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June 15th, 2013| Topic: RaMbLeS | 2

Dallas Seminary “lost” another one of its own last week.

Dr. Steve Strauss, Department Chair and Professor of World Missions and Intercultural Studies, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, after a year-long bout with cancer.

Steve once said: “Be prepared to pray any time, preach any time, and die any time.”

Here’s what Steve wrote to the Seminary community in April 2012, soon after his diagnosis:

God has already ministered powerfully to our family through this. I have zero fear for myself (though, of course, I’d rather avoid the physical pain ahead!), but an intense, eager anticipation to be with Jesus and enjoy worshiping in his presence. My only concerns are for Marcia and our kids. Since my Dad died when he was 60, I know what it’s like to not have a Dad through middle adult years, and I want to be there for my kids. And, of course, I’d love to be a grandfather for my grandkids. Please be in prayer for us as our family begins this difficult journey that’s not going to be easy for any of us.”

It was a difficult journey, and a short one … but he’s home now … and cancer free!

Steve had good genes handed down to him! His family, for several generations, has served (and they continue to serve) the church in various capacities, as pastors, writers, professors, missionaries …. Before DTS, Steve was Director of the Society for International Ministries (SIM) and for two decades a missionary with SIM in Ethiopia. In that nation, Steve established three theological schools— Evangelical Theological College (1983), the Kale Heywet Ministry Center (1987), and the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (1997)—and taught widely across the African continent.

He was at DTS only three years, but made a deep impression.

President Mark Bailey wrote the other day:

All of us at DTS have received more ministry from Steve and Marcia these past fifteen months than we have extended to them. Steve’s absence will be noticeable for months and years to come. His departure to heaven leaves a vacuum in our community that only God can fill. No one will ever be like Steve, but we will trust God to raise up a host to take his place in the ranks of godly servant-leaders for the future.”

If you check out the tribute page to Dr. Strauss, and scroll through the comments, one thing strikes you.

The names of many of those commenting, angelic names made up of exotic musical syllables.

Haile, Mebrate, Melese, Cherenet, Biru, Mamusha, Tse, Mamo, Blene, Yoseph, Wondeferahu, Estifanos, Dawit, Mekonnen, Seblewengel, Merkoye, Lemma, Gemechis, Sisay, Tseday, Seble, Naizghi, Robele, Telahun, Solomon, Shewaye, Leulseged, Guennet, Fenta, Nege, Tesfaye, Mengistu, Moltotal, Hailu, Tigist, Tameru, Meseret, Emebet, Fantaye, Yeneneh, Selam, Yalew, Kassaye, Endalk, …

Ethiopian names!

Yes, Steve Strauss did have an impact. An agent of God to change the lives of many. As the possessors of those mellifluous names—with many others—will proudly confess.

You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light shine before men in such a way
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14–16

Those who have insight will shine brightly
like the brightness of the expanse of heaven,
and those who lead the many to righteousness,
like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3

Steve Strauss—shining forever!