BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER
Pastor Mark Hopper
My brother and I have both served as church pastors for almost 40 years. Two men greatly influenced our lives during our high school and college years that led both of us to go into full-time ministry.
One of those men was Dr. Jim Borror. Jim was the first pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church in Scottsdale, Arizona in the 1960s. He was a remarkable Bible teacher with his doctorate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Jim was a young pastor, husband and father with lots of energy. He spent a lot of time with the teens and young twenty-year olds in our church. He led us on hikes into the Grand Canyon. He played football and softball with us. He took us camping in the beautiful pine-covered mountains of Arizona. We loved to be around him.
Dr. Borror was also an excellent Bible teacher and theologian. He modeled a love for the Bible and taught us lessons from the Word that still stick in the back of our minds today.
Jim was also a good shepherd and cared for people in our church. His wife, Norma, became close friends with our mother; and Jim’s thoughtful and insightful Bible teachings touched the heart and mind of our father.
Recently, my brother and I were invited to speak at Jim’s retirement dinner here in Southern California. We enjoyed sharing stories and pictures about Jim and his wife Norma from those days 40 years ago at Scottsdale Bible Church.
It was a privilege to get to honor this remarkable man. We will never be able to fully express how thankful we are for the encouragement and influence Dr. Borror had in both of our lives and our own families.
In first Timothy 5:17, the Apostle Paul said, “Let the leaders who serve well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” I’m thankful that we were able to honor our dear friend and former pastor, Jim Borror.
I wonder if there is someone who greatly influenced your life and career. Maybe a teacher, a coach, a counselor, or pastor encouraged you in your formative years. Have you taken time to honor them and express your thanks?
Let me encourage you to take time this week to send a card or note to one of the people that impacted your life in the past. Use this opportunity to express your thanks and appreciation for how they touched your life. Don’t wait. Do it this week. You will be glad you did, and they will be, too!
Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.
