Shepastor: “Honoring the Life and Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Valentino Lassiter…’A Son of Encouragement…’”

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

The Greater Cleveland Community, yea even the Nation and our world is missing the witness of a great man, the Reverend Dr. Valentino Lassiter. “Val,” as he was affectionately called, was a brilliant pastor, scholar, mentor and friend to many. Although he suffered from a physical ailment that made him legally blind, he never let that deter him from fulfilling his calling.

Serving in the community as the Senior Pastor of East View United Church of Christ, serving as the “Pastor in Residence” of John Carroll University, serving on various boards and committees never caused his head to swell. Like Barnabas, he gave all that he had to bless and help others.

At least once or twice a month he would email me an encouraging and or funny message about the blog…

As always, profound and spiritually powerful! (I was impressed on a week ago when you were away at a convention, and still got the newsletter out on time!! Go 'head on! )

Lassiter

Powerful "Connection" word! (It will come up again very soon! lol)

Dr. Smith

The "breakthrough" images are powerful. Go 'head on!
Lassiter …

I was not the only beneficiary of Dr. Lassiter’s kind and encouraging words. He regularly looked for opportunities to lift and encourage individuals, couples, churches, families, etc. Though scholarly, brilliant and much sought after as a preacher and teacher, he was a humble man. He never thought himself “too high” to take time to speak words of life into those around him.

The virtue of his spirit is sorely lacking in so many circles today. So many are too busy, too “important,” too involved, too haughty, just too much… too self-centered, too concerned about being in the “in” crowd, too eager to rub shoulders with those they perceive to be the “great ones.” But those who are truly “great,” are those who take the time, like Dr. Lassiter to love, lift, share, laugh, mentor and encourage. Like Barnabas, who gave all that he had to bless and help others, Dr. Lassiter was indeed the embodiment of that spirit.

We will miss you Doc! We know, however, you have joined that “great cloud of witnesses,” now cheering us on from the balcony of eternity.

May we too strive to be sons and daughters of encouragement.

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org