New Commandment Men’s Ministries Blog
My Tribute to Dr. and Mrs. John G. Mitchell
John and Mary Mitchell influenced thousands through Bible teaching, Christian education, and personal generosity. For Herb Reese, they were also beloved family. Through childhood memories, an unexpected hospital conversation, and help with seminary tuition, this tribute recalls their joyful faith and the spiritual heritage that continues to inspire his ministry.
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11 thoughts on “My Tribute to Dr. and Mrs. John G. Mitchell”
I was a Portland native who attended Multnomah as a young married man starting a family in the late 70’s to early 80’s when I graduated with a BA in Bible and Religious Ed. As a child, I had attended Trout Creek Bible Camp a number of times (another project of John G. Mitchell and the folks at Central Bible). My family didn’t have much money in those early years but I was good a learning Bible Verses and was able to earn my way to camp by attending Bible Club at Central Bible Church and doing my lessons and memorizing my verses. Those early experiences at Camp and singing God’s praises around the campfire were highly impactful in my spiritual journey. Later, while attending Multnomah, I had the privilege of leading worship for Married Men’s Chapels and taking the “Spiritual Life” class with Dr. Mitchell. There were several times when I had the opportunity to be the “young man” that Dr. Mitchell called upon to drag him up the Hill to class, and to Chapels at Central Bible. It felt to me like you could just feel the love of Jesus oozing out of his pores by this time of his life (in his later 80’s). I truly believe he had become such a tender disciple of Love by this time of his life and his Love for the “Savior” was always so incredibly apparent. I believe I had had him the last year that he taught Acts – Philemon, and that was a sweet and wonderful time as well. Each day in class he would strongly ask with a serious look “Did you read your Bibles?” and then ask for a raise of hands….. and then ultimately he would show grace to those of us who didn’t quite make the cut that day in reading through whatever section he had assigned to us to read through 10 to 15 times. I LOVED singing with him in class, and to this day sing “Cheer up Ye Saints of God” and the “Lion of Judah” to my family and grandchildren. I think I have his Scotch-Irish lilt down pretty well at this point! Well…. I could go on and on about this true man of God, but will close with something I believe Dr. Mitchell would say if he were still here….. “Do you love the Savior? Do you read your Bibles? It’s his love letter to you ya know! Blessings to all who have been touched by his and his dear Mary’s lives! Michael Hintz – Class of 83 or 84… something like that
Michael:
“Uncle John’s” memory is such a blessing and a great motivator for us to live for the Savior. What an honor it has been for us to know him and learn from him. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful tribute.
Blessings,
Herb Reese
I am not sure if this is the same John G. Mitchell: My father’s “double first cousin”(as they would say in the South)and childhood friend was Forney David Mitchell of Columbus, GA. My father was William F. Mitchell. In the obituary for Forney D. Mitchell a “Jon G. Mitchell” of West Linn, Oregon is listed. The “Jon” is spelled without the “h” which could be a typo. I am doing my genealogy and tracking down leads, so was curious if you had any information on the parents of Dr. John G. Mitchell?
Hi, Steven. As far as I know, Dr. Mitchell never lived in West Linn, Or. I only knew him as a resident of Portland, OR.
Hello,
I started listening to Dr. John G. Mitchell thru The Bible Broadcasting Networking. His study on the Names of God is amazing, and I’m so greatful.
I was doing some research, and wanted to know if his grandfather possibly named John Mitchell was also a minster, and author? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mitchell_(minister) There is a book listed that I have begun to read called “My Mother, Recollections of Maternal Influence” I was interested to know if they were related. Thank you, Blessings.
Jessica, after reading the link, I don’t believe the two are related.
You hadn’t heard that story, Marty? Mom told it to me several times. And so did Uncle John and Auntie Mary. They met in Radville, Saskatchewan, not the US. Mom was real young at the time. She said she hid in the back seat of Uncle John’s Model T when he took Auntie Mary out for a drive once.
You’re kidding! I guess Auntie Mary always wanted to protect her mom’s reputation, because I don’t remember EVER hearing that her mom had intercepted Uncle John’s letters. I just remember the part about him seeing her picture in the other guy’s room. Wow. God knew they needed to be together despite her best attempts at preventing it. You’re right, they were the most godly and joyful people ever. What a strong love for the Lord – AND for other people. I sure miss them.
Herb–so great to hear about your heritage and connection with Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell! Dr. Mitchell is one of my all time favorite Bible teachers. His knowledge of the word and his heart for the Savior. Just to be around him and sit and listen or hear him on the radio. What a blessing. I had no idea of this connection you had. Thanks for sharing this story. Trusting the Lord’s continued blessings in your service for Him.
Unfortunately, Steve, his radio broadcast isn’t played here in Denver. It would be so great to hear his voice again! I’ll have to listen on the Internet sometime.