A spiritual giant has fallen among us. 

Dr. Jack J. Blanco fell asleep in Jesus yesterday. Dr. Blanco was a mentor (and spiritual hero) of mine while I was a theology student at Southern Adventist University @SouthernNews. I remember meeting with him in his office, and I remember well the prayers that he prayed. At the time, I felt fortunate to overhear a personal conversation between him and his Lord. He always had time to pray! When I was a freshman, I remember he took time to meet with my mom when she was worried about me!

I remember one Sabbath School sitting in the Collegedale Church when the Sabbath School teacher asked Dr. Blanco to pray. Instead, Dr. Blanco quietly asked the teacher if he would pray for him. I was astounded by his humility, vulnerability, and authenticity. And he was spiritually courageous! The same courage, I believe, that enabled him to survive a Nazi slave labor camp during World War 2.

To this day, Dr. Blanco's ministry and contribution to personal spiritual growth continues through the Clear Word, a verse-by-verse devotional paraphrase of the Bible. His story and testimony stand as a witness that God is still in the miracle working business!

The years I spent with Dr. Blanco, and the other theology professors at SAU, had a profound impact on my life and ministry. I am so thankful for his mentorship and authentic spiritual example to me and so many others. I look forward to speaking with Dr. Blanco again, I know I will find him sitting quietly with Jesus.