A Moment With Pastor Fred

Last summer’s Olympics caused me to remember a special anniversary – the Paris games of 1924. It was 100 years ago that devout Christian Eric Liddel won the gold. One of my favorite movies is Chariots of Fire, the 1981 film that won four Academy Awards retelling the story.  

Eric learned his 100-meter heat was scheduled to be run on a Sunday. He decided not to compete as he believed it would violate the Sabbath. (Now I would disagree with his interpretation but admire him for not violating his conscience even with his future king pressuring him). Through a series of maneuvers, Eric was asked to skip the 100 and run the 400-meter instead – a race he wasn’t expected to place. He was known more for short runs, not long ones. Nonetheless he did win!

That is where the movie ends. Born in China to missionary parents, Eric felt called to return. He became a rural evangelist. War with Japan became a constant threat. In 1941, Eric sent his pregnant wife to Canada to live with family along with their two daughters. By 1943, the Japanese ordered all foreigners to an internment camp at Weihsien in northern China. 1800 crowded into the small camp. Eric taught children math and science and became the director of sports. He became a surrogate parent to hundreds of children known as “Uncle Eric.” At the age of 43, Eric was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. As he lay dying in the camp hospital, his students met outside and sang to him, “Be Still My Soul.” His final words were “It’s complete surrender.” 

Well done, good and faithful servant.