STALWART SOLDIER

                                           STALWART SOLDIER

    Some of the most stalwart soldiers in history didn't make their mark in the military. In fact, most have never been recognized, at  least not by those in their professional field. There are many  religious leaders who have lent their names to religious  denominations. Sadly, much of Christ's teaching and meaning have been lost to denominational rituals or customs. The real stalwart  soldiers who best represented Christ are generally known only in a  localized area or region. Let's recognize one such man, a pastor  for the ages.

    This is someone I've known for 65 years, since high school. We took somewhat similar paths after high school, both matriculating at Susquehanna. From then on, our paths differed, although they were much alike. Allen Acor of the Bloomsburg-Millville area was known across a broad area of the Central Susquehanna region. Allen was always active in the community and at school. He always had a little something extra to give. He became a school teacher and pastor. More, than that, he became a friend on a low key basis to hurting people.

    He was the one people turned to when they were glad or sad,  officiating at many marriages and funerals. He was not a stickler for denominational rites, and preached from the heart. He did not follow divisive denominational policies. He taught the solid Word of God as presented in scripture. He did not believe in throwing people who erred under the bus. He emulated Christ in having a forgiving nature. He was generous to a fault, and believed in giving a person a second chance. He was, as we used to say in slang language, a prince of a man.

    Allen and I didn't meet regularly, but we kept track of each other and our ministries. When we did have an opportunity to spend some time together, it was a joyous reunion. We had different styles of presenting the Word, but we both presented the unadulterated Word of God. We could discuss anything, and never seemed to be on different pages. Like Faith Walk Ministry, Allen was always available. He never really retired, and kept doing God's work right to the very end.

    Allen and I shared blessed and lifetime marriages. He carried his gentle nature to the role of husband and father. He raised a large family, something he missed growing up. It may not be apparent to many people, but his actions and directions in school and the church carry on through those he met and enriched. Because of his dual role as a school teacher and pastor, he touched people of all ages and across many denominational lines. We were always brothers in Christ, and I value the time we corresponded and spent together. We will meet again, and this time we'll never be separated.

Rev. Walbear