Pastor Duncan laid to rest
Senior pastor, Henry Duncan, of Sarepta Church ministry in Gillitts, died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday 16 April.
THOUGH he had been ailing for some time, it was nevertheless a shock to learn that Henry Duncan had died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday 16 April.
From his days as a talented cricketer both at Prince Edward School in the then Rhodesia, and later as an adult, he has had a wide influence as a gifted evangelist for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He became the senior pastor of a large Assemblies of God Church in Harare where his charismatic flare and powerful preaching resulted in invitations to conduct services across the country.
He moved to South Africa and led large churches in Johannesburg, East London and Queenstown.
He was a favoured speaker at the bi-annual National Leaders’ Conference of the Assemblies of God held at Witbank. In due course he spent several years in the ministry team of another large congregation in New Orleans, Louisiana in America.
On returning to Africa he joined the commercial world for a number of years before being called back into Christian Ministry with the Sarepta Church ministry team in Gillitts, where he again became the senior pastor when the incumbent retired.
Henry had a warm outgoing personality which made him easily approachable and many people have spoken of feeling comfortable and secure in his presence.
There was never a whisper of reproach or ecclesiastical pseudo superiority. Strangers would feel instantly accepted. Repeatedly he has been described as being “so real”.
This remark would pose the question as to why people found him so different from church ministers in general?
He was in no way “religious” in the pietistic sense and had a down to earth sense of humour which would soon pop any pompous balloons. He grew to be a respected, loved and valued pastor to whom people would go and confide sensitive problems.
He had a genuine personal affection for individuals who were friends before they were people seeking counselling.
When you were hugged by Henry on a Sunday morning you knew that someone cared for you personally.
He was exceptionally and even extravagant in his generosity and will be deeply missed by many who never attended his own place of worship.
He is survived by his wife Monica and their daughter Lindsey and grandson Peter.
l Submitted
