In Loving Memory...Memorializing John DeBrine
Our beloved founder, Dr. John DeBrine, passed into glory peacefully during the night of March 3, 2021 at the age of 96. The memorial service for John was held on June 12, 2021. It was attended by many generations who were touched by his ministry throughout the years.
“Married to the Ministry”
Dr. Nick Gatzke led the service and shared John’s explanation as to why he had never been married. “I’m married to the ministry,” John would say. He was so focused on his ministry that he never even considered settling down.
Nick cited II Corinthians 12:15, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” John gave his life for the Kingdom of God, in service for others. This is a perfect example of loving others as Christ loved us. John understood this and inspired others to do the same.
“Grow in Grace, so you won’t Groan in Disgrace”
Nick then went on to repeat a phrase that John had used at the end of each of his radio broadcasts, “Grow in grace, so you won’t groan in disgrace.” This phrase came from a series John taught decades ago in II Peter 3:17-18, “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
“It’s not the one you’re thinking of. It’s the other one.”
Michael Faircloth often joined John at the Songtime conferences as a concert pianist. You might remember the hilarious banter between the two which highlighted John’s unusually irreverent, but always hilarious sense of humor. Michael shared how John would often tell stories about people in ministry and, to avoid the pretense of gossip, say, “It’s not the one you’re thinking of. It's the other one.”
Michael then played a tribute of “How Great Thou Art” in memory of John.
“What In Your Life Is Only Explainable by God?”
John’s successor, Rev. Adam Miller, then shared a memory of how he came to work for Songtime and how he was eventually promoted to radio host.
John wanted to hire Adam, but Adam was not interested in moving to Cape Cod. However, John wouldn’t give up or accept “No” for an answer. He eventually convinced Adam to fly out for an interview. Coming with the intention of turning John down in person, Adam was confronted by a comment by John that changed his mind. John asked, “What in your life is only explainable by God?”
When John tried to get Adam to take over as the host of the broadcast, Adam resisted. Eventually Adam told John, “If you die, I’ll hire someone to replace you, but I’m not going on the radio.” A week later, John fell and broke his hip. Adam has been hosting the radio broadcast ever since.
John had a unique way of seeing the potential of people and pushing them into God’s will for their life.
“Do you have a license?... You’re hired.”
Throughout the years, John would hire young men to drive him around. One of those men was Pedro Maduro. After moving to Cape Cod from the Dominican Republic, Pedro met John while working at the grocery store. John approached him and asked him if he had a driver’s license. He then told Pedro to show up at his house for a job interview at 9:00AM sharp. When Pedro arrived on time, John said, “You’re hired.”
Pedro became like a son to John, and took care of him until he passed away. Pedro never left his side. He shared a sentiment that many others have expressed throughout the years. John had a way of getting people to believe in themselves. As a young man without a father, having just arrived in the United States, Pedro had dreams and vision, but he didn’t have a plan. John was able to give him purpose and direction.
“Why Am I Still Here?”
Dr. Seppo Rapo is one of John’s oldest friends, going back 70 years. He shared several memories that preceded the days of Songtime and referenced the impact of Youthtime.
Seppo then shared a note from John where he reflected on how his entire graduating class from Houghton College in 1947 had already passed away. John then cited Psalm 30:9-12 which Seppo read. “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? … You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”
“We salute his faithful attention to the Word of God…”
In hearing of John’s homegoing, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association sent a letter from the executive assistant of Franklin Graham.
“An emphasis on evangelism and discipleship has characterized Dr. DeBrine’s heart and ministry. We salute his faithful attention to the Word of God, and to the task of reaching people with the Gospel -- especially through creative means of radio broadcasting. Our prayers continue for your ministry in the future -- built on the strength of God’s leadership and blessing in past days.”
“Sir, What Must I Do to Be Saved?”
John never taught without a presentation of the Gospel. So it was a fitting tribute to have Dr. Harry Fletcher present a Gospel invitation. Referencing Acts 16:31, Dr. Fletcher answered the question of what we must do in order to be saved, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” He then led everyone in the sinners prayer.
“The land and the sea will give up their dead”
Joshua Martin, a soloist who remembered when John would spend the night at their family home in Pennsylvania, sang “We Believe,” a song written by another of John’s dear friends, Steve Green.
“Your Gift is a Witness.”
John never missed an opportunity to take up an offering and at the close of the ceremony, upon his request, the people were asked to give to the ministry of Songtime. John would often emphasize the importance of giving to Gospel ministries. He would say, “Imagine the person sitting next to you is an unbeliever. Your gift is a witness.”
If you would like to make a contribution to the future of Songtime in honor of John. Please click here or call the Songtime office: 508-362-7070.
If you would like to watch the memorial service, please click here.