Dad

Dad turns 66 today.

66 years after he was born at Wanless Hospital in Miraj, southern Maharasthra.

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From a fatherless child to the father of many.
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What a journey it has been.

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That September his mother gave him up for adoption - and Alice Eicher took him from Miraj to the Bible College at Bodwad where her husband Elmore Eicher and she were serving.

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They slept through the short early-morning stop at Nargaon leaving a puzzled Elmore waiting at the platform for his wife and new child.

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A few hours later - and short trip back on the next train - Dad was home. He was given the name Raymond Elmore Eicher - shortened to Raymee Baba on the compound - and Ray Eicher later in life.

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It is my privilege to write a few words about Dad.

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I talked with the JSK team this morning about Eph. 5.1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. The person who kept coming to my mind was my own father.

I have experienced what it is like to be a dearly loved child because of the unconditional father-love I received from Dad.

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How do I count the ways he loved us? Here are a few (I have used the past tense - he continues to do these things even today of course):

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1. Dad was very affectionate. He spoke out his love to us - and hugged and kissed us tons. Dad's arms were often around me. We wrestled (at least till I beat him!) and I continue to cherish his warm embrace.

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2. Dad respected us. I remember the joy of being taken along on trips with him as a boy - including a memorable one to Sweden. He included me in his work, explaining things to me and taking me into confidence at an appropriate level. Dad was open about his thoughts - both as to family and work and faith.

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3. Dad took time out for us. Though we always had guests at our table, we knew that we were special. Every evening we had a special time of reading from different storybooks and from the Bible. Every Sunday afternoon there were games. Every year at least one holiday together as a family. It is only now that I realise how difficult this was for Mum and Dad. And then the adventures - by bicycle to Alibaug, hiking up to Khandala in Summer - the forts of Shivaji...

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4. Dad modeled kindness. To every person he met - Dad would show some kindness - a cheerful word, a loving touch, a tract in their language telling them about Jesus - and this was to strangers. We saw close up what a compassionate heart looks like - on the outside - Dad's deeds were an outworking of a heart moved with compassion. Dad was willing to be taken for a ride at times - rather than miss out on an opportunity to be generous.

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5. Dad opened up his heart to us. He explained things. He took time to discipline us - but always with an explanation. I usually felt the talk was more painful than the spank. On one memorable occasion - when I was about 5 years old - he disciplined me in anger - and I still remember him asking me forgiveness.

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6. Dad encouraged us. Optimistic to a fault - Dad's hope was always grounded in his faith in God. There never was heard, a discouraging word like the old cowboy song says - Dad lived it out in our lives. Dad's enthusiasm borders at times on a caricature. But looking back over the years I can say it is the genuine article. In a world of the luke-warm and mundane, Dad's optimism shines.

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7. Dad lived out a love for Jesus. Jesus was number one for Dad. Out of his love for Jesus streamed his love for Mum and for us. We had the security of knowing that Dad was totally sold out to his Lord. He has not stopped growing - even if it means humbling himself time and time again as a learner and a seeker. His latest twist in this relationship is tied into healing and deliverance - his enthusiasm and joy at discovering a fresh side of Jesus knows no bounds.

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I could go on - and hope that our lives will be the testimony to the father-love we received from Dad. Dad was not perfect - and still is not - but he shows the way.

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Thanks Dad, I want to be more like you - and your Lord.