To Martin Cameron, with thanks

I was a mid-teenage man with a sense of divine calling to pastoral ministry in a cross-cultural context. I had the recognition and support of my local church, the encouragement of my parents, and the parental and pastoral guidance of my father. It was only natural that I would seek out institutions of higher education that would provide me with appropriate and adequate training in the theory, practice, and disciplines necessary for such ministry.

Sadly, I did not find that I was always welcome at such institutions in Britain. I was condescended to, patronised, and conversation always seemed to drift round to reasons for why I should consider other career-paths, get experience in "the real world", and wait till I was quite a bit older. It wasn't always so overt - sometimes it was the micro-gestures that sent the message "Oh, so sweet. You're very young. Give it time and we'll take you seriously eventually.". I remember attending a particular institution's open day, and being handed one prospectus that I was told with a belittling smile I and my brother Regan (in the same boat as me) could share.

I couldn't understand why I should choose a mere career over a calling, how my present life and desired future pastoral ministry was not "the real world", and the assumption that I would even be alive when older seemed, without being morbid, dangerous presumption excusing disobedient procrastination.

Then my dad, Barry King, took us on a quite spontaneous trip to visit Highland Theological College, part of what is now the University of the Highlands and Islands, but then under the oversite and accreditation of the University of Aberdeen. It was not an open day - we were just going to show up. Dad had sent an email forewarning them of our visit, but if I remember correctly, they had not received or at least not read it. And yet, we were warmly welcomed. Two men dropped what they were doing and spent the afternoon with us, and for the first time I interacted with people at a British theological college and seminary that did not seem to look down on me for my youth. In fact, I felt like they actually wanted me to attend their institution! And attend I did.

One of those men who so welcomed us that memorable day was Martin Cameron. I would have many more interactions with Martin over the next five years. He was, you see, the librarian. As a full time student studying for my degree by distance due to ongoing service in my local church, I was heavily dependent on his assistance. I had only to ask (and sometimes did not even have to do that!) and he would mail me complete books, or, to make my life easier, large packets of printed reading material with relevant excerpts to adequately research for essays. Highland had its 'issues', as any institution does, but Martin was not one of them. He was never anything other than a delight to work with and performed his role with exemplary attentiveness and excellence. The quality of his work was unsurpassed.

I heard a while back that Martin was very ill with cancer. I had not spoken with him in several years but I called him. He remembered me, and wouldn't let me ask about him or his health too much - he was wondering about me and ministry at Grace Baptist Church Wood Green. I told him what I had often commented to others, that he was basically the reason we chose HTC, and humanly speaking he was no small part of the reason that we stayed. I was able to thank him and to pray for him.  I am glad I did - too many people pass from this life before we can share our appreciation for them. Why do we wait till someone has died to praise them or to celebrate their life? 

I received word late tonight that after a long battle, Martin Cameron has now died. I will never forget the warm welcome and the gracious hospitality he showed us. However, that welcome is a mere shadow compared to the welcome and hospitality I am in no doubt he has received in the presence of the Lord. I am in no doubt that Martin now sees things about which previously he could only read. He now enjoys all the wonders the volumes he loaned out told about, and he will know things about the Saviour Jesus that all the libraries in the world cannot contain.

Praise God for faithful servants. May those who come behind us, find us faithful.