We have such fond memories of you both, especially those times when you were visiting Jerusalem in the 1990s and would kindly minister among us at Christ Church. Although our paths have rarely crossed in recent years we have followed much of what you have been engaged in serving the Lord not least through Issachar Ministries and into C&M Ministries.
Clifford we pray for you and your family at this time of great loss. And may you be comforted that Monica has been promoted and received a resounding 'Well done good and faithful servant'.
This is to send my love and assurance of prayers to Clifford and you all at this time. I remember Monica and Clifford fondly from precious times at St Mark's, Kennington, where her BCGA office was based, and Clifford often preached (and prophesied). For a brief time when I was unemployed, I travelled to their home in Harrow as a volunteer and stuffed envelopes!
Monica was devoted to her work, and when I was asked to make a cup of tea for her once, I left the tea bag in -she said not a word about it!
Clifford and Monica have both been an inspiration to us to listen to God and obey His voice, as they were also to my late parents, Bill and Rene McGowan, Rhodesia-Zimbabwe, who introduced us to their work in Moggerhanger, and where our youngest daughter worked for them for a period.
How they have stood with God's people in Israel so faithfully over the years has been an example to us, and we have watched how their love for their Saviour Jesus has shone through all their messages, books, and online presentations.
Clifford will be in our prayers that the Lord will comfort him with the comfort that only comes from Him (2 Cor 1.3).
I write on behalf of Bishop Maurice Paul’s family, and it is with immense sadness that we read of the sudden loss of your dear wife Monica, a remarkable woman who has inspired many in countless ways, for decades.
We cannot truly imagine the pain that you and your precious family are currently experiencing, but we trust God to be your strength and comfort. I (Janice) was privileged to be with you and Monica at Strone Rd last summer, and my brother Brian from Florida, is glad to have spoken to Monica on FaceTime that day.
We share a rich history of fellowship and God’s work together, and as a family, we still so much appreciate the very warm welcome that you gave us in the 1970s, and the doors that you opened for our father.
We are confident of the reward that God has for you, and that Monica is indeed already reaping the benefits of your labour together.
As a family, we send you our love and prayers and very much hope to be able share with you in Bedford at the thanksgiving service for the life of a truly extraordinary, godly woman.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Monica's passing. May the Lord's comfort surround you in this difficult time. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Monica’s life and love will always be cherished, and her legacy will live on through the impact she had on those who knew her.
I would like to ask for your permission to pass on your personal letter to the Facebook group, St Mark’s 80. This is a group which brings together all those who were at St Mark’s, Kennington during the 1980s and I sure many will remember you and Monica’s time there. I think some of them have not heard of Monica’s home coming.
We have only met briefly on one occasion, but I met with your beloved Monica on many occasions during the time that I was serving with her on the BCGA. We have corresponded since then and so I am very sad to hear the news you have circulated about her death. I send heartfelt sympathy to you and your family at this time of great loss and ongoing painful adjustments to life without her.
I give thanks to the Lord for Monica and for all that He did in and through her, and you, to forward the work of His Kingdom. I thank God also for the privilege and blessing of knowing her, as will countless others.
I often think of the special times we met up at Moggerhanger with times of fellowship and various teachings. I pray that, over time, you will be comforted, by God's grace, with all the good memories you have of Monica.
I give thanks to God for the godly impact you and Monica have had on myself and countless others. May God give you all comfort and peace at this time. With kind regards.
I am deeply sorry to hear your news. Monica was a very special person in so many ways. Where does one begin? I join the thousands who pay tribute for her leadership in the British Church Growth movement. It was a privilege to have a share in the creative thinking of the BCGA executive which she led - with such drive – and imagination. She inspired so many ministers, including me - and always with such grace.
May I add a particularly personal thank you, Clifford, to you. Whilst you are alive! You have had such an extensive ministry for so many years. I remember your time as Student Pastor to the Congregational Church in Selston. In the course of which you preached at the Anniversary. A significant day in a village chapel. It was 1950 by my reckoning. At the evening service you delivered a sermon on the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. (Yes, I remember the theme!) My friend Wallace (Snade) and I had talked together as to whether we should consider ordained ministry. At the end of the service Wallace said to me ‘Shall we ask for a chat with Clifford.’ And so we made for the vestry and put our questions. Somewhat to the surprise of the deacons! There began a journey for Wallace into the Congregational Church, then the URC, and for me into the Methodist Ministry.
You have so many reasons to thank God for a very special partnership with Monica enriched with the gift of your children. Such blessings are beyond measure. As I too can testify. Married to my dear Elaine for 65 years and blest with three wonderful daughters – two of whom are Methodist Ministers! How many lives take a turn with a chat after a service!