Thanksgiving Service
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The Thanksgiving Service is at 1.41PM at Pakenham Baptist Church, followed by afternoon tea.
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Some of my happiest times in ministry were serving along side Clive, the one and only “Coke” man. Clive had a way of making everyone happy, he was the first with a joke and always had a gaggle of kids along side. He was a wonderful encourager and had a natural ability to minister to people and take them just the way they were. I was privileged to work with Clive and God gave us many opportunities to reach out to young teenagers in His name in a way they could relate to.
Sending condolences to the family.
You will be missed Clive. Thanks for the wonderful memories. Well done good and faithful servant.
Thanks Anne.
Oh what a wonderful man! Just heard the news. He impacted my life enormously in YFC days when i first became a Christian and all the rallies i went to. Blessed.
I will be forever grateful to Clive for mentoring and discipling me as a new Christian. Growing up in a home in the Western Suburbs, where Jesus was a swear word, I was blessed to be closely associated with YFC when I went to Teachers College. Clive would answer multiple questions as I read my Bible. He encouraged me to share my testimony, speak and sing at the YFC rallies. He helped me become a leader in the regular Tuesday Night Bible Study and at the Gold Coast Camp. I never tired of his jokes and always found gold in his sermons, even if I’d heard them multiple times. (Who can forget his David and Goliath message).
Clive was humble and full of wisdom. What an inspiration he was to be still teaching CRE in schools until recently.
I was blessed that he wrote an endorsement for me for a Poetry Devotional I published. What a man of great perspicacity, humour and love.I know there will be many in the Kingdom because of his wonderful ministry.
We know he is now safe in the arms of Jesus making children laugh in heaven.
Clive – Unremarkable….?
Clive Stebbins, Director of Youth for Christ from 1957 (for over 30 years) went to be with the Lord last week. Some photos, taken from “The Clive Stebbins story” published last year may bring back memories of those YFC Rallies for some of us – with Clive’s innocent face as he told another of his very funny jokes, in his inimical leadership style.
(Photo of Ranch Nite)
A comment I heard about him recently: “The remarkable thing about Clive was that he seemed so unremarkable”! But we know better. In 1957 after training with YFC International in the US; and being told that he “had no personality and to forget about starting YFC in Australia;” he returned “with a growing desire to reach Australian teenagers with the good news of Jesus Christ, along with a determination to prove YFCI wrong!” Well, he did both.
During Billy Graham’s 1959 Crusade, Clive was able to ask Billy if he could give YFC Melbourne some sort of endorsement. Billy not only wrote a letter, but recorded a taped statement, which “was a key to really getting us off the ground”.
Thousands of young people were attracted by the rallies, camps, talent quests, youth Bible studies, Teen Chorus, “Happenings” – and SO many committed their lives to Christ.
(Photo of Town Hall rally crowd)
Those of us who were part of it think Clive WAS remarkable. His leadership of YFC in those years – and the excitement we felt in serving the Lord with him was foundational to our Christian life and ministry today.
Harley Kitchen
Clive Stebbins – Unique and Unforgettable
As a small part of Clive’s legacy, I thank God for al[ the opportunities that being part of Melbourne YFC offered from 1968 – 1971. I’ll never forget his genuine encouragement – one to one as well as to thousands at a time. And how he dealt with disruptive people – personally rather than by public shaming – became a pattern to follow through my fifty years of pastoral ministry.
Last year, I was privileged to edit the manuscript of his life story, and to see how YFC kept growing in width and depth, way past my few years of being involved, and to sense the eagerness of so many people to express their appreciation of his guidance and support.
Clive often reminded us that God is less interested in our ability than in our availability – words that he lived by; echoing Jesus’ promise from John 7:37-9 that whoever drank from his Spirit would find rivers of living water flowing out through their lives – more frequently and more effectively than we might ever be aware of. As Clive kept allowing His Spirit to lead and feed him, his life and ministry touched and inspired people all over the world.
Noel Mitaxa
Clive Stebbins brightened the lives of countless people and led many to find a deeper purpose in life.
He was a skilled leader whose effectiveness was greatly increased by having many dedicated individuals willing to work under his guidance and encouragement.
Though his weapons of choice may have been jokes, Clive Stebbins was nonetheless a true ‘Soldier of the Cross.’
May God comfort his family and many friends at this time.
Clive would not have known me at all but from the country in those early days ,as I visited Melbourne on occasions it was great to go to one of the rallies, and hear and see him with his live personality, and passion for Jesus.
I am so very sorry that I am unable to attend as we are on holiday in New Zealand. My sympathy to Peter, John & Ken and family. Memories of a caravan holiday with you and your mum. Such life-changing times. Apple meetings, Tuesday bible study, rallies, attending Sunday night teams. All the time Clive was so concerned for our spiritual journey. Forever thankful to God for his ministry in my life.
Yes. Many many old memories. Was that holiday to Cowes? Saw Rob there which was nice. Hadn’t seen him in years. Enjoy your holiday.
Yes that was Cowes. I am pleased you caught up with Rob. Having a great time here.
We will miss Clive, he was an amazing mentor, he made an impact to many lives especially our kids. Sorry we can’t be there in person but we will be joining in and celebrating his life with Chocolate freedo frogs and Coke a cola. Sending our love to the family and may you be comforted in God’s love and the knowledge that his faithful servant is home. Love The Bradshaw’s.
Thanks so much guys and for your lovely card. Miss you all
Clive was certainly a wise and humble servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. He had a unique ability to disarm any pretension you might have felt you had. His often repeated jokes were certainly but a part of his repertoire. He was much loved where I was in South Australia in the 60s before coming to Melbourne to live. In those days, He was in demand as a guest speaker at Adelaide YFC Raliies and church camps. I enjoyed being an active member of the Adelaide YFC Choir under Milton Richards who like Clive, attended Wheaton College and YFCI training in the US. Clive certainly beat all odds in what he quietly achieved in YFC Australia on his return from the States.
Others have already mentioned some of the other Christian organisations which benefitted greatly from his insights…..with International needs in Sri Lanka where he taught after school hours, and teaching CRE for quite a few years in Melbourne. It was a privilege to have him for a while as a member of Waverley Baptist Church in Wheeler’s Hill.
Well done, Clive! What a good and faithful servant of our Lord.
Clive and YFC went hand in hand with a great Saturday night for many people including my future wife and myself from 1969 till 1973. We saw the rapid rise in popularity of YFC. If you didn’t arrive 30 minutes early you couldn’t get a seat! We only stopped going when we left Victora.
Still listen to the LP’s that were the result of his wonderful leadership. God used Him to bring many young people to have a deeper faith in the Lord.
Our family ties go back to Charley and Emily, a heritage of faithful christians.
He loved his time at Waverley Baptist until he moved to Pakenham on his return from Sri Lanka
As current National Director of Youth for Christ Australia, I frequently hear from people who remember Clive and the ministry events he led with fondness and deep gratitude for the impact on their life, and often their eternity.
I heard a testimony last year from a lady who came to faith as a teenager through the ministry of Clive and YFC. She went on to meet her husband at a YFC bible study and raise two, now adult children who also know Jesus.
Indeed the legacy of Clive’s service to the Gospel extends over generations. From those who he ministered to directly, to the families and descendants of those who came to Jesus and even to those Youth for Christ continues to reach today because of Clive’s perseverance to help establish YFC as a mission organisation in Australia.
While we rightfully honour the man and his remarkable life, we know Clive would direct all honour and glory back to God for the great things He has done. So, in Clive we see a wonderful example of a faithful servant and the great things that God can do when we simply make ourselves available to His call and don’t waver from the path of obedience.
I won’t be able to make the service today but will be hidden away somewhere watching it with you.
I respected Clive so much for
* his acceptance of everyone
* his undying commitment to his calling
* his gospel based, fun loving, relatable message
and so so much more.
Clive’s example changed my life and my mission and I am always grateful to God for that.
I recently found a school paper from when I was 10, entitled SAVED. It read, in part…
I was SAVED by Jesus when I was 6. Last weekend I was at the Town Hall for a YFC rally and Clive Stebbins asked anyone who wanted to be SAVED to come to the front as we sang ‘Just as I am’. My sister went forward and was SAVED.
I’m not sure how impressed my teacher was but my dad was and kept it with his treasures.
thanks Clive 🌺🙏🏻
Awesome to hear!
What an amazing man – what a legacy he leaves, both in his family and in the seeds that he has sown in so many lives! We will miss him terribly at Chairo Christian School.
Thanks Kim. Just sorry he wasn’t able to make just one more trip there!
I remember attending the Youth For Christ events
The messages from Clive helped me cement my relationship ith Christ.
I will always be grateful for Clive and Youth For Christ.
Love and prayers for his family
Clive will be greatly missed
Soo pleased to hear of your journey of faith through his ministry.
Clive was a lovely, kind, approachable man who supported many over his lifetime. He had a deep love and commitment to Christ and showed this in how he lived his life and his mission attitude to all. In equal measure he treasured and loved Peter, Julie, Lauren and Tim. Clive, to a life well lived, I salute you.
Thanks so much Lorraine.
Our love and prayers are chasing you all at this time. Thanking God for Clive’s life and the impact he had on my life and my family too.
My mom and dad send you their deepest condolences too.
Much Love, Adrian, Rebecca, Amy, Ataliah, Jordan, Danny & Rajesh
Thanks Bec. Love you guys
Remember visiting Clive in Sri Lanka, and having him ‘show us around’. He will be deeply missed, many prayers and all my love to Peter, Julie, Lauren and Tim.
Thanks Michelle. That was a fun trip!
Regards for a great man in God’s service over a lifetime of giving
Clive was a legend and an inspiration to many. I admire and appreciate him. Much love to all the family.
Thanks David. Much appreciated.
We have many cherished memories of Clive, both from our youth group days listening to him preach at Belgrave Heights, and sharing in fellowship together at Waverley Baptist Church and the delight his bag of lollies caused our little children! He was a wonderful man of God and has been such a blessing to many here and abroad.
Our deepest condolences to his family.
Joining online to celebrate Clive’s life, work & incredible legacy.
So many fond memories to cherish.
Thinking of you all & sending love.
Nerita & Ash Jensen
Glad you were able to join online. Hope you guys are doing ok.
I first met Clive when my youngest sister turned 4. The new neighbour had heard my sister telling the neighbourhood it was her birthday, and much to my other sister’s distress gave her a Freddo. This is how my family came to know Clive. He became an important part of our home and my family become involved in YFC and later IN because of Clive. I will always hold these memories dear.
Thanks old neighbours from Glen Waverley.
We were shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Uncle Clive on the 6th of April. We tried to contact Mr. Peter Stebbins from that day. Uncle Clive is someone who we can’t forget and he was always with us through thick & thin. During he’s ministry in Sri Lanka we were with him and on his last trip to Sri Lanka in 2019 he visited our Child Care Centre in Moratuwa. We had contacts with him till last February where he supported us with his full potential. Today Uncle Clive is not wit us anymore but with Jesus in heaven. However, the memories with him as a great father and a good friend will last forever.
Sending condolences to Peter & the family,
Charles & Priyama
Hi Charles. Thanks so much for your lovely message. I’m sorry you were unable to contact us. I think my email is now attached to this reply. He loved you guys and especially his years in Sri Lanka!
Hi Peter
Thank you for your reply I couldn’t find your email address when you are free please send your email address. We were followed the thanks giving service of your dad and it was well planned.
Kind regards
Charles
Clive will always be remembered as a special part of our childhood. We loved being looked after by Clive and watching his catalogue of Full House episodes. At times he looked after us and we thought it was amazing when our school lunchbox was filled with chocolate teddy bears and Freddos, he even sent me to netball with coke in my drink bottle. I’m so glad I got to see Clive again last year and introduce him to my own kids. Thanks Clive for so many years of fun, laughter and love. X
Lovely service, just disappointed that Razzel Dazzel Hobble Gobble wasn’t sung! I’ve had it in my head all week!
Great to share from Thailand in the celebration of Clive’s life on livestream.
I remember coming across from Adelaide as part of the Adelaide YFC Choir under Milton to sing at the Melbourne Town Hall in the middle 60s. That was my first association with the powerful preaching of Clive and my first contact with the wonderful Brian Tizzard who later became a colleague at WVA. Praise God for the life and witness of Clive at both YFC and INA.
One of my most lasting memories of Clive was his definition of faith and how we have faith the chair we sit on will be there and faith in Jesus if like that. He will be there all the time
A joy to share in Thailand this celebration of Clive’s life, stirring up so many good memories.
A beautiful service
What a privilege to know Clive and share fellowship with him over recent years. A faithful servant of the Lord he loved.
What an encouraging and beautiful tribute. Thank you for this opportunity to share in this day and hear about Clive and his ministry from those who knew him best. Joining from Western Australia.
The Lord did great things through Clive. Great Service, Great Gospel
Alan & Nola Baker
We were blessed by Clive’s leadership through YFC & The Gold Coast camp. His passion was an inspiration to us. We praise God for his life and ministry. We appreciated the tributes of the family and the wonderful summary of his ministry from Glenda. Praise The Lord.
We give thanks to God for Clive’s life and ministry through our early days of YFC and for the years since as we have followed his life and service to HIs Lord. Our sincere sympathy to his family…A faithful servant of Christ and witness to Jesus Christ HIs Lord.
Clive, so faithful at our church prayer meeting at PBC right up to the end. The verse we will always remember is 1 John 1:7. Clive, not only prayed this, he lived it,
He always tried to get there every Tuesday without fail!
R.I.P Clive you will be missed by so many people. A beautiful, loving and kind hearted man. An encouraging and supporting friend to all who had the privilege to know you. Now in God’s loving arms.
Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the service for Clive virtually. I remember working as Clive’s secretary for 5 years – my lasting memories include his humour, his sincere desire to live his life following Jesus, and his encouragement. I also recall his habit of running around the block in Camberwell, and my reluctance to join him in this, although at times I did… Thank you Clive for your good heart, your enthusiasm and your love for your family. Sincere condolences to Peter, John and Ken and your families. May God’s arms embrace you at this time of loss.
Thanks so much Bromwen (Bomb). Many good old YFC days!
Grateful for Clive’s dediction and commitment to the Lord. We grew in faith due to YFC. We met through YFC, and we continue to serve our Lord. Clive was a wonderful example of following Jesus in every season of life.
Love and prayers to all Stebbins family
Apologies for not being there, we watched on line, we are in QLD at a conference
Many thanks for Clives ministry over many years. Attended YFC in the packed Melbourne Town Hall with our youth group from Cohuna in the 1960’s. and when back living in Melbourne. Clive was a valued member of Waverley Baptist, ministering in many ways ,and supported by the fellowship when he went to Hatton. Cant imagine how many will be rejoicing in Heaven because of Clives ministry and friendship. Blessings to all the Family.
So thankful to watch service online today. Praise the Lord for giving to us His servant for so many years to share his life and God’s everlasting love with many, especially the children. Wonderful tribute to Clive, now he rests in peace with his Heavenly Father.
Condolences to the family.
Well done good and faithful servant
As a Queenslander my memories of Clive are from the Gold Coast Camps, preaching and compering Supper Time Programmes. Apart from his messages in challenging young people about there lives and an invitation to receive Jesus was his humour, and just for memories sake there were these “eyes like saucers see you well at night… ” and “here comes a blackbird pecking on your window…”!!!!!
Well remember those ‘ catchy’ tunes!
Alison Donnan watching from Geelong. No way would Clive ever know me, but I remember his ministry over the years.
Just watched the thanksgiving service online from Queensland ! What a tribute! Thankyou for streaming it. My name is Julie Daniel ( Nee O’Brien) I remember you Peter. You spoke well by the way. Congratulations on marrying a Julie! Your Dad was such a funny man but also a wonderful man of God and I thank God for him. My memories of Clive Stebbins was in my youth when I went to the YFC Rallies in Melbourne. I actually loved his dry humor & Dad jokes. I always remember him saying’if it’s hot in Surfers Paradise don’t worry it will be Cool in gatta.’ I became a Christian when I was young & YFC helped strengthen my faith in God & introduced me to Christian music. Clive had a passion for seeing young people come to know Jesus. I loved the bands, the preaching & the fun & laughter we had. I thank God for Clive & His great example of Christianity in action. He was a character & just thinking of him puts a smile on my face. Happy he is in Heaven now with Jesus & I will see him one day. Thankyou Mr Stebbins!! Looking forward to reading his book. X
Today we have been blessed listening to the testimonies of so many coming to Christ as a result of Clive’s work with the Rallies in Melbourne Youth for Christ. It has been a special blessing because, after I preached at Melbourne Youth for Christ many years ago, Clive participated in the annual Gold Coast Crusades and, as a result, witnessed so many young people from Melbourne giving their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. Apologies that we could not be with you today and may God continue the work Clive was privileged to commence.
Eric Leach
Executive Director
Every Home for Christ
Thanks Eric. Very fond memories of many many Gold Coast camps!
A beautiful, Christ-focused tribute – would Clive have it any other way? Not able to travel to attend, but keen to know what the 15 minute special feature is all about. God bless and comfort the Stebbins family – your private and personal grief could easily be made more public than you might wish at times, but you have played a huge part in shaping who Clive became to the rest of us, so thank you so much.
Thanks Noel. Trust you’re ok. Heard you haven’t been well. The 15 minutes was an open mic for anyone with a Clive joke and the intro was the old YFC really opening soundtrack.
Clive was an amazing testimony and inspiration to generations of YFC workers. His enthusiasm and humour were standout qualities. His contributions to YFC Australia for decades is a wonderful legacy. Sorry to miss the service today but share the blessings Clive bought to us all. My condolences to his family.
Thank you for being able to watch online. We have been supporting Rebecca & Adrian Alexander for many years and have heard of the work that Clive has done for Mutki over many years. Praise God for His Faithfulness and Clive is home with His saviour Jesus Christ now. Sympathy and prayers to all of the family
Clive was a very integral part of my life as a teenager. My sister Ruth and I sang at many country events alongside Clive and the team. We attended every youth rally in the Assembly Hall and Town Hall during the 60’s and houseparties in Healesville and of course the Gold Coast Crusade travelling by train. It was through YFC that my future husband, Warren found the Lord and we ran a Campus Life club for a couple of years. He called me ‘Cloisters’ as a nickname, my sister ‘Hoddle’ and my Mum, Mrs. Pineapple. My dad, Bob Stokes was on the YFC board for many years. Clive was a regular at our home in Surrey Hills when I was a teenager. We loved his ‘Clive’ jokes and he was so much part of our early Christian life. Clive will always be fondly remembered as a man of God and his youth leadership was exceptional. So very thankful for his ministry in my teens.
Thanks Jill. Remembering you guys too and living just a few streets away from the Stokes.
Many wonderful memories of Clive and YFC. I am thankful that Clive listened to the call of God on his life. His humour seemed to break down barriers to young people hearing and responding to the gospel. His witness to God’s amazing grace, continues to live on through many lives today. May God grant to all of the family, comfort and peace during this time of grief.
Thank you for Live streaming the service.
Clive was a character who I fondly remember from my childhood at Waverley Baptist Church. He often sat towards the back, in the widest row. He had a vast array of colouring books, stickers, chocolates and lollies. I often sat on his knee during the service and pleaded with my parents from the moment I walked in to be able to go see Clive.
It is so wonderful to see the difference he has made in any people’s lives both children and adults. I can’t be there for the in person ceremony however I did attend the livestream service which as a beautiful celebration of his life.
Love from Emily Higgins (The Biggins Family)
Thanks. He loved his time at Waverley Baptist.
Very disappointed to not be able to be with you today to celebrate Clive’s life. I spent 4 wonderful years working at YFC Melbourne under Clive’s leadership and encouragement. It was such a blessing to have someone with such a love for God, and for everyone he came into contact with as my boss. There are so many stories, and so many memories. The rallies, camps, Happening, Campus Life, Bible Studies the list goes on. But beyond this was the quiet things, the tutoring, the mentoring, all the little things he continually did for so many young people. It was an honor and blessing. Love to you all.
Thanks Lorraine. Got to catch up with some others from your family on the day so you were still represented.