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Biju Chacko posted a condolence
Monday, December 9, 2019
Pastor Ralph installed me as an interim pastor at a congregation in 2010. He stayed as a constant encouragement to my ministry. His death is a great loss to Christianity and to global missions,. Prayers for the bereaved family members.
Biju Chacko
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Pset2447@gmail.com posted a condolence
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Thoughts and prayers are with the Harrell family.
An old Chowan High School friend,
Lois Davis Ashley
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wilf.cushnie@shaw.ca uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, December 7, 2019
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wilf.cushnie@shaw.ca lit a candle
Saturday, December 7, 2019
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Bill & Pauline Eardensohn posted a condolence
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Ralph and Rosalind were among the first missionaries we met when we arrived in Kenya to study Swahili at Brackenhurst. They were wonderful role models in every way and we enjoyed their friendship. We missed them every time we drove by the “Harrell house” after they retired. Their work continues to bear fruit. Goodbye, my dear brother. Well done good and faithful servants.
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Sonny & Deen Sweatman posted a condolence
Friday, December 6, 2019
Ralph & Rosalind were dear friends and such the encouragers. We are certainly praying for their families. Loved them both!!!
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Roger L Swann posted a condolence
Thursday, December 5, 2019
TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF RALPH HARRELL
I was a missionary Journeyman in Kenya from August 1968 through June of 1970. My assignment was to assist the East Africa Mission Treasurer. Ralph Harrell was the treasurer during my assignment until April 1, 1970. When I began to work alongside Ralph, he asked me to handle many of the Mission Treasurer bookkeeping functions. As time progressed Ralph added other duties including going to stations and other areas of mission books for the purpose of the annual audit. The mission area was Kenya and Tanzania at that time. Throughout the time I worked aside Ralph, he was gracious and encouraging. The atmosphere of our office and personal times together is a major reason I had a wonderful, exciting and growing experience during my time in Kenya.
One goal of mine was to relieve a missionary so that they could be involved more in areas which required a working knowledge of Swahili. Ralph had responsibility for 3 areas of work. Ralph thanked me many times for the opportunities to give more attention to the other 2 areas of work.
Ralph encouraged me to be involved in the local church. After some months in the church at Brackenhurst he requested that I consider being a part of a village church in other areas of Limuru. Being in the churches was so fulfilling.
Ralph and Rosalind invited me to have lunch and dinner at their house. Sharing with their family, I became to feel a part of the family. For about a year, I enjoyed Rosalind’s cooking.
Our family was appointed to Tanzania in 1978. Our Swahili studies were at Brackenhurst. It was a joy to be around Ralph and Rosalind during that time. I have thanked Ralph and Rosalind many times while in East Africa and after their return to the USA for retirement.
I thank my God for every remembrance of Ralph and Rosalind Harrell and for their faithfulness to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through so many years and for the pleasure of working alongside them.
Tribute to in memory of Ralph and Rosalind Harrell
Roger Swann
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Leon Spencer posted a condolence
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Oh my. Ralph and Rosalind were both important influences in my life, and they had such close ties to my parents in Raleigh as well. We first met when I arrived in Kenya to do my doctoral research in Kenyan church history, and my wife and I stayed at the Brackenhurst longer than we, or they, expected (!) as I had to jump through hoops at the University of Nairobi for clearance for my research. They were so welcoming, warm and kind, with such a deep and abiding faith that treated all of God's children as just that, brothers and sisters in Christ. We worshipped with them, were invited into their home so graciously, and Ralph - at the Kenyatta airport when my father arrived - decided it was better for him to drive Daddy to our home rather than have him ride on my pikipiki - a small scooter that still makes we wonder, "What was I thinking?!" Some years later, when both of my parents visited, I remember their dog eating a pie in our car when we visited them on the way down into the Rift. They were simply wonderful, down to earth, so affirming of everyone, a message that it mattered that we were with them. I will never forget their great gifts to us.
Ralph and Rosalind developed a close relationship with my parents when, on furlough, they stayed at a missionary house at Hayes Barton Baptist Church. Those ties continued, and strengthened, as years passed. How my parents loved them. And, for good reason.
When I returned again to Kenya as dean of studies at an Anglican theological college, we resumed our bond as if it were yesterday. Ralph was ill at some point - I forget what it was, but it was worrisome - and I visited him. Praying with him that day is one of my most moving experiences.
What a joy it was to see Ralph once again, though sadly at Rosalind's funeral. It was such a testimony to both Ralph and Rosalind's love and care for so many over the years. And what a joy to see their fine children, whom I knew as young'uns, well aware of what their parents had meant to us all.
I suppose I am writing too much. Maybe I should just say that I have been richly blessed that Ralph and Rosalind were in my life.
Well done. Rest in peace, and rise in glory.
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Alan Duncan posted a condolence
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Stephen, Beverly and Sam, as well as all your family… Please be assured of my prayers for you and in the passing of Uncle Ralph. Heaven is richer, and I have no doubt that he had been missing Aunt Ros greatly! We are so blessed by the impact of our parents obedience to God’s call to missions, and all the more by the bond that was sealed in Africa. My dad, Uncle Marshall, does not remember much these days, but he smiled and said he remembered your dad when I shared that he had gone home to Jesus. He looked at me and said, “I guess we just get old and wear out.” We are thankful to know that we will meet again ...
Mayibuye! Alan Duncan
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Gabriel Salazar posted a condolence
Thursday, December 5, 2019
I’ve thought of Ralph and prayed for him many times! His wife Rosiland passed away shortly before my wife, Shirley, passed. About a year later He was a great comfort to me as he read a poem at church and made a few comments about losing loved ones that touched me deeply! I’ve kept that poem to this day!
Gabe Salazar
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Sharon Pumpelly posted a condolence
Thursday, December 5, 2019
We did not live in Kenya with Ralph and Rosalind, but in their incredible love and hospitality, we were invited into their home on occasional trips to Kenya. The person of Christ - His joy and love - was so evident in each of them and it was such a joy to engage in conversation with such wise and caring people. It seemed like everything they did was with incredible grace. I treasure the times we had with both of them, and each of them. What a blessing their lives were to so, so many and I am grateful I was one of them!
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Joseph Kamau Kabui posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
God has has called you home. I thank Him for bringing you into my life and the life of many Kenyans. You demonstrated your love for Christ by loving His children. You worked hard to help my generation know the Lord and grow in our walk with Him. You became a father, a mentor, a friend and a servant to many of us who are currently serving the Lord in different capacities in Kenya. You were very personal in your dealing with each person. I will always treasure our relationship and your love for us. Till we meet again.
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Stephen Harrell lit a candle
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
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Shelia Schultheiss posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
I loved Uncle Ralph and when I said Uncle Ralph and Aunt Rosiland, usually it was ...same breath...same sentence.
It was a good day when I was able to tell them, from my heart, just how much their devotion to the Lord meant.
They will always be loved and will forever be a part of my heart.
Love and prayers to my family ❤️
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Martha Barnett posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
What a beautiful and inspiring obituary. I am so glad to have known and benefitted from the wonderful graciousness of both Ralph and Rosalind Harrell. They were indeed a dynamic duo in Christ Jesus and long lives of service for His kingdom! Our loss here, and Heaven’s gain. God bless each of you in the family as you rejoice in God’s goodness of this legacy and live out your stories with eternal hope and peace!
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Ed and Janet Flowers lit a candle
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
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Ralph was a dear kind loving man who was faithful to his God and his family. I am blessed to have known him through the Senior Center and Brookshire. He visited my husband in rehab at Brookshire 5 years ago and we were surprised and delighted that he knew my husband's aunt back in the 40's.
I will miss him but I know that he will be happy to be reunited with his lovely wife whom he adored.
May your faith, family and friends sustain you in this loss of one so dear.
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Harriet Platts posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
I'm writing on behalf of my father, Paul Platts, and my mother, Shirley Harrell Platts, who passed away Holy week, of 2017. We hold the memory of Ralph in our hearts. We remember him visiting us in Kinston, NC back in the 60s, when my brother, Kingsley and I, were very young. Sam, our paths intersected briefly at Southern Seminary in the early 1990s.
We celebrate the gift of Cousin Ralph's life and for his faithful service of ministry. Well done, faithful servant. May he rest in deep peace.
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Jill Branyon posted a condolence
Monday, December 2, 2019
Ralph Harrell was a model missionary to observe and emulate. He was kind and gracious. His life impacted many. I will always treasure our talks and interactions. He was one of my heroes in the faith. I was blessed by both Ralph and Rosalind. Their home was open to all and their gift of hospitality offered a respite from difficult days. I have been blessed by Ralph's wisdom and understanding of difficult situations.
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David B.Harrell posted a condolence
Monday, December 2, 2019
Uncle Ralph ,
Was my Great Uncle .His older Brother Earl's grandson. I was born in 1953 ,All my life Uncle Ralph was our Missionary Hero . I was in my 40's before I
really got to know and love my hero .Aunt Rosalind
was so sweet and never failed to send us updates and cards and letters at Christmas. I and my family were blessed to be at his 90th birthday party. Oh what a blessing he was .As an annointed Servant of God our Savior was this blessed couple that gave of themselves so completely and selflessly. I am a better Christian today ,thanks to Uncle Ralph .We will meet again .
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Connie Hampton Hager posted a condolence
Monday, December 2, 2019
"Uncle Ralph" wonderful, wise man of God who touched many lives...especially my life with his love, his gentle encouraging words and a great big hug. He and Aunt Rosalind were great friends to James & Gena Hampton & family. My parents who served beside them in Tanzania and Kenya East Africa.
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Myrtice Owens posted a condolence
Monday, December 2, 2019
Dear family of Ralph, It was a privilege to know Ralph and Rosalind and felt a kinship and love for them while we served together in East Africa. May the Lord wrap His arms of comfort and peace around you all. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
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Mary Horton posted a condolence
Monday, December 2, 2019
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR RALPH'S LIFE AND THE MANY LIVES HE TOUCHED.
WE ARE ALSO GLAD THAT HE AND HIS BELOVED ARE TOGETHER.
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The family of Rev. Ralph Webster Harrell uploaded a photo
Monday, December 2, 2019
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Please wait
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Jim and Marcia Richardson posted a condolence
Monday, December 2, 2019
I have no clear idea what heaven is like, but I’m guessing the saints and angels are rejoicing that Ralph Harrell is now among them. What a godly man and role model he was to so many of us. We the Richardson’s joined the ranks in Kenya in 1976 with Rosalind as our Language School Coordinator. That gave us a jump-start on getting to know Ralph and Rosalind well.
Ralph was an amazing combination of wise authority coupled with gracious humility. When he spoke in a business meeting everyone listened because what he said always seemed right, wise, perfect for the moment. But he was never overly impressed with himself, never tried to manipulate people, never showed an ounce of arrogance. He always had time for folks and let you know how dear your friendship was to him. While we were in language school our young daughter Sheri and Lori Bateman would often wander into Uncle Ralph’s office and were rewarded with a “sweetie”. They loved Uncle Ralph.
It is hard to talk about Ralph without also talking about Rosalind. They were quite the couple. Getting invited to their house for dinner was better than going to Marino’s Restaurant in downtown Nairobi. The lovely table set with beautiful flowers from Ralph’s garden was just the beginning. One evening she served us Chicken Kiev for the main course…very impressive.
They were both very intelligent and thought deeply about things, whether it was preparing something for publication, organizing some program, or sitting around the dinner table enjoying stimulating conversation. Our Lord used their years of experience serving in East Africa to give them spiritual maturity that we all respected and were drawn to. They were wonderful friends and godly mentors.
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Samuel Harrell uploaded photo(s)
Monday, December 2, 2019
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Franklin Arnold Kilpatrick posted a condolence
Monday, December 2, 2019
Ralph was a dear friend for one year short of 50 years. We spent our first nights in Africa with Ralph and Rosalind at Brakenhurst at the end of January 1970. We worked closely with them in the International Publications Services (IPS) for several years where they filled an important leadership role. Ralph's dedication to the task of providing quality Bible-based literature for the people of Africa was unsurpassed. The fruit of his labor is still evident today.
With love, appreciation and fond memories
Franklin and Paula Kilpatrick
IMB Zambia 1969-2012
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