Dr. Champlin's Anniversary in Heaven

One year ago today, I learned of the home going of a man of God who probably impacted my life more than any other when it came to the development of my philosophy and passion for missions. This man's life and ministry influenced many people on three different continents. Dr Darrell Chaplin was not just a college professor, he was a mentor, a counselor, and a friend. I will never forget his messages and stories of walking on hot coals and of converted witch doctors who impacted their nation. However, my all time fondest memory was during my senior year. I don't remember the date, but I do remember coming under tremendous conviction of sin in my life during a Wednesday evening service. Normally midweek services were pretty informal, but after this message I went down on my knees in my pew and confessed my wicked pride. I was broken in a unique way. After some time I stood up and realized I was not the only one on my knees. Individuals and pairs of students were scattered all over the white chapel. There was no music, most people had long since gone. There was simply a work of God in hearts, and the only thing that could be heard was soft sobs and whispered prayers. I can remember making my way outside and thinking about all I had to do for class the next day, and how I was supposed to preach for the student body chapel. I prayerfully walked back to my room and told a friend what God was doing. A few of us gathered for more prayer. By this time, I had no thought of class work or assignments, I only wanted Christ and His presence. I don't remember who first suggested it, but we decided to ask Dr. Champlin (who stayed with his wife in the men's dorm) if he would like to join us in prayer. He was probably ready for bed, but he was so encouraging and immediately invited us in for a time of prayer. We all prayed around, and I remember getting up from my knees wishing it was not time for lights out, but that we could spend the entire night at the throne of grace. The next morning I became nervous about what to preach in chapel. As I was preparing for the day, a fellow student rushed to my room and said that Dr. Champlain was calling for me. I immediately went to his apartment. He was so encouraging and I was so humbled to learn that he had been praying for me. He shared the attached outline with me in that meeting - on what was then a bright red piece of paper. He told me that he had been reading in Nehemiah for his devotions that morning, and that he was impressed with the revival principles within the text. He had written them down and wanted me to have them. I did not end up preaching that day. In fact, I spent the entire chapel in the weight room praying while someone else led the chapel service. I will never forget the lessons I learned during that little touch of revival. Lessons about brokenness over sin and the parallel joys of pure and perfect communion with Christ will remain with me forever. I have kept Dr. Champlin's outline from his morning devotions of "Revival Principles" with me all these years. It is a treasure to me of a man who took time to pray, to encourage, and to be a tremendous example of a spirit filled missionary to a simple student like me. Perhaps there are others reading this post who knew Dr. Champlin. What memories do you have of him and his wife Louise? Please post memories below if you would.