DAVID K. STRAUB, 1945-1999

Despite the contradiction of life in a fallen world, a world in which it appears that the wicked surely prosper, Asaph wrote confidently in Psalm 73, "Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." God graciously drew near to the Psalmist, guided him, and would finally receive him into glory.

Such assurance belonged to David K. Straub, who entered this world August 18, 1945 and departed the same November 17, 1999, following a 17-month battle with declining health. For most of those 54 years he faithfully served the Lord who had demonstrated saving power in his life, who directed his life, and who now has taken him into his glorious presence.

During David's college years he embraced the doctrines of grace, met his wife Susan, and concluded that God had fitted and called him to preach. Shortly after graduation, this young couple went to Scotland. From 1969 to 1977 David sought to establish a church in Edinburgh, and for the last three years there he also worked for the Banner of Truth Trust. During this period sons Jon, Tim, and Steve were born in the same hospital, the same delivery room, and with the same midwives!

Returning to the States, the Straubs moved to Paradise, Pennsylvania, where David began a pastorate at Paradise Baptist Church. His labors here lasted from 1977 to 1986. While there, their fourth son Nathan was added to the family.

During David's years at Paradise, Reformed Baptists began to discuss earnestly the necessity of legitimate cooperation among churches as they engaged in foreign missions. This resulted in the establishment of Reformed Baptist Mission Services (RBMS) in March 1985. David became Coordinator late in 1985 and worked tirelessly in this capacity for almost 14 years, until illness made it impossible for him to continue.

Though David was not the first Coordinator for RBMS, he did continue to lay the foundation for this great cooperative effort. He clearly understood the biblical parameters of cooperation among churches and would not transgress them. At the same time he was visionary, always seeking ways to increase the churches' effectiveness in foreign missions.

None would challenge that this work was a perfect fit for our brother. As a veteran missionary himself, David understood the unique pressures and challenges facing Christian workers now serving in a culture not their own. Having been a pastor of smaller churches, he could also appreciate the difficulties those churches faced in getting qualified missionaries to the field. His love for the truth and a corresponding love for God's servants prompted David to give himself for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel.

David was an energetic worker, visiting RBMS missionaries and others regularly, traveling to each member church at least once every two years, and attending to massive detail in the Carlisle office. He rose to the occasion, learning and implementing every resource available, including the growing field of computer technology. One great tension in his life, perhaps, was a desire to be in more than one place at the same time. On the one hand, he wanted to be at home, assisting churches and challenging them to the work of foreign missions; on the other, he longed to visit the various fields themselves, offering encouragement and help. He seemed to be ubiquitous, present everywhere at the same time! He truly loved what he was doing.

David's life was one of sacrifice, as it was for his family. Our brother was gone for long periods of time in the service of the churches and missions. Even when he was home, undoubtedly he was preoccupied with the work which consumed so much of his attention. Reformed Baptist churches owe David, but also Susan and their sons, a great debt of gratitude.

Our brother was warm-hearted, gracious, the quintessential gentleman, courteous to all, always diplomatic, and competent for the work that God gave him. He was a leader who knew how to be a servant. We will miss him and his efforts; but God has fulfilled his gracious promise by receiving him into glory.

Though it appears to us that David's life was cut short, he did accomplish what he set out to do. He laid a good foundation for cooperative efforts among Reformed Baptists in the area of foreign missions. He brought us to this point, leaving us a great legacy. We do well to carry on with resolve.

DON LINDBLAD