At this point in life we ought not to be surprised at being surprised, yet that is exactly what has happened. It has fallen to our “lot” to write the biography of a man whose life and message has, and still does, impact the lives of scores of people across this land and beyond.
As I said in an earlier biography, They Could Not Stop The Music, about the life of a Russian violinist, writing a biography is like the assignment given to Spring; to bring to life again. It is the attempt to recover the heartbeat of someone whose life has already been lived. When it comes to a man like Manley Beasley, one is faced with an individual whose life was his message and whose message was his life. The message of prayer, faith and revival that Manley lived and preached was forged in the foundry of experience which included the terminal diseases he carried in his body for years, the hospitalizations, the months spent in intensive care, all of which drove him to an ever increasing dependence upon and understanding of the ways and workings of God. This would, for the rest of his life, shape the message he preached, the things he wrote and the myriad of ways he was used of God to minister.
At his memorial service, evangelist and brother-in-law, Mike Gilchrest, said: “Manley’s whole heart was set on glorifying God in his mortal flesh and his union with his Master. It was like a marriage intimacy and relationship that was so unique it was mystical. And this relationship was for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death took him into the presence of God.”
If anyone reading this post has a special remembrance or testimony to what Manley meant in your life that you would like to share, I would appreciate hearing from you. I have already received many inspiring and touching testimonials from many whose lives he impacted over the years. The best way to send any comments would be by email at ronowens3@aol.com
Dr. Owens, I found your website while looking for information about Bro. Manley and am so excited about your writing on his life. I never knew him personally, I am a younger pastor that hungers for “the old paths” and weary of the man centered church today. Thank you for the brief insight into his life and your website. May the Lord grant us real repentence that brings biblical revival.
My late Dad and Mom took me to hear Manley Beasley preach in Houston, Texas during the 70’s. As a young person, he made an impact into my early Christian development. A great truth that I learned early on, that we will suffer as a Christian and God will use it for His glory.
Back in May of 1985, as my Mom was dying of liver cancer and was in the hospital for the final time, someone gave us a book by him on terminal illness. I read it with great enthusiasm and it brought to my heart and mind tremendous peace and comfort.
When my Mom’s cousin was ill, I mailed it to her. After she passed, I asked her daughter if she would return it to me. Apparently, it was misplaced and thus we do not have it in our possession.
Ever since I have tried to locate another copy of the book without any success. Our family is involved in Christian Apologetics and encouraging the body of Christ. We would thoroughly enjoy learning how to get a copy of it for our ministry.
For you see those early days of listening and being taught by Manley prepared my heart to accept the premature birth of our daughter. I can say with great certainity today that his life and all what he endured served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. It continues to pay great spiritual dividends into my life as well as into my husband and daughter even in 2008.
I am delighted to see that you working on the Manley Beasley Project. Today with all the pop Christianity and “me-centeredness,” it is refreshing to have reminder of a great man of God and the life he lead for the sake of the Gospel.
In conclusion, I would be interested in learning how to abtain the book, “Alive by His Life” without having to pay a lot of money for it. I saw 2 copies of it at Alibris for $75.00 and up. Although this book is worth many times more than those prices, it is not in our family budget.
To God be the Glory!
Kathy Lundberg
Fredericksburg, VA