Death of the Dreamer
There are few true visionaries in this world. Often misunderstood, visionaries do more than just dream. They work to make the dream come true. They see the dream in fulfillment while it is still a fledgling vision. They share the dream with anyone who will listen, believing it will enhance lives, benefit others, and is always worth the dreaming. The true dreamer never ever gives up on the dream.
Cline Paden was such a visionary. Around 1962, he began dreaming--his dream---that the Spanish speaking world would come to know God. Before long, his dream became a school to train Spanish speaking preachers. From there, the dream continued to grow. "If we can train Spanish men to take the Gospel into their countries, why can't we train men everywhere to take the Gospel everywhere?" This dream would be the catalyst for the now Sunset International Bible Institute and although changes would be made, teachers would be hired, programs would be added, the dream that the entire world would know God----that dream never changed.
As he bestowed the duties of managing SIBI on younger men, Cline spent his days on campus, still working and still dreaming. He didn't need a classroom, for he mentored with his very presence. He served the church and the school and the Lord, and he smiled as he watched his dream unfold, watched it catch fire in the lives of student after student. He smiled as, in true visionary style, he dreamed of carrying the Gospel to Cuba, Iraq, and other places not so welcoming and he never stopped dreaming.
I am not sure exactly how many christians call SSOP/SIBI their alma mater, I know there are thousands. I know there are men and women, of all ages and all races, in countries across the globe, who work hard for the Lord, having been smitten by the dream of Cline Paden. By now the news of his passing has traversed the world. This morning, christians in every nation, are smiling through their tears. This week we will all take a moment or two to say goodby and then we will again be about the work of the dreamer---the work of preaching the Word.
We will never know how many souls were impacted by Cline and his dream. But, we each know how ours was. As the dreamer goes on to glory, he leaves with us the task of dreaming. The dreamer may have died ---but the dream---his dream, lives on in all of us. Preach the Word so the entire world will know. We can dream (go) big or go home. The dreamer, Cline Paden, did both.
Sweet dreams, dear Cline, sweet dreams.
Peace
Neva
Cline Paden was such a visionary. Around 1962, he began dreaming--his dream---that the Spanish speaking world would come to know God. Before long, his dream became a school to train Spanish speaking preachers. From there, the dream continued to grow. "If we can train Spanish men to take the Gospel into their countries, why can't we train men everywhere to take the Gospel everywhere?" This dream would be the catalyst for the now Sunset International Bible Institute and although changes would be made, teachers would be hired, programs would be added, the dream that the entire world would know God----that dream never changed.
As he bestowed the duties of managing SIBI on younger men, Cline spent his days on campus, still working and still dreaming. He didn't need a classroom, for he mentored with his very presence. He served the church and the school and the Lord, and he smiled as he watched his dream unfold, watched it catch fire in the lives of student after student. He smiled as, in true visionary style, he dreamed of carrying the Gospel to Cuba, Iraq, and other places not so welcoming and he never stopped dreaming.
I am not sure exactly how many christians call SSOP/SIBI their alma mater, I know there are thousands. I know there are men and women, of all ages and all races, in countries across the globe, who work hard for the Lord, having been smitten by the dream of Cline Paden. By now the news of his passing has traversed the world. This morning, christians in every nation, are smiling through their tears. This week we will all take a moment or two to say goodby and then we will again be about the work of the dreamer---the work of preaching the Word.
We will never know how many souls were impacted by Cline and his dream. But, we each know how ours was. As the dreamer goes on to glory, he leaves with us the task of dreaming. The dreamer may have died ---but the dream---his dream, lives on in all of us. Preach the Word so the entire world will know. We can dream (go) big or go home. The dreamer, Cline Paden, did both.
Sweet dreams, dear Cline, sweet dreams.
Peace
Neva
posted by Neva | 7:06 AM
35 Comments:
Well said.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man with a beautiful dream.
Thanks Neva
Pat
i have heard lots of neat stories about him and his brothers..
which one was kicked out of Italy, Cline or Gerald??
missionaries are my heros
brian
He was a great man and his legacy will live forever.
Carlos
My life was changed eternally by Cline Paden. He was a dreamer, a visionary and a true Christian. He lived what he preached and the world is most definitely a better place because of this man's dream.
Thank you for this tribute.
In Christ
Dan
Cline is a great man and millions of souls have found the Lord because of his "dream". Praise God for men like Cline.
Rachel
No one dreams as big for the Lord as Cline Paden. I am rejoicing with the angels that he is no longer suffering but this world will miss him.
Thank you for this post.
Yvonne
What a great post for a great man.
He will be missed.
Dean
The services are Wednesday at 1:00 pm and my understanding is they will last at least an hour and a half. Plan on two hours.
Brian, Cline was the one run out of Italy, after car bombings etc. The government thought the others would follow but they didn't. Gerald came back to the states in the 1970's.
James
I have never met Cline Paden but I have heard his name mentioned in at least three if not more countries including my own. I know the heavens are rejoicing tonight.
Carol
Cline Paden is a legend and I have heard his name spoken since I was a little girl.
I heard he was sick and so I am sure his passing is bittersweet. I will pray for his family and friends.
Shari
You can read the article in TIME magazine about Cline Paden and what happened in Italy if you just google "Cline Paden"---what an amazing man. Hopefully our appreciation for him will continue to grow as we see his dream realized.
Great post
Interested Bystander
I came to know Cline through PaPa's eyes - as a true long term friend of the family not as a legend. My wedding shower was in his home. I quickly grew to understand that he was a legend but what I enjoyed was his coy smile as he gave you a hug or handshake. I always expected a shocker ring to get me with the look he gave me.
I think that God saw what an honary person he was and knew he would have the guts to do whatever his heart told him was God's will. Visionary is the exact word to describe him - I hope it is on his grave.
I also think that when Norman finally got to meet Jesus, that he begged Him to let his friend come home. There illnesses only make the thought of that reunion more precious. What do you think Norman was singing when he saw him?
I am not sure if I am going to the funeral, but I hope everyone says all together, "preach the word" at least once.
I appreciate your excellent post on him,
Kathy
As a native Texican, I grew up hearing a number of the men from SSOP in various meetings. It was my intention to go to SSOP for my preacher training before I moved in another direction.
I am in the process of setting up a SIBI satellite school here in the bayous. Hopefully starting this fall.
One of the many negative things about getting older is slowly loosing men and women of substance and wondering about the "stuff" we're left with.
Our minister has often talked about Cline and the work he has done in the kingdom. I think I would have really liked him.
prayers on behalf of his family
Jean
Few men can do what Cline Paden did. He was such a blessing. I am thankful he shared his "dream" with all of us.
Blessings to you
Mary
Cline Paden made a world-wide impact. His passing will also be felt world wide.
Josh
I love the phrase, "he mentored us with his presence"---that is so true. Just being near him made your spiritual light burn brighter. I will miss him.
Donna
Cline Paden was a great man and because of him and his dream thousands of other men have become gospel preachers and the world is learning to know Jesus. Should remind us all that one man can make a difference and like you said we should dream big or go home.
Tim Hartsfeldt
My dad went to Sunset. I was only six when I graduated but I still have my "diploma" and a picture of me shaking Cline's hand. It is a dear momento. Thanks for remembering this great man.
Rhonda
There are many good men but few great men. Cline Paden was a great man. He will be missed.
Yvonne
I loved Cline and Jo so much. I know the last few years have been difficult healthwise and we should be rejoicing that Cline's struggle is over. And yet my heart hurts and feels such a void. I will really miss him.
Linda Kay
I cried as I read your tribute. You captured the essence of this great man. You were right, he was a dreamer and all who knew him were blessed to be a part of this dream.
Love ya
Kel
Neva - unfortunately, I didn't read your Sunday entry until this morning. With your permission, here's a copy of the email I sent you, with this addition. Cline was always warm, welcoming and encouraging each time he visited the small congregation, La Condesa, in Mexico City. His anticipated visits always caused a ripple of excitement to run through the whole church. And he never disappointed us either.
my edited email:
+++++++++++++++
Neva!
I hadn't heard about Cline's passing. ... Sunset and the fellowship in general will miss him greatly.
Should you have a chance, please give my regards to the Fannings, and Jarboes who were part of the missionary team in Mexico City my last few years there. I was particularly close to "she" Terry Fanning. [her husband was "Terry" also.] What a dear woman she is, and so are all the others as dear as can be, but Terry was a sweetie with me.
Be safe traveling. I'm asking for travel mercies for you, dear Neva.
In the Light of His love, grace and mercy,
Kathy
++++++
A giant has now become part of that "great cloud of witnesses".
I did not know this man, but I have heard of him. His vision is well known in this part of the country.
Corinne
Everywhere I have ever lived, christians talk about Cline Paden. What a man he must have been.
RaeAnn
I will never forget Cline Paden. He recruited my uncle to come to SSOP. My uncle then recruited my dad and my other uncle. Three sons total and one son-in-law, two grandchildren in AIM---all call SSOP/SIBI home. Because of him our lives were changed forever. Eight gospel preachers in this family and three missionary families in foreign fields. To say the man impacted my family would be an understatement. Goodby Cline Paden. The Jamisons will miss you.
Rod Jamison
I am sorry for the loss of your friend.
Lyndsay
I never met him but from this post and comments I wish I would have had that opportunity.
Karli
I heard Cline Paden's name many times when I was at ACU. I never got to meet the legend though. I know heaven is welcoming him home.
Karin
Rod, I can identify. Cline recruited my dad and then four more uncles. Both my brother-in-laws are alumni as well as myself. Who knows how many families have gone through multi-generational.
If you were like me, I remember Cline telling me as a young boy I would be a preacher. That is part of his dream. 2 Timothy 2:2.
James
I went to the viewing tonight. I wish I could go to the service tomorrow because it will be a great tribute not only to him but to God. I asked Gerald if he thought Cline was singing with Norman and he said "No, I think he is arguing Revelation with Richard." I think they all are having a talent night show and everyone is laughing.
Love ya,
Kathy
I never had the privledge of meeting Cline Paden but always wanted to. My grandmother on my father's side (who passed in in 1984) was his aunt, which makes me kin in some way. Any ways, thank God for those whose prayers, dreams, and thoughts are truly global.
Cline's life and dream continue to impact others and will for generations to come. I have read many tributes to the man since his passing. Yours is one of the best. He was a special man and I know you were blessed to know him, as was I.
Kevin
The service was beautiful---a testimony to a great man and the legacy of his family and his school.
Chelsea
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