Introduction

This book collects all the articles of ministry by our brother Brian Deck first published in two magazines, A Word in its Season and Notes of Ministry. They run from 1978 up to his last recorded address in May 1991 before the Lord took him, unexpectedly, on 19 June 1991, at his home in Motueka, New Zealand. I have added three meetings in Colchester in 1984 which were published separately at the time; and a preaching at Redbridge at the end of special meetings there in 1985 for which a recording came to hand while the book was being assembled. The articles are arranged in date order but with a poem written in 1978 at the end.

The two magazines, continued with a succession of editors from 1973 until now, have a wealth of recent ministry, but very few original sets remain, so that this resource has become inaccessible – and unknown to those who did not have the magazines when they were issued. A digital edition is being made, but others may agree that there is also value in books. I have therefore embarked on making collections like this one of ministry given by various brothers who have been especially helped in ministry over the years; and it is a relatively simple task now to make these into books. This one will be available in print, and for e-readers.

Articles in these magazines were normally revised by the brother serving and by the editors. They appear here worded as they did originally, with some adjustment to the formatting only to achieve a common style. I have not tried to find references for all the citations from other ministry—it would be an invidious task; and I have left them as first published. With the original publisher’s agreement, I have made minor changes in the Colchester readings, but not to the substance of what Mr Deck said and I have lightly revised the above-mentioned preaching in Redbridge. The ministry from page 252 onwards was given shortly before our brother was taken, and it was not possible to have him revise these articles, although they were slightly edited before appearing in A Word in its Season.

I remember Brian Deck’s ministry with much affection – it was fresh and challenging, but always positive. I trust others who are now able to read this selection will profit from it for the glory of the Lord.

ANDREW BURR

2020