November 2014

I am so grateful to the Lord for bringing Bob and Susan Morris to ICC.  I will never forget the lunch we had at Macaroni Grill following a morning service soon after they began attending.  Bob shared his desire to teach God’s Word and to teach it from a Jewish perspective.  It was in that conversation that what would become HaDavar was born.  I personally learned so much from Bob in his teaching.  Almost every week when I am preparing messages, things will come to mind that Bob has taught.  One of the highlights of our time together was co-hosting a tour to Israel.  He had been to Israel but had never led a tour.  It was fun to show him the nuts and bolts of leading a tour but also to see the land through his Jewish eyes.  I so appreciated Bob’s being a fellow Elder of ICC.  He has so much wisdom about dealing with people and issues.  We will miss Bob and Susan but I am so grateful for these fourteen years we’ve had to serve together.  Shalom!!!

 

-Dennis Sherman (Pastor at Irvine Community Church)

Not only is Bob one of the best teachers I’ve ever sat under, but contrary to his own self-assessment, an excellent administrator, counselor, pastor, and leader. I thank God for bringing men like Bob into my life and the life of Irvine Community Church.

 

-Yurie Hwang (Pastor at Irvine Community Church)

Gifted thinker, teacher, and administrator. Most importantly a man after God and his truth revealed.

 

-Jeremy Livermore (HaDavar Instructor)

Best wishes to you and Susan as you embark on the next chapter of your life and ministry together.  I’m confident that even in retirement, you’ll continue to bear much fruit in the Lord’s vineyard.  You are one of the best Bible teachers I’ve ever had the honor to sit under, and the best tour guide of the Holy Land.  Thanks for all your patience and kindness.  My prayers go with you.

 

-Steve Esmond (HaDavar Instructor)

Someone had given Bob a baseball cap with “HaDavar” on it.  Bob comes into the office wearing it and asks if I notice anything different.  I looked and didn’t see what he could be talking about; so he started doing this “Egyptian walk” to draw attention to it.  I thought it was pretty funny, but didn’t notice the cap until he took it off and showed me.  It was one of those moments that I knew he considered me a friend.

 

Bob is a humble man. He is content with what God is doing through him and doesn’t expect special praise (even though he expressed great appreciation for MY work at HaDavar.)  He is content with the material goods God has given to him and he never even used a stamp or a folder for personal use without paying for it.  It is so easy to see his love for our Lord.  I so enjoyed working for him.

 

-Cynthia Esmond (former HaDavar Administrative Assistant)

I was attending Bob’s classes with my parents since I was 17. When I turned 18 I felt a strong desire to help Bob in some way. I was telling my parents that I would like to help but I had no idea what I could do. They said, just ask him! So one day after class I shyly approached Bob and said, ‘I would like to help you, is there anything I can do?’ Bob smiled and said ‘of course!’ He said ‘you can start by coming to class a bit early every week and preparing the coffee and helping with the chairs and tables.’ I was so happy. From that week on I made sure my parents took me to class early enough to help. I savored every little thing I could do to contribute. Eventually, Bob started his Hebrew class. I lived for this class. HaDavar wasn’t just building the foundation of my faith, it was Bob’s tender care and guidance that I loved. Then when I was 19 I was off to Israel and when I was 20 I was back at HaDavar teaching Hebrew. Now I am 31, and when I look back at what God used to galvanize me in His ways, I see Bob.

 

Bob, thank you for your patience with me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of HaDavar. Thank you for your hard work and perseverance. You have always been there to support me and guide me without the slightest bit of wavering. Your example has been paramount in my life and I thank the Lord for you. May the Lord continue His gracious provision in your life and may His word continue to flow freely through you to many others.

 

We love you!!!

 

-Josh, Irena, and Shani Takahashi