossed again we remembered that time and simply enjoyed talking together. A great guy! In 1992 my wife Heather and I organised a Bible Camp for the Cornerstone network of churches. Rich was the guy we invited to do the Children’s work. The facilities weren’t great and the marquee we gave him was really too small. But there was never a complaint from him. He just got on and did the job – a great job – with a smile. He was a gentleman. It was a joy to work with him. And from time to time when our paths crossed again we remembered that time and simply enjoyed talking together. A great guy!

]]> By: Christine Harris http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-149 Christine Harris Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:33:30 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-149 I only met Rich once, when he came to speak at the Church Women's group of the Methodist Church in Rustington. That was about 6 or 7 years' ago but I was so impressed by his exuberance and his enthusiasm for the work of Links and his Christian love and dedication to God's calling that I was moved to make a donation to Links Internation. I had recently returned to UK from Rhodesia, am elderly and had never heard of Links International before but I knew from that one encounter that if Rich was involved in that work, it was worthy of my support. I am sorry I didn't get to know him. I only met Rich once, when he came to speak at the Church Women’s group of the Methodist Church in Rustington. That was about 6 or 7 years’ ago but I was so impressed by his exuberance and his enthusiasm for the work of Links and his Christian love and dedication to God’s calling that I was moved to make a donation to Links Internation. I had recently returned to UK from Rhodesia, am elderly and had never heard of Links International before but I knew from that one encounter that if Rich was involved in that work, it was worthy of my support. I am sorry I didn’t get to know him.

]]> By: Graham and Christine Cotter http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-120 Graham and Christine Cotter Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:36:26 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-120 We are living near to Tavistock, Devon, and Rich and Lynda worshipped in a church there called Vineyard - pre-John Wimber. My first meeting with Rich was in Buckland Monachorum village where he was leading an older children's event with great enthusiasm, and actively anticipating that God would meet with them in power through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. As a church we came to know Rich much better after he had left for Arun Community church. Some of the tributes above refer to Rich's great giftedness with children. We were the recipients of his teaching and prophetic praying as he spoke to the church as a whole. He visited us on several occasions, and with Lynda and Sam and Amy attended on two occasions our week-long camp at Stoke Fleming. What impressions did Rich leave? His preaching was inspirational, bringing fresh light on Scripture and drawing out telling applications. His passion for Jesus was so evident. His messages were clearly thought out, but there was an added dimension to them as he was carried along by the Holy Spirit. Within this he introduced from time to time a rich vein of humour. Speaking at our parish camp I can recall the story about the car journey with Lynda after he had been invited into full-time ministry in Sussex, and their contrasting reactions. I think I was relieved that Lynda was out of the tent at the time! Secondly I learnt a lot from Rich about stepping out in faith; this was so marked in his prophetic praying; sensitive to the person, yet keenly listening for the voice of God. Many must have found their lives strengthened, encouraged and comforted as prophecies were spoken over them. Third was Rich's naturalness, and unassuming nature. I wonder if he was sufficiently recognised by the wider body of Christ? This would have meant nothing to him. He was content to go where he was invited, and to leave whichever environment he attended the better and richer for his coming. He was a good listener and identified with the concerns of others. The fruit of the Holy Spirit was very evident in his life. He lived the whole of life under the Lordship of Christ and as someone has written above did not recognise a sacred/secular divide. It was the totality of life expressing the fullness of life that Jesus came to give. A personal regret is not having visited Rich before he died. The whole manner of his dying, and reading about it from afar sounded so courageous, and lightened by humour. Faith and trust poured out of him. Heaven is certainly the richer and earth the poorer. Lynda this is a late tribute to Rich. I know that I speak for many in our church, and perhaps many in the Vineyard fellowship from of old. We praise God for Rich, for his zest in ministry and for his willingness to go, travel and encourage as the Lord expanded his frontiers and provided new opportunities. We are especially remembering you, - Lynda, Sam and Amy, - this Christmas. There is a verse in Acts 8 that says 'godly men buried Stephen and mourned for him.' They knew Stephen was with the Lord Jesus as he had leaned over the parapets of heaven to welcome him. But they also mourned for him, and expressed their deep feelings of loss. We do the same. We have lovely memories of Rich, encapsulated in his infectious smile, and in his enthusiastic, faith-filled presence and demeanour. (Was I the only person to call him Richard?) This must always have sounded very formal! Lord Jesus, thank you for every memory of Rich; 'the memory of the righteous is a blessing.' With our love and prayers, Graham and Christine Cotter. We are living near to Tavistock, Devon, and Rich and Lynda worshipped in a church there called Vineyard – pre-John Wimber. My first meeting with Rich was in Buckland Monachorum village where he was leading an older children’s event with great enthusiasm, and actively anticipating that God would meet with them in power through Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

As a church we came to know Rich much better after he had left for Arun Community church. Some of the tributes above refer to Rich’s great giftedness with children. We were the recipients of his teaching and prophetic praying as he spoke to the church as a whole. He visited us on several occasions, and with Lynda and Sam and Amy attended on two occasions our week-long camp at Stoke Fleming.

What impressions did Rich leave?

His preaching was inspirational, bringing fresh light on Scripture and drawing out telling applications. His passion for Jesus was so evident. His messages were clearly thought out, but there was an added dimension to them as he was carried along by the Holy Spirit. Within this he introduced from time to time a rich vein of humour. Speaking at our parish camp I can recall the story about the car journey with Lynda after he had been invited into full-time ministry in Sussex, and their contrasting reactions. I think I was relieved that Lynda was out of the tent at the time!

Secondly I learnt a lot from Rich about stepping out in faith; this was so marked in his prophetic praying; sensitive to the person, yet keenly listening for the voice of God. Many must have found their lives strengthened, encouraged and comforted as prophecies were spoken over them.

Third was Rich’s naturalness, and unassuming nature. I wonder if he was sufficiently recognised by the wider body of Christ? This would have meant nothing to him. He was content to go where he was invited, and to leave whichever environment he attended the better and richer for his coming. He was a good listener and identified with the concerns of others. The fruit of the Holy Spirit was very evident in his life. He lived the whole of life under the Lordship of Christ and as someone has written above did not recognise a sacred/secular divide. It was the totality of life expressing the fullness of life that Jesus came to give.

A personal regret is not having visited Rich before he died. The whole manner of his dying, and reading about it from afar sounded so courageous, and lightened by humour. Faith and trust poured out of him. Heaven is certainly the richer and earth the poorer.

Lynda this is a late tribute to Rich. I know that I speak for many in our church, and perhaps many in the Vineyard fellowship from of old. We praise God for Rich, for his zest in ministry and for his willingness to go, travel and encourage as the Lord expanded his frontiers and provided new opportunities.

We are especially remembering you, – Lynda, Sam and Amy, – this Christmas. There is a verse in Acts 8 that says ‘godly men buried Stephen and mourned for him.’ They knew Stephen was with the Lord Jesus as he had leaned over the parapets of heaven to welcome him. But they also mourned for him, and expressed their deep feelings of loss. We do the same.

We have lovely memories of Rich, encapsulated in his infectious smile, and in his enthusiastic, faith-filled presence and demeanour. (Was I the only person to call him Richard?) This must always have sounded very formal!

Lord Jesus, thank you for every memory of Rich; ‘the memory of the righteous is a blessing.’

With our love and prayers,

Graham and Christine Cotter.

]]> By: Stuart & Mags Long http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-73 Stuart & Mags Long Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:25:07 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-73 What magnificent tributes to a truly wonderful and inspiring person. Rich may only have been on this earth for a short 50 odd years but it is clear that the impact he made on all of us will continue to benefit and inspire . I first met Rich in the early 1980's when he was a newly appointed Solicitor at West Devon Borough Council (my line manager) - in reality he was not a Boss but a great friend and we shared many many laughs together - it was truly a pleasure to go into work and re enact Monty Python/Fawlty Towers sketches - his John Cleese was perfect! We used to have races across the office on our wheeled office chairs -not sure why yours was faster than mine must have been the whitewall tyres? Rich held the greatest respect from Councillors, colleagues and the public whom we served. He always had the right words and demeanour for any situation whether it be in front a packed Council Chamber or a Court Room where he was conducting Council business - he had local magistrates eating out of his hand!!! Rich always said that he knew his calling and when his Ministry work outweighed his "day job" he would leave and give it (the Ministry) his all (was there any other way with Rich?!). Rich was game for anything and never forgot a blast on the back of my motorbike one lunch hour through the Devon country lanes - even 20 years later when we were fortunate to meet up again this summer he still recounted the thrill of it all. We also had fun photographing the cover of first cassette tape - was it called "Rich"? Messing about in boats, visits to Chimney Rock Gunnislake, talking about cars and the merits of the Espace - never a dull moment when Rich was around was there? Rich was so amazing about his illness talking about it as if it were a minor inconvenience and regaling me about the possibility of a thrilling ride in an ambulance with blue light and siren wailing! Missed you 20 years ago and missing you now me old mate. Love thoughts and prayers are with your lovely family - you will be missed in so many ways but those memories are forever. One of a kind never to be forgotten. What magnificent tributes to a truly wonderful and inspiring person. Rich may only have been on this earth for a short 50 odd years but it is clear that the impact he made on all of us will continue to benefit and inspire . I first met Rich in the early 1980′s when he was a newly appointed Solicitor at West Devon Borough Council (my line manager) – in reality he was not a Boss but a great friend and we shared many many laughs together – it was truly a pleasure to go into work and re enact Monty Python/Fawlty Towers sketches – his John Cleese was perfect! We used to have races across the office on our wheeled office chairs -not sure why yours was faster than mine must have been the whitewall tyres?
Rich held the greatest respect from Councillors, colleagues and the public whom we served. He always had the right words and demeanour for any situation whether it be in front a packed Council Chamber or a Court Room where he was conducting Council business – he had local magistrates eating out of his hand!!! Rich always said that he knew his calling and when his Ministry work outweighed his “day job” he would leave and give it (the Ministry) his all (was there any other way with Rich?!). Rich was game for anything and never forgot a blast on the back of my motorbike one lunch hour through the Devon country lanes – even 20 years later when we were fortunate to meet up again this summer he still recounted the thrill of it all. We also had fun photographing the cover of first cassette tape – was it called “Rich”? Messing about in boats, visits to Chimney Rock Gunnislake, talking about cars and the merits of the Espace – never a dull moment when Rich was around was there?
Rich was so amazing about his illness talking about it as if it were a minor inconvenience and regaling me about the possibility of a thrilling ride in an ambulance with blue light and siren wailing! Missed you 20 years ago and missing you now me old mate. Love thoughts and prayers are with your lovely family – you will be missed in so many ways but those memories are forever. One of a kind never to be forgotten.

]]> By: Tim Brawn http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-64 Tim Brawn Fri, 15 Oct 2010 06:22:14 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-64 I had the privilege to serve with Rich on the Links Board for a number of years and was always so impressed by his wisdom,enthusiasm and vision for the world.He was passionate for the lost,and knew his calling.I haven't seen him for a few years now,but understand the loss so may are feeling,and share in that.What is very clear is that so much fruit has come from his life,and that is the greatest legacy he can leave. Well done Rich. I had the privilege to serve with Rich on the Links Board for a number of years and was always so impressed by his wisdom,enthusiasm and vision for the world.He was passionate for the lost,and knew his calling.I haven’t seen him for a few years now,but understand the loss so may are feeling,and share in that.What is very clear is that so much fruit has come from his life,and that is the greatest legacy he can leave.
Well done Rich.

]]> By: Terry Read http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-62 Terry Read Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:07:06 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-62 I had the privilege of playing guitar with my then pastor Garry Rumbold of Kingdom Faith Church at a leaders meeting in Scarborough, with Richie. I felt so pleased as I'd played many of his songs at children's meetings and so blessed listening to him teach. His gain really is our loss. I had the privilege of playing guitar with my then pastor Garry Rumbold of Kingdom Faith Church at a leaders meeting in Scarborough, with Richie. I felt so pleased as I’d played many of his songs at children’s meetings and so blessed listening to him teach. His gain really is our loss.

]]> By: Alison Fountain http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-57 Alison Fountain Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:03:40 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-57 Rich was amazing in the role I knew him for in overseeing Powerpoint at Faith Camp. I recall boundless levels of energy and enthusiasm as he sought to inspire, empower and equip us as young people to walk with God. I'm pleased to say that largely due to these Faith Camp experiences which provided me with a firm foundation, I continue to walk closely with God and now lead in my church's youth group. I've always been incredibly grateful to Rich for his youth ministry and willingness to give of himself as he sought after the things of God. I'm so sorry to hear of his battle with cancer and now pray for his friends and family that they would be comforted with the knowledge that God has used Rich's life to powerfully impact others and God has won the ultimate battle, allowing us to spend eternity with Him. Rich was amazing in the role I knew him for in overseeing Powerpoint at Faith Camp. I recall boundless levels of energy and enthusiasm as he sought to inspire, empower and equip us as young people to walk with God. I’m pleased to say that largely due to these Faith Camp experiences which provided me with a firm foundation, I continue to walk closely with God and now lead in my church’s youth group. I’ve always been incredibly grateful to Rich for his youth ministry and willingness to give of himself as he sought after the things of God. I’m so sorry to hear of his battle with cancer and now pray for his friends and family that they would be comforted with the knowledge that God has used Rich’s life to powerfully impact others and God has won the ultimate battle, allowing us to spend eternity with Him.

]]> By: Ruth Thompson http://www.richhubbard.co.uk/#comment-55 Ruth Thompson Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:49:57 +0000 http://www.richhubbard.co.uk#comment-55 Today, 28th September, I found myself singing the songs Rich taught my daughter at Spring Harvest and also at the City Church in Worcester. I often found myself singing away with those inspired songs, but today it started a train of thought ....... I wonder what Rich is doing now? Well, it was with a little sadness I saw that he no longer walks this earth, but joy that the Father has called him home. Sleep well, Rich, and thank you so much for following the Master and letting Him use you in such incredible ways. Today, 28th September, I found myself singing the songs Rich taught my daughter at Spring Harvest and also at the City Church in Worcester. I often found myself singing away with those inspired songs, but today it started a train of thought ……. I wonder what Rich is doing now? Well, it was with a little sadness I saw that he no longer walks this earth, but joy that the Father has called him home. Sleep well, Rich, and thank you so much for following the Master and letting Him use you in such incredible ways.

]]>