Reading the title of this blog you might anticipate a piece that focuses on the sacrificial service of those who went to war in defence of their country. And it is fitting to pause and remember the sacrificial service of those, who in generations past, fought against injustice and unchecked power wielded unjustly.

But it is also fitting to remember heroes in a different battle. Those who have blazed a path ahead of us in the clash between the ‘Kingdom of this World’ and the ‘Kingdom of our God’. Those who have been heroes of the faith to us; who have provided leadership to us in our walk of faith; who have discipled us.

This blog is a tribute to Dr. Enoch Wan, offered by Sadiri Joy Tira. As you read it, let the Lord bring to mind those who have been heroes of the faith in your life, who have discipled you into maturity in Christ. Why don’t you write a tribute and send it to them as a means of encouraging them and spurring them on to continue to run well the race set before them?

Tribute to Dr Enoch Wan

Dr Enoch Wan, my academic father, professor, mentor, counsellor, confidant, older brother, supporter, advocate, Kingdom co-worker and prayer partner! He has served as a missionary, pastor, administrator and author.

Dr Wan and I met in Regina in 1981. He was my anthropology and missiology professor at Canadian Theological Seminary (CTS). I followed his academic footsteps for over 30 years; from CTS to Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Jackson, Mississippi to Western Seminary (WS) in Portland, Oregon. He recruited me for a PhD but due to my health challenges I finished a D.Min in Intercultural Studies from RTS and a D.Miss from WS. He advocated for me to received scholarship funding. While studying he let me stay at his home, use his car, and he even cooked some of my meals! He did not want me to wash dishes, instead telling me, “No, no. Go to the school library - do your work”. Indeed, he was my benefactor, older brother and helper - a dear friend! Who can find a professor like Dr Enoch Wan?

We traveled together in many countries as a preaching team - teaching, lecturing, championing diaspora missions! He was my ministry coach! I poured out my challenges and shared my struggles with him… When I was with heavy burdens and hurting, he was my counsellor and burden bearer.

There was a time in our journey when I grieved him, hurt him! I disappointed him and frustrated him! I became like his prodigal son and disloyal friend! But “Better are the wounds of a friend than the deceitful kisses of an enemy! (Proverbs 27:6) After I repented and asked his forgiveness, he embraced and received me back with tender love! Indeed, a forgiving dad, loving brother gracious professor.

Enoch Wan was my Paul and Barnabas and my David!

On this Remembrance Day, 2024, I offer my heartfelt respect.

Students, remember your teachers, brothers and “sons”. You must not forsake them and be disloyal. Do not betray and “bite the hands that feed you” - your benefactors!

The inspired writer said: “And now, friends, we ask you to honour those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!”
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, The Message)

Sadiri Joy Tira DMiss, DMin, more commonly known as Joy, is the Diaspora Missiology Specialist at the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta.