His Final Years
Len Minchin internated throughout the globe for many years. He retired in 1970. This page will address his retirement years, his last days, funeral and legacy. This is a work in progress.
Testimonials
Written Testimonials
"How could a quiet, shy, sensitive young man ... become a man remembered by thousands?"
A look into the life of Len Minchin is a trip into the seemingly impossible. How could a quiet, shy, sensitive young man who so often doubted his own ability become a person remembered by thousands as a spiritual leader who truly stood out from the crowd?
This man touched my own life as few others have. In fact, he was one of the four or five most influential people in my life to date. Yet, he was on our campus for only a week—such was the impact of this unusual man.
How did "Elder Minchin,” as we knew him, make such an impression on young lives (and adults) all over the world? It wasn't through the Hollywood magic of a dazzling personality or a magnetic performance on stage. It wasn't because of a great musical team or a supporting cast, or stage props. He used none of these. Instead, he just walked onto the platform and stood up to speak. No catchy introduction—nothing, except a lone man speaking. Why, then, the phenomenal results he had with youth who were often restless and cynical? Why did you anticipate his next sermon like a gourmet looking for a fine meal at a good restaurant?
The secret of his power to change a life and to connect it with heaven is well stated in Chapter 7. What he had "was an experience with God that was transparently genuine and a love that was intense and unconditional. As a result, people had to listen.”
It was in one of Len Minchin's Week of Prayer services when I was an academy student that I felt the powerful call of God to ministry. A call I had heard before, but I had turned it down. Yet, that night, the Holy Spirit spoke through a human messenger, just to me. And I had to say yes. From that day on, I have never looked back.
Read the story of this godly man's life. You will come away more confident than ever before of the tremendous potential of those who take God at His word. The promise that originally inspired Len to commit himself wholeheartedly to God was fulfilled in a remarkable way. Certainly it proved that there is"no limit to the usefulness of one who, setting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit" in his life.
Thomas Mostert, President, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Westlake Village, California
"He seemed to be gifted in listening and in projecting a sympathetic understanding that was both winsome and confidence-building."
What kind of man was Len Minchin? Humble, approachable, gentle, mild. He seemed to be gifted in listening and in projecting a sympathetic understanding that was both winsome and confidence-building. His sermons were dynamic in that they were a reality in his life. Through that kind of man, Jesus could be seen, and thus God, by His Holy Spirit, finally drew me to Himself.
Len Minchin's coming to Helderberg College in South Africa, was an act of God in my life. Big decisions faced me, and this was a crossroads experience—the world of fame, fortune and freedom, or the world of criticism, pauperism and fanaticism loomed ahead of me.
Weeks of prayer had come and gone, most of them simply part of the routine of institutional life to an adolescent boy testing the limits. . . Then Len strode tall onto our campus. His "Down Under" accent charmed us—a wonderful change from the predictable twang of the usual overseas visitor. Here was a man whose gentle manner disarmed, while his intense gaze penetrated the soul.
I watched and listened all week. But since village kids sat at the rear of the auditorium and were not subject to the enforced seating assignment, I took a seat in the back row nearest the door, for a quick getaway.
Daily he spoke on practical Christian living. Nightly, he presented the beauty of Jesus on the cross. Then the inevitable Friday night appeal came.
Although my heart had been touched many times during the week, there had been no surrender. Fellow students and faculty had made it their business to encourage me to commit my life to Jesus. My future hung in the balance.
The auditorium fell silent that night, with only an occasional gentle entreaty or encouragement being spoken by Len Minchin. He'd stepped down from the platform and was inviting those who had not yet surrendered to God's love to do so. An eternity seemed to pass as he made the final appeal for "just one more.”
That was it for me. The dam of self-confidence, defiance, and cynicism, so common to all youth who have grown up in the System, broke. The drenching flood of the Holy Spirit washed over me. Tears began to flow as I stood to my feet and deliberately and intentionally walked down the slope before my amazed peers. In that one special moment, answering to the call Len had made, I affirmed my commitment to Jesus and to the work of His ministry. . . And the heavenly Father leads on still today.
I thank God for Len Minchin and all the others who have ministered to Adventist young people. My wife and I have served in youth ministry now for nearly thirty years.
Michael H. Stevenson, Director, Senior Youth Ministry, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Springs, Maryland
Video Testimonials
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Family Testimonials
This is a work in progress. Please check back later.
