His Final Years
Len Minchin traveled throughout the globe for many years. He retired in 1970. This page will share information on his retirement years, the final days, funeral, and legacy—testimonials, etc.. This is a work in progress. At present, the page features written and video testimonials.
Testimonials
Written Testimonials of Pastors
Dwight Nelson, Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
"What was his secret? Now, sixty-five years later, I believe E. L. Minchin embodied the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit, a personal saturation with Jesus that radiated from him to us teenagers."
“Elder Minchin”—that’s what we all called him. And I must confess that to simply hear his name brings back a flood of dear memories from that unforgettable week, sixty or seventy of us missionary kids from the Far Eastern Division spent with him. Far Eastern Academy (our boarding school) planned a special week of prayer retreat up in the beautiful seaside of Port Dixon, Malaysia. Elder Minchin had an aura about him that we teenagers immediately sensed. Was it the theme song, “I Want Dear Lord” (a song I still hum and even sing as a prayer)? Was it his down-under brand of English that shaped the Bible stories and heart appeals he shared with us teens throughout the week? The kids lined up all week long to have one-on-one conversations with this dear man of God! I don’t remember a word I said to him in that visit, nor what he spoke to me, but something about this spiritual giant touched my heart. (I even wrote him a letter after he left us.) What was his secret? Now, sixty-five years later, I believe E. L. Minchin embodied the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit, a personal saturation with Jesus that radiated from him to us teenagers. I eagerly await the opportunity to once again sit down with this spiritual giant—and I’m quite sure Jesus will join us in that conversation. After all, He and Elder Minchin were the best of friends.
Thomas Mostert, President, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Westlake Village, California
"How could a quiet, shy, sensitive young man ... become a man remembered by thousands?"—Thomas Mostert
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
Michael H. Stevenson, Director, Senior Youth Ministry, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Springs, Maryland
"He seemed to be gifted in listening and in projecting a sympathetic understanding that was both winsome and confidence-building."—Michael H. Stevenson
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
E. Lonnie Melashenko, Director-Speaker, The Voice of Prophecy
"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts...and we are never, ever the same!"—E. Lonnie Melashenko
Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts...and we are never, ever the same! Elder E. L. Minchin will never know how much of an impact he had on my young life as a college student.
It's been nearly 40 years since I was an underclassman at La Sierra College. One weekend I heard that Elder Minchin was speaking on the campus of Loma Linda University. So I made arrangements to catch a ride and sit in on his presentation because I had heard so much about him as a keynote speaker and inspirer of young people. I determined I wanted to hear him, too.
I had already made up my mind to stick with my choice of majoring in Theology, but I was going through some inner turmoil, particularly about my future. For one, I didn't have a call yet and I feared that since I was not from Southern California, few if any presidents would be interested in me. Besides, I was lonely because my girlfriend was living in the East Coast and attending Columbia Union College. I was troubled about the question of my choice for a life companion, particularly since this young lady and I were not able to attend the same college together due to financial grants and other logistical snafus. So I was restless, worried, and wondering what God had in mind for my future.
As I settled into my seat on a padded pew half-way towards the back of the Loma Linda University Church, I found myself caught up in Elder Minchin's remarks. He was talking about how God calls young men (and women) to fulfill specific tasks in the Lord's vineyard of service. He talked about how Jesus is profoundly interested in our questions and our troubles; He's interested in our need for direction, especially in the choice of a life companion. It seemed like Elder Minchin was speaking directly to me. He was penetrating all the doubts and concerns that were wrestling inside of me. I wondered if, perhaps, he'd been tipped off and somehow knew the turmoil and uneasiness spinning ‘round and ‘round in my heart.
I was not quite prepared for what happened next. He made a specific appeal. It was a call for complete surrender and re-commitment. And it was directed especially to individuals in the audience like me. And of all things, he asked for us to stand and commit ourselves to a life of complete service to the Lord in Gospel ministry! It was a call for us to consecrate our future, our questions, and even our future choice of a life companion to Jesus. A promise to give ourselves unreservedly to the Lord for whatever He had in mind for our tomorrows.
With tears brimming I found myself compelled to rise from my comfortable seat and stand in solemn dedication and commitment. I don't recall whether there were very many others who responded with me. There were, of course. But that call was designed for me that day. And it was a very special turning point in my life. It led to a strong inner resolve to press forward, hold on to God's hand in faith, and trust Him. Praying for His Divine guidance and providence as I pursued my calling to the Gospel ministry.
I ended up waiting three years for that East Coast girl. And I married her. And I will ever be grateful for Elder Minchin's clear, gentle, persuasive, and heaven-sent public call to consecrate everything - my entire life - to the Lord for ministry, service, and to leave the cares about the future to Jesus for resolution and fulfillment.
E. Lonnie Melashenko
Director-Speaker
The Voice of Prophecy
Video Testimonials
At a time when he was the manager of Sanitarium Health restaurant, and his employees were being highly tempted by soldiers who would come to the restaurant and quickly losing their walk with Christ, he sought Elder Minchin's help to turn things around. Listen to his testimonial to hear how things turned out.
A lifelong friend from Western Australia. They were in New Zealand, England, and the US, together.
Olive and her husband were missionaries in Fiji when Elder Minchin came and conducted meetings.
Warburten Revival in 1938
Avondale student at the time of the 1939 Revival.
Responded to call for entering into ministry by Elder Minchin
He was an Andrews University student (Michigan, U.S.A.) at the time of the revival taking place in 1970.
Family Testimonial
In this wonderful group testimonial of family members, you will obtain a touching family perspective on Elder Minchin.
This is a work in progress. More will be added.
Thank You!
We hope you have been blessed by the things you have learned here.
Help Us
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Navigation Etc.
Testimonies? Feedback?
Was your life or a family member impacted by Elder Minchin's ministry? Please share your testimony or feedback with us!
Continue Learning...
• Life and Ministry of E. L. Minchin
• Articles And Reports Written in Church Periodicals, Arranged Chronologically.
• Youth Conventions, Revivals, and Weeks of Prayer.
• Beliefs & Teachings, Arranged Topically.
• Share Your Testimony or Give Us Feedback
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