George Gerhard Brink, 1943-1989

George Gerhard Brink was born in the Netherlands, June 21, 1943. His family of six brothers and two sisters, mother, and father immigrated to Canada when George was 7 years old. George grew up in the Dutch Reform Church. His family had daily Bible reading and prayer at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This left a great impact on George that influenced his entire life.

George was a devoted worker in whatever task was put before him. For 10 years he worked at Defasco Steel Mill in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was during this time that George accepted Christ as his personal Savior and felt strongly and clearly the call of God to the ministry. He left the security of his job and entered Mt. Vernon Bible College in 1973.

It was at Mt. Vernon where he met beautiful Cheryl Ann Pentecost. They fell in love and were married February 12, 1977. From 1977 to 1979, George and his lovely bride went to Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, where George pastored a Foursquare Gospel Church. From there, he and Cheryl moved back to the states where they served Valley Central United Church of Christ in New Market, Virginia for five and one-half years.

In October 1984, after a period of soul searching and prayer, George felt strongly about entering the ministry of the United Methodist Church and was appointed to Stanley United Methodist Church where he served two and one-half years. During this period George earned his college degree from Eastern Mennonite in May 1987.

George was appointed to the Fulks Run Charge in the Harrisonburg District in June 1987. He served four churches extremely effectively while attending seminary. He earned his seminary degree in May 1989. During these college and seminary days, George was a devoted servant of the church and to his wife. George took his calling and his work so seriously that he never complained about the demands that were placed upon him. A strong pulpit preacher, George was deeply loved by his people who recognized here was truly a servant of God who lived out daily what he preached. George's final graduation came July 5, 1989, when he was called home to join the church triumphant.

As George's district superintendent, I have never met a pastor who was so profoundly committed to the church of Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and considered it a great privilege to be a servant of the Lord. Everyone who came in touch with George and Cheryl were deeply moved by the love and devotion they expressed for each other. They served as a Christian role model for couples and especially for pastors. I miss George here in this district. I miss his sincere devotion, his great sense of humor, and his radiant joy and peace he had within. My life, as well as many others, has been richly blessed because George walked this way. What wonderful memories we hold until that day when God calls us home to be in His nearer presence. Our love and affection go out to Cheryl. May God's loving presence be very real to her, right now.

-L. Carl Whitten