by Jim Dearman, GBN Program Director
In April of 2004, I received a phone call from a man with a dream.
The man was Barry Gilreath, Sr., and the dream was to launch a 24-hour-per-day television network to reach the world with the gospel of Christ.
Yes, Barry Gilreath, Sr., who passed from this life on June 7, was a dreamer; but he was a dreamer in the best sense of the word. His dream was to make the dream of God a reality in his lifetime.
God’s dream, as it has been called, is found in 1 Timothy 2: 3-4: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (NKJV).
When I received that call in 2004, I knew and respected Barry as a faithful gospel preacher, who had labored tirelessly in the kingdom, with various congregations and with media outreaches, such as “Preaching the Gospel” with James Watkins, the “Know Your Bible” television program in Chattanooga, and other worthy efforts that have contributed so much to the cause.
Now, seven years after that phone call in 2004, I say farewell to the friend whom the inspired writer describes as sticking “closer than a brother.”
Only eternity will reveal the souls who will be saved because Barry Gilreath, Sr., acted upon his dream to help make the dream of God a reality.
Life brings us many acquaintances, but God brings us friends like Barry Gilreath, Sr. I will continue to thank God for that gift.
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