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A quarterly publication of Evangel Christian University of America

Home With The Lord

Eulogy for Rev. Dr. Timothy G. Nance, President, Evangel Christian University of America,

by Rev. Dr. Henry Harbuck

TITLE: “TO BE CONTINUED…”

I enjoy watching old western movies on TV although I have little time to spare. Recently, while watching an old western movie, it built to a suspenseful acme (high point) with two main characters trapped in a house fire, and suddenly on the screen appeared the phrase, “TO BE CONTINUED.” This is the one phrase that makes me go haywire (crazy). When I saw this phrase, I felt like kicking out the TV screen. The television channel doesn’t tell you when the next episode will air. Their scheme is to entice viewers to watch the TV channel day and night with the hope of seeing part two. Knowing WHEN their life is “TO BE CONTINUED” is not the case when a believer dies. When a believer dies, we know when part two will be aired. It will be aired and CONTINUED IMMEDIATELY in heaven as one merely changes locations from earth to heaven.

Death came suddenly to Dr. Timothy G. Nance who turned 40 in January. He had finished cutting the lawn and eating dinner when he suffered a heart attack at his home on SATURDAY afternoon, SEPTEMBER 28, 2002. Though he will be badly missed, those of us whom he left have the assurance this saga (or “the rest of the story”) is “TO BE CONTINUED.” Dr. Nance is now in the heavenly abode (home) with the Lord where all Christians shall one day abide.

Rev. Dr. Timothy George Nance was born January 4, 1962 in Grand Prairie, Texas. In 1980, “Brother Tim” (his favorite title) graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas where he received their highest honor, Bison of the Year. After graduation, he continued his education at Texas A&M University and served in the famous Corps of Cadets. He also worked as a dispatcher for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department before being called into the ministry. Brother Tim then transferred to Life Bible College in Glendale, California. He earned a B.A. in Bible and became an ordained minister.

After graduation, he came to Monroe, Louisiana and pastored a Four Square church in West Monroe, Louisiana. Brother Tim decided to further his education and enrolled at Evangel Christian University of America where he proved to be an excellent student. During this time, he met a precious woman named “Dee,” who worked at the university, who later became his wife. Brother Tim went on to earn a Master and Doctorate of theology at ECUA. Later he joined the faculty as Dean of Academics and subsequently selected as president of the university when Dr. Milton O. Peacock retired as president emeritus. Brother Tim was also an elder at Covenant Church of Monroe and was known in various circles as an excellent preacher, teacher, educator and writer. Most importantly, he was loved and respected by all his friends at

Covenant Church and Evangel Christian University of America.

Dr. Tim Nance was always busy. He wrote several books, ministered with his wife “Dee” in churches throughout America, and took several missionary trips each year. Known as a scholar and preacher, he was also known for his humor and his ability to make a hard biblical lesson seem easy. It goes without saying, “He lived life to its fullest each day.” He and Dee always took time for each other, often expressing their love for each other and their love for the Lord.

Recently, Brother Tim and wife Sis. Dee founded Hesed Ministries. Hesed is the Hebrew word lovingkindness found in Psalm 143:8, “Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning.” Brother Tim and Sis. Dee ministered together whenever possible, traveling throughout the USA and other countries. Many people in the body of Christ were strengthened by the tenderness of Dr. Tim Nance. He always took time for his wife and friends. Brother Tim never got in a hurry, but brought peace and gentleness to every troubled soul. He excelled in leadership, ministry, computer skills, and performed many kind deeds for needy people without accepting pay. Few ministers and educators reach the pinnacle of success attained by Dr. Timothy G. Nance in his forty years on this earth.

Dr. Tim Nance died as he lived, in service to HIS King, the Lord of Glory. Newspapers and news articles are telling of his death, but don’t believe them, he is alive. When he took his last breath on this earth, his life began in heaven on a “TO BE CONTINUED” basis. He has gone higher——left his old bodily frame and moved into a new house that is immortal, a body that sin cannot touch nor taint. His body is now fashioned into the likeness of His glorious body. Dr. Timothy G. Nance was born again at the age of twelve, but that which is born of the flesh will surely die. He lives now and reigns with Christ because he was born of the Spirit. Let no one say of Dr. Tim Nance, “We have lost our friend.” We cannot say that he is lost; a human being cannot be lost when we know he is with Jesus.

Dr. Dee Nance, wife of Dr. Timothy Nance, is holding firm in the faith. She continues to work at Evangel Christian University of America, a division of AEGA in Monroe, Louisiana. She has plans to continue functioning as Dean of Administration and feels led to continue in ministry as the Lord leads. It seems proper to close this eulogy with a poem written by the great hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. She never published this poem based on Eccl. 12:6 and Rev. 22:4-5, but wrote it for herself. Since it’s so beautiful and profound, I felt it appropriate to apply it to Dr. Timothy G. Nance and the saga “TO BE CONTINUED…”

“Someday the silver cord will break and

I no more as now shall sing: but O the joy

when I shall wake within the

palace of the King!

And I shall see Him face to face,

and tell the story——saved by grace!”