An hour ago I learned the very sad news of the passing of a hero, mentor and friend. Paul Eshelman passed away at the age of 80. His daughter Jennifer wrote, “His heart went into cardiac arrest, and began beating again in the presence of the one he loved so dearly – Jesus Christ.”
Paul, I love you. I miss you already.
He lived a faith-filled life of adventure. He founded, co-founded or chaired the NFL Chaplaincy program, Explo ’72, Here’s Life America: I Found It, Jesus Film Project, International Schools Project, Strategy Working Group for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, Issachar Initiative and Finishing the Task. He impacted my life at several milestone moments (see my tribute below).
I had the privilege of visiting him on December 23, 2022 for several hours. After a time, he was in full story mode and I was a rapt audience. I hit the record button on my phone and got 58 minutes of classic Paul telling of the works of God in our generation. The photo is from when he and Rena stopped by a month later to drop off a jacket I left during my visit. Here is the recording.
Here is the tribute I wrote October 3, 2016
Paul, As you have heard me say, “I still want to be like you when I grow up.” Working with you has been one of the great experiences of my ministry career. Here are some of my highlights…
1. Hearing you speak at KC ’83 about the Jesus Film when I was a baby believer. You asked everyone to consider making a faith pledge by not eating one pizza a month. I pledged $175 and was able to fulfill my commitment. That was my first-ever experience in giving (other than putting a few coins in the plate that my mother handed me as a child).
2. Having a one-to-one meeting with the iconic Paul Eshelman in Fort Collins, Colorado after coming back from my one-year STINT experience in Istanbul in 1989.
3. Having lunch with you and Jim Green in Paris in May, 2000 on the second floor of the restaurant while hundreds of young roller-bladers passed beneath us. This meeting confirmed our calling to join the staff of the Jesus Film Project.
4. At our first Christmas party with the Jesus Film there were no seats available since we arrived a bit late…other than the ones next to you and Kathy. We did not feel worthy of sitting next to THE Director and his wife, yet we enjoyed the evening tremendously.
5. Seeing your relieved expression at the first Damah Film Festival at the Experience Music Project in Seattle when our first place film had the expletive edited out.
6. Seeing your smile when I expressed my interest in becoming a director at the Jesus Film in 2003.
7. Being in the Fort Collins auditorium when you announced the home-going of Bill Bright.
7. Spending an hour with you in your office hearing your stories after your trip with Eric Watt.
And there are many more.
Shirin and I thank God for you and Kathy and your long obedience in the same direction.
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What a perfect, personal way to share Paul’s touch on your lives!
Clyde, please hand me a tissue. I love what you wrote about Paul and can literally hear his voice in my head and see that mega-watt smile, the endless stories! I’m so glad you hit the record button. Number 5 on your list above cracked me up because I know that was an issue and can imagine his relieved face! He was a great man who will be missed all over the world! I just left a comment on the JFP FB page (they asked for shared memories) but will repeat it here because I know you will appreciate it:
I was fortunate to work with Paul for over 15 years, his leadership inspired me and the way he lived his life influenced me. I have a great memory from at least 25 years ago. We (JFP) were having a day at the beach and my son, around 4 or 5 years old, had no clue who Paul was but walked up to him and started a conversation. I’ll never forget the smile on Paul’s face…as a mom I was worried that Keven was “bugging him” but he loved it! Now they are both in Heaven.
Barbara, thanks for your kind note. I’ve never thought of it that way, but he did have a megawatt smile.
Wow! Thank you for that story about Keven and Paul. My eyes are tear-filled.
What a delightful recording! Historic! Your encouragement to Paul to write his autobiography. Hopefully many of his stories are throughout the many different writings even if he didn’t get to do an official autobiography. Blessings to you for turning your phone recording on for this!
Sharon, I did put him in touch with a friend who was also a writer for Bill Bright. But there wasn’t enough time.
I never knew of your friend until reading this tribute. But I am spending time thinking through the wonderful highlight reels I have of so many great godly influences in my life.
Kendra, yes, may we be mindful of those who have invested in us!