Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls today we have come to play to rest one of the best and most dedicated Christian’s that I have ever met in my entire life. Pastor Stephen Francis was really and truly one in a million. I had known him from the year of 1977 when I first came to Newcastle. In my lifetime I have met and listened to hundreds of preachers, pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets and apostles but he Bro Steve outshines them all.
His humility, compassion, love, and kindness and all the fruit of the spirit were evident in his entire life. He was one true born again Christian that not only spoke about the Lord Jesus Christ but he lived that which he spoke off.
It was more than 40yrs ago, actually 45yrs. ago in the beginning of the year of 1977 when I came to Newcastle that I met a man who I can stand up and testify to be a true Christian. His character and his qualities only portrayed the presence of Jesus Christ. Although some may disagree with his doctrine, nobody can deny the exemplary life that he lived. He was not just being called a Christian, but he virtually gave his life for the gospel. He beside being and having the entire fivefold ministry in his life, he was a true husband a most loving father of 3 sons and 1 daughter, and a very loving granddad of 10 grandchildren.
Although he had only 1 church in Newcastle, he has preached to thousands in S.A and abroad. He has been preaching in the states for approximately 40 times. He has ministered in a few other countries other than the US. Namely, India, Australia, Mexico, England and a few other countries in Africa as well.
He was not only a preacher but an outstanding sportsman in almost every sport he played. Whatever he did he did to the best of his ability. Our earthly loss this is heavens gain. He always spoke of going to be with Jesus Christ so eventually he beat us to the winning post. I wish to thank God almighty for a true and a great soldier of the cross, who was as a father to my wife, Satisha, who got me married 38 yrs. ago. He was a husband to all the widows in our church. Many from the church have said that they are willing to give their lives for Pastor Steve. He was always there for all as a doctor to give the right medication, he was there to tell us to eat the right food and many other good advices he would give. His dear wife is also going to miss him, and his 3 sons who have also lived outstanding Christian lives are also fit to preach and live the gospel of Jesus Christ, but nobody I know will ever be as great a soldier of the cross as our pastor Steve.
He was a true Christian everywhere we went with him. Words will fail me to explain all the good he has done. The Bible says that the years of a man is 3 score and 10 which is 70yrs,so God has given him a full lifespan and 2 yrs extra, yet he was as fit as a fiddle until his dying day. Pastor Stephen Francis was an example of a true believer until the end of his life on earth. It is a great loss on earth but is a great gain for heaven this very day.
May our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, comfort and strengthen each and every person here especially his ever loving wife, sister Jenny, his only daughter, Jesscintha, his 3 sons Allistair, Liam and Stephen and all his 10 grandchildren and also his entire congregation and also all of you present here and those of you that are elsewhere watching who were not able to attend this glorious funeral. May the blessings of the Almighty God abide on each and every one of you, abundantly.
Bro Seava Moodley
