This blog has been set up in order to honor the life of Robbie Gowdey. Robbie was a true soldier of God who dedicated his life to helping others. Robbie had an unrelenting desire for lifting the hopes and spirits of those around him. Robbie's mission was to further the cause of Christ as he became more and more conformed to His image. Please use this blog to honor his name and share your stories of Robbie's positive impact on your life. Harry Robinson Gowdey
(October 4, 1952-January 8, 2009)
I am gonna start this thing off by using Robbie's last known written prayer.
ReplyDelete"Jesus-I love you- You have promised to help me every time I cry out to you. Thank you for always being there for me."
Harry R. Gowdey
January 2009
Andrew and Ben,
ReplyDeleteI have never known a Dad more proud of his sons than Robbie. He cherished every moment with you both and spoke of you so often. I, too, lost my Dad at a very young age and know what an enormous shock this is to you. Lean on God through this time and allow Him to carry you through these difficult days. Robbie was a precious friend and he will be greatly missed. Although Robbie is now experiencing unspeakable joy in the presence of the Lord, he has left a huge hole here on earth. My prayers are with you and the rest of his loving family.
Love,
Kay Parker
As I reflect on my friendship with Robbie, I don't even know where to begin. Our friendship has lasted, with frequent fellowship, for over 40 years. The one thing I would like to pass on is his continuous desire to encourage and always lift the name of the Lord to greater heights. As I recall our friendship, I literally have hundreds of super natural stories that would include volumes of what God revealed to both of us through the years. I have used many of those stories in evangelical messages through the years without even including most of them. If you ever care to hear any of those stories, just call and I'll make time to tell you how Robbie's life touched countless souls for Christ.
ReplyDeleteChris Florance
God brought Robbie into my life around 1971. He shared with me the love of Jesus and my life was changed. I was so excited! Robbie and I kept in touch until Ben and Andrew were around 7 years old. Somehow we lost touch. Over the years I began to lose touch with God too. A few months ago a friend of my daughter's mentioned his name. I tracked him down and we began to get together again.I even got to spend some time with Andrew and to hear about Ben's salvation.Wow! Robbie was so thrilled.
ReplyDeleteRobbie also shared with me about pastor Jim.
Once again I am hearing God's powerful word and am exited about Jesus.
Thank you Robbie!
I dearly love you and can't wait to fellowship with you again in heaven
In the early eighties Robbie was a part of my company -- right after he had served our Lord as personal assistant to Bill Bright where he had shepherded a major fund raiser for the production and distribution of the Jesus Film. To say that Robbie had a heart for evangelism would be an understatement. Regardless of what happened in Robbie's life after he left my company, throughout his ups and downs, he never stopped loving our Lord nor did he desert God's call to lead others to His saving grace. My father-in-law is enjoying eternal life because of Robbie and I am sure there are thousands of people who could testify that Robbie, in one way or another, is responsible for their coming to know our Lord as savior. I believe there thousands who do not even know Robbie's name who could be numbered in the Book of Life because of Robbie's work to make sure they could hear the message. In fact, it would be no stretch to say the number could be in the millions who will have had heard the message and beome believers, before our Lord comes again, because of Robbie's faithfulness to God's call. I thank God for Robbie's life, his effectiveness for the Kingdom, and, his influence on my own walk with God.
ReplyDeleteBill Fowler
I went to high school with Robbie and always thought he had a great smile and wonderful demeanor. I never heard anyone ever say anything but nice words where he was concerned. I pray that his boys will take the love they shared with and for their father to do good things. God Bless you both and my condolences to you for your loss.
ReplyDeleteSue Hastings-Abell (Class of '71 HPHS)
My deepest Condolences to you Andrew and Ben and the entire family. My dear husband and father of our three sons passed away when they were all at a very young age, we miss him still. The memories we have we will cherish always as they never go away.
ReplyDeleteRobbie Gowdey, was a business colleague and friend for so many years. The last phone call from him was on the 7th of January, 2009 this year to give me the most awesome spiritual blessing and he thanked me for my friendship over the years and for my caring about others and my undying love of GOD.
Andrew and Ben he cherished you so very much and his love for you would shine through the most darkest days in his life, your love pulled him through, you made them all good days.
After each trip he went on to visit you, when he called I heard all about your fine accomplishments. Watching Robbie grow in his faith was so special, each time we spoke or met he was less stressed and on his face last time we met I could see he was at great inner peace.
We spoke the day before he went on his ultimate trip "to Heaven". below is a small verse I wrote many years ago.
The Path of Life.
The path of life is shorter for some,
it's God's way of easing the pain.
We all will meet in Heaven one day
and hug our loved ones once again.
By, Shirley Casavan't
Good Bye old friend.
Robbie, you and I worked together some 20 plus years. You inspired me with your encouraging words, and led me in my faith, most certainly by your example. You are still alive in my mind, a wonderful man, aways calm, and contantly smiling. Your MLM business successes came because of your integrity, honesty, and daily focus on doing what is right. I dreamed of you working with us at Nussentials, and feeding the kids, as we left a legacy. Your life itself was a legacy my friend. THank you for your love and friendship. Enjoy your new life! Phil Mims
ReplyDeleteI remember first meeting Robbie when I picked him and Dr. Bright up at the Philadelphia airport for a speaking event to a group of pastors I had pulled together. I remember both Robbie and Bill cutting up and getting me laughing and then I proceeded to get us lost. We showed up to the event 30 minutes late. BUT, I had my first joyous exposure to Robbie!
ReplyDeleteThen, about a year later Dr. Bright invited me to become the President of Campus Crusade's International School of Theology. When I accepted, Robbie became THE GUY to help me get my feet on the ground and walk me through any challenges I had. He was a wise, loving, faithful and empowering friend. He even taught this lower middle class kid from Bremerton, Washington how to dress. I remember him taking me to New York and helping me buy three suits. I owned one and it was sad.
Robbie and I joined Bill in traveling the world together including going into China with Bunker and Carolyn Hunt, Jim Irwin, the astronaut, Joe Foss and others VIP's in the 1980's. Robbie and I bought identical, custom made Asian-looking white leisure suits (you had to be there) to wear on our bullet train trip from the border of China to what was then called Canton. But, because we all tried to smuggle in Bibles and Jesus Films and were founded out by the authorities, we were punished by being put on a slow, local, dirty, wood benched train. I sat next to a couple of chickens (really, chickens!) in a pen. Robbie and I turned those nice white leisure suits into what looked like coal miner gear. But, we laughed, rejoiced and continued the many year adventure we were on.
I had the supreme honor to be asked to join Dr. Bright in officiating Robbie and Angie's wedding.
I know Robbie had his challenges over his life time, but he continued to be a friend and encourager to me and many others. In recent years he reconnected all the more with me sharing often about what God was teaching him and exuding a sweet, holy, humble passion for God.
I loved Robbie and thank God for his mark on my life.
Ron Jenson
I haven't seen Robbie in a couple of years but one thing that never changed about him was his radiant smile. I know that smile was on his face as he met Jesus face to face. His death was too premature for those of us here to understand and will rob Ben and Andrew of precious years with their Dad, but God's timing is perfect. I thank God for the years that Robbie was here, for the many lives he touched and led to Jesus Christ and for the great gift of my nephews, Ben and Andrew. I hope that you will always remember that your Dad loved you and that he was seeking God...my prayer for you is that you will seek God in the way that your Dad would want you to, for that will bring honor to his legacy.
ReplyDeleteLinda Smith Mallory
Robbie and my dad (Peter Hammer) have been friends ever since the days that they worked together at Mannatech. There were a number of times over the course of the years that I had the pleasure of spending some time with Robbie as well. He was always a joy to be around...Always lifting others up and encouraging them. His passion for our Lord has touched so many lives and for that we are all truly grateful. What an amazing man!
ReplyDeleteI received the following e-mail forward from a friend earlier today and, although the subject of this story is a young boy, the passion behind the message made me think of Robbie. Enjoy! One day, we too, will return to His flock!
The Heart
"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began,
"I'll open up your heart..."
"You'll find Jesus there," the boy
interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll
cut your heart open," he continued,
to see how much damage has been
done..."
"But when you open up my heart, you'll
find Jesus in there," said the boy.
The surgeon looked to the parents, who
sat quietly. "When I see how much
damage has been done, I'll sew your
heart and chest back up, and I'll plan
what to do next."
"But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The
Bible says He lives there. The
hymns all say He lives there. You'll
find Him in my heart."
The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell
you what I'll find in your heart.
I'll find damaged muscle, low blood
supply, and weakened vessels.
And I'll find out if I can make you well."
"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives
there."
The surgeon left.
The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery,
"...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration.
No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest.
Prognosis:
here he paused, 'death within one year.'"
He stopped the recorder, but there was
more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud.
"Why did You do this? You've put
him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an
early death. Why?"
The Lord answered and said, "The boy,
my lamb, was not meant for your
flock for long, for he is a part of My
flock, and will forever be.
Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you
cannot imagine.
His parents will one day join him here,
and they will know peace, and
My flock will continue to grow."
The surgeon's tears were hot, but his
anger was hotter. "You created that
boy, and You created that heart. He'll
be dead in months. Why?"
The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb,
shall return to My flock, for He has
done his duty: I did not put My lamb
with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb."
The surgeon wept...
The surgeon sat
beside the boy's bed; the boy's
parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"
"Yes," said the surgeon.
"What did you find?" asked the boy.
"I found Jesus there," said the
surgeon.
Author Unknown
Andrew and Ben,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time this site has allowed me to post for some reason. I tried like 2 weeks ago and it didn't work.
I am praying for you guys and I want to keep in touch when I get your contact info. I don't know if you have a facebook but you can definately add me as a friend if you do.
That was a mature and good thing that you boys did for your Dad's funeral. I am sure that He would have been proud of you speaking in front of everyone in such a hard time. I also heard what a positive ceremony it was in contrast to such a tragic and surprising death.
From what I heard, Robbie had repented and put is faith in Christ less then two years ago. When I heard that I rejoiced. I am not sure about his spiritual condition before that but it is so assuring to hear of the fruit that was born out of this faith. He had a love toward Christ that was wresting in His mercy displayed on the cross.
The cross is such a strange message to produce such a humility and brokenness in those that hear with faith. God became man and then died in place of man. He was sinless yet died a sinners death. All who repent and trust him will not die like he did (under God's wrath) but will live forever. All our righteousness is like filthy rags before God. There is no one good, yet he has reckoned Christians good by the blood of Jesus. Jesus overcame death and rose again. He his our only hope to overcome death. God is so gracious to have had mercy on Robbie.
Love you guys,
Your Cousin,
Keith Willson Jr.
I have a few words about your dad. I never met him but he and his associates did irreparble harm to my family. Take a look into Travis Correll and Horizon Establishment. IMO, your dad is a crook.
ReplyDeleteApparently the above comment was made by someone who is incredibly insensitive and ignorant of the truth.
ReplyDeleteyes I googled "Robbie Gowdey" and there is nothing
ReplyDeleteat all negative about him
My tribute to Robbie:
ReplyDeletehttp://chensblog.com/blog/?p=69
Dear Ben and Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI would appreciate the chance to meet with you. Your Dad always talked about you and I would like to meet you. Give my love to your Mom.
John Nieder, Dallas
john@johnonline.org
wassup with dwight johnson dr paul meyers friend?
ReplyDeleteHow did Robbie die? Was it suicide?
ReplyDeleteHe died of a sudden heart attack. Mind your own business bud. Obviously you have no clue nor is it any of your business. If you have any questions or would like to talk further then please let me know....
ReplyDelete