SPIRITUALITY

The spirit of evangelism....

[ The thought of this true story is not so much to recognize a man, but his spirit, which was self-denial and exaltation of the Person of Christ with boldness at every oppor-tunity. Only the Lord knows the fruit of his labors, but no doubt a very great number of souls heard the Word of God. The tribute is to that love of souls and honor to the Savior, which this brother showed all his days. - R. DeWitt, 8/00]

In the northwoods of Idaho, USA, a dear brother in the Lord was known to some of us to live out the admonition that: "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matt.16:24).

Philip Rochat went home to be with his Lord in November of 1999 at the age of 86 after a lifetime of quiet service, which spoke to many souls along his pathway in and around the small town of St. Mary. He never married, and he lived alone in a small two-room cabin approximately 144 square feet in size, which he had built on the family land in the woods. He felt that was enough for him and more than His Lord had while here.

When on occasion he was able to visit the assembly at Spokane, Washington, where he was gathered in fellowship, Philip would disappear between meetings and afterward, to be found on the street giving out gospel literature and speaking to strangers. He often said: "I don't ask people if they are a Christian or believe in God; rather, do you know the way to heaven?" He said he had an opening either way they answered.

His old automobile had only room for the driver, as the back seat and most of the front was filled with boxes of gospel literature on every subject one might consider. Like a good fisherman he was prepared for his work. His favorite target was religious people, and he happily sought out Roman Catholic priests. In his kindly manner he would persist with a smile in a quiet way to press one to search their own soul.

The history of the Rochat family, who came over from Switzerland in the early part of the last century, is a story of pioneering spirit, as they settled in the beautiful timber area often called "the Rochat valley", where the family was well known. Philip was honored by many residents at his funeral, and many precious thoughts were expressed by friends about the zeal of our brother to preach Christ wherever he was. He was often seen walking the streets of the town, and waiting outside public events to hand out gospel tracts.

When Philip was visited at the nursing home a few months before his home-call, he related some of his experiences, which gave us further appreciation of his service and devotion. He spoke with glee of a time he challenged a Catholic priest to go along with him and help, when he was on his way to give out literature at a high school ball game. He said he didn't know what the man believed, but since he was insisting that he was a Christian, he pressed him into service.

Philip finally agreed to enter the nursing home in St. Mary, when a physician said he could not live safely at his home. Philip had gone down to the creek below his little house in the woods to get water as usual, but on his way back up the hill he slipped on the icey grass and fell. He could not move his legs and tried crawl-ing, but couldn't seem to make progress. He just laid there and "talked with Jesus.... and rested". He didn't remember how long he was there, but later his nephew missed him and came looking for him.

Upon admission to the nursing home a state representative told him he could not be preaching in his new residence, so he promptly informed her he could not go there. She later relented and he did as he has always done to all who would listen.

"I love to tell the story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love;

I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true;

It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story---'twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love".

- C. Hankey & W. Fischer