A life well lived

Robert Newman didn't start out at Baptist Temple but he got here as soon as he could. He began attending South San Baptist Church after his teacher invited him to an after school Bible club. The pastor's son worked on him until he walked down the aisle to be baptized but he says his faith truly came alive during a summer camp at Alto Frio. He started attending Baptist Temple when his family moved two blocks down the street.

He strayed away from Baptist Temple during his college years, disillusioned by the the ugly behavior of some people at church business meetings. Years later he would caution church leaders, “Be careful what you say or do at a church business meeting. It could negatively influence a new Christian; chasing them away from church.” 

After college, he returned to his church upon the invitation of Charlene Purdue, the pastor's wife, and he never strayed again. In 1985 he was ordained a deacon, serving as deacon chair on multiple occasions.

Robert knew his church wasn't perfect. He had a clear understanding of its flaws and shortcomings but his commitment was strong. He couldn't understand why people would leave the church because they had been somehow offended or in search of one that better met their needs. He personified Jesus' words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

He once said that if he was going to get married, God would have to send his future wife to Baptist Temple. And God did. Karen Clemmons came to Baptist Temple to play the piano, and Robert and Karen were married on June 8th, 1985. 

Baptist Temple was a family business for the Newman family. Robert's mom, Elaine, worked for years as a cook at Baptist Temple. His wife, Karen, plays the piano and became the bookkeeper. Robert became Minister of Pastoral Care after a long career as a camera repair technician for Havel Camera Service.

Robert wanted to serve. He wanted to be useful. He wanted to be used by God. Robert loved to sing and lead music but his greatest gift was caring for people. He would follow up on our home-bound seniors and send cards on, seemingly, all occasions. He made sure no one was forgotten. He would visit staff and volunteers throughout the campus, listening to problems and offering encouragement.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” and Robert was indeed a child of God in that regard. One who would pour oil on troubled waters. He was chairman of deacons when I was called to Baptist Temple and his job was to keep me out of trouble. We would meet for lunch on the Wednesdays before church conference and go over the agenda lest I step on a land mine. He would run interference, fielding complaints, defending me, and shielding me from the most severe abuse. Years would pass before I realized how important he was to my longevity at Baptist Temple.

He had a keen intellect and a curious mind, especially with technology, always wanting to buy the latest gadgets and staying on top of technological changes. He was fluent in German and spoke Dutch, Russian, and Swedish, too. He took care of our computers, cameras, and phones, both hardware and software, and, even, changed our watch batteries.

He worried a lot but always had faith that God would prevail and believed that Baptist Temple would endure. Like his beloved church he was flexible and adjusted to the needs of an ever-transitioning neighborhood.

It is poignant that he died on his day off. He hated to miss work. He didn't like to take sick days or vacations. It was more than a sense of duty. It was a true calling; a knowledge that he was making a difference. 

He is already missed by so many but enjoying the presence of God.

“For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)