Rest In Peace Bob Gempel

Thank you Bob Gempel for a life well-lived. You brought hope to so many in need. May you rest in peace knowing your legacy lives on in the beautiful example you set for us all. - HOPE worldwide

A letter from Randy Jordan:

People Helping People
A Tribute to Bob Gempel

In 2002, J. Brian Craig performed a song that for a time became the anthem of HOPE worldwide . “People Helping People” described in happy lyric and rhythmic score the story of spreading hope by helping others. The origins of this song and its sentiments were influenced by many who were serving the world’s poor through HOPE worldwide , but none more than Bob and Pat Gempel, the faith-based charity’s founders. Losing Bob on earth is painful to all who had and have the privilege of living out his legacy of helping other people everywhere, yet his treasure was always in heaven and we rejoice that he has reached his eternal destination.

A charity lawyer’s vantage point provides a unique chance to observe the charity’s leader. The inner intentions and integrity of leadership are laid bare on a daily basis and for this reason, I am in awe of Bob Gempel. With Pat, who he affectionately called “Patsy,” Bob charted a course for the church to experience the serving heart of Jesus and to relieve the suffering of literally millions. Along the way, there were challenges, but Bob’s vision of helping others was a constant and driving force for good.

For Bob, there was a right way and a wrong way and he always chose the right. He mastered the inner workings of HOPE worldwide so that its many, many inspiring programs could stand on a firm footing. As a result, the desire to serve the poor and needy by ICOC churches and their members spread like wildfire around the world. Local congregations in more than 80 countries chose to align their service to others under the banner of HOPE worldwide . Sometimes, the programs were small, like providing school supplies to a child in need, but many times, they were vast and changed the lives of many. There are schools, orphanages and community programs across the whole of India. The challenge of HIV/AIDS was faced head-on on the continent of Africa. Free medical care has been provided to literally millions in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Volunteerism by disciples of Jesus to address childhood immunization and many other public health issues is nationally recognized in many cities in the United States and Canada. The heartfelt response by ICOC churches to disasters around the world has been epic. This description of actionable love and caring repeats itself across the globe because of the clear, decisive and spirit-inspired leadership provided by Bob Gempel and the ever-present love of his life, Pat.

Bob had a calm and steady hand at the helm of HOPE worldwide and there are many stories that others will tell to illustrate the point. However, I will never forget the beginning of one summer when I helped Bob unbox a brand-new Honda lawnmower on Bustin’s Island. We assembled the mower and I was eager to hear the purr of the new engine, but before adding any gas, Bob began to disassemble the engine. He pulled the filter and exposed the carburetor, removed the sparkplug and reviewed the pull-start mechanism. When I asked why, Bob explained that he wanted to understand how the engine was put together so that in the Fall he could properly winterize it against the harsh Maine winters. I realized that Bob’s principled leadership was grounded on first observing God’s perfect plan for the poor, then through reverse engineering trying to understand all the steps that would be needed to protect God’s plan for the many years that would follow. When Bob handed over the helm of HOPE worldwide in 2008, he left a lasting legacy of hope that continues.

As the song says, “People helping people that’s the way things ought to be.” Thank you Bob.

Randy Jordan, a friend and fellow CEO of HOPE worldwide