Our July 2003 speaker was Rolf Benirschke. Rolf was the Executive Committee leader of the San Diego Billy Graham Mission. Also in attendance at CEO, were several Executive Committee members.
Though he received a standing ovation at the beginning and end of his speech, Rolf is visibly a humble gentleman. He quickly asked everyone to be seated and was not completely comfortable with the accolades. In his demeanor and speech, he humbly points to Jesus as his provider and power behind anything he does. This is probably one reason God selected him for his role in the San Diego Billy Graham Mission.
When Rolf was first approached by the Billy Graham ministry to lead the San Diego Executive Committee, he thought they had called the wrong person. After he understood they had the correct person on the phone, he respectfully turned it down. He indicated to them he felt too immature in his faith and that he did not have the skills to fulfill such a role. Soon after, the ministry called Rolf again, and asked him to accept the position - they asked him to say "yes". Rolf said he felt like Moses. Moses had initially said to God that he felt completely unqualified to do what God had asked of him - Moses had a speech impediment, he was afraid, and he simply did not see how he would accomplish the task. After time spent talking with the Lord, Rolf accepted the request. His acceptance was a result of God calling him to walk in faith, regardless of Rolf's own perceived attributes. This step of faith changed Rolf's life.
Personal Learnings
Rolf learned many wonderful things in the next few months. One is the power of prayer. Since he did not feel qualified, Rolf spent a large amount of time in prayer. He saw God provide in amazing ways and give him confidence and encouragement for the daunting ministry task. A second lesson is getting out of the way - to let qualified people do the work. He had many talented people come forward and they quickly stepped into the roles for which God had prepared them. A third lesson is evangelism. Rolf and the entire team became convicted that time is short and sharing the gospel immediately and constantly is vital. Another lesson is servant-leadership. This was modeled by the Billy Graham staff who applied spiritual tools extremely well - humility, confession, accountability, rebuke, admonishment, and all done in deep love. He was deeply impressed with the Billy Graham staff who travel from state to state, never really settling down at their home. They live where the Mission goes. They sacrifice their personal needs for the good of the gospel.
Personal Stories
Rolf shared several life stories about God taking him deeper. He shared the amazing story of how he adopted his children in Russia. He spoke about parenthood and some of the struggles as he and his wife constantly feel inadequate to the task. Yet, God gives them success after success in raising their children. He shared another story about spiritual warfare surrounding an important spiritual speech he would make. He shared a humorous story told by George Beverly Shea, which resulted in Rolf visibly laughing on stage in front of thousands of people.
Where do we go from here?
Rolf left us with a challenge. He challenged the group to walk close with the Lord with new steps of faith. He encouraged us to persevere in our love for the lost, actively reaching out with the gospel and taking their hands to lead them to Christ. Time is short.
Rolf believes San Diego is specially anointed - that there are many leaders, ministries, and opportunities here that many cities do not have. He challenged San Diego to use these gifts actively and wisely. He encouraged us to think not just short term, but to think eternally, long term. He also encouraged us to accept responsibility when God calls, to respond to Him immediately. Rolf presents himself as a personal testimony how God can call someone who is not worthy, and use him or her in ways that are completely unexpected. Ultimately, God is glorified, and the person is humbled - so it is with Rolf Benirschke.