Mentors
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
A Mentor has died from coronavirus in New Orleans.
So, so very sorry to hear of the death of the Rev. William Barnwell, a priest in New Orleans. His death is most probably due to coronavirus. I treasure every minute I could spend with him at the National Cathedral at the College of Preachers and through the adult education program, Disciples of Christ in Community, DOCC. He taught me especially about literature and the Bible, about preaching, about standing up fiercely for those whom society has forgotten or never cared for.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune calls him “the crusading minister of New Orleans.” I knew him most as the soft-spoken man with a rich New Orleans accent. Through his courses about the Bible and accompanying rich stories from modern literature, he led us to a greater understanding of the Bible through the lens of contemporary writers.
I treasure the books he wrote that Henry Hudson gave me when Henry left New Orleans. Lead Me On, Let Me Stand is the story of his life in White and Black. William also wrote Called to Heal and Brokenhearted, Stories from Kairos Prison Ministry International. Just the titles of these two books gives you a hint of his passionate ministry.
It was truly a “God Thing” that friends invited William to dinner with us in January in New Orleans after a conference at Solomon. I will continually treasure the opportunity to have that last meal together with him.
William served in the Coast Guard but was most known as a community organizer against racism and injustice.
As we remember those who have died in service of our country on this Memorial Day weekend, I will also say prayers for William Barnwell who almost died so many times as he fought to save and change the lives of others with his words from the pulpit, with his words through the Bible and contemporary literature, and with his words on our southern streets and in our southern prisons.
Give thanks for those who have mentored you. Call or write and thank them right now.
Joanna joannaseibert.com