Updated 04:40 pm.EST, Sat November 21, 2009

Missions|Mon, Jun. 29 2009 08:17 AM EDT

Thousands Celebrate Ralph D. Winter's Life, Impact

By Michelle A. Vu|Christian Post Reporter

The presentation has since been hailed as a watershed moment that shifted the global mission strategy from one focused on countries and territories to one focused on distinct people groups.

An unreached people group is one that lives in a place where there is no viable, indigenous, evangelizing church movement.

Winter had devoted much of his life advocating for pioneer outreach among unreached people groups.

Others who spoke at the memorial remembered Winter for his faithfulness, humility, devotion to sharing the Gospel, for being a visionary, and for his strong sense of integrity.

His younger brother, David, noted, however, that while there are many people who possess the qualities of being bright, energetic, and creative like Winter, they do not make a great impact on the world.

“It wasn’t just genetics that made him who he is. But he made a choice,” said David Winter.

“He took his gifts and decided to give himself wholly to the Lord and try to make a difference,” said the younger Winter, who is the former president of Westmont College in southern California.

In addition to hearing testimonies, those who attended the memorial also watched a video on the life and legacy of Dr. Winter and sang his favorite hymns.

The memorial service was held at Lake Avenue Congregation Church in Pasadena, Calif. – a church that Winter had attended since he was in elementary school and until his death.

Winter died on May 20, 2009, at his home in Pasadena, Calif., after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his second wife, Barbara, four daughters, 14 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

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  • Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:58 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    God gave the Christian Mission world a gift in the life of Dr. Winter. He provided Kids Around the World wonderful, helpful information on where to focus ministry. He was focused, humble and a friend. He emulated Christ in his walk and encouragement of many. He will be missed. We were blessed.

  • APXH »
    Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:10 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    @ozarkprof and @farout63, first of all that kind of comparison is uncalled for. Graham touched people's heart in a personal way and Winter touches them technically - look at this massive project www.joshuaproject.net that has challenged missionaries to focus on people groups around the world.

  • Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:40 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

    ozarkprof: To belittle Billy Graham in any way makes what you say mean much less. Dr. R. D. Winter would be ashamed that you would make any such of a unkind remark.

    Both Dr, Winter and Dr. Graham have had spotless mi9nistries, and each had their own field of ministry called by God. We all have different callings and to compare how effective one was with the other is wrong.

    I am glad Dr. Winter had such an inpact on you. I can say both have had different impacts on different people in many ways. That my friend is what ministery is about.

  • Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:52 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 3

    Unlike the Graham dynasty and others, Brother Ralph lived simply and actively shunned the superstar mentality that infects American Christianity. He lived the teaching of Our Lord in the parables of the widow's mite and the Pharisee's prayers. RIP, departed brother and friend.

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