Eric David Delve

Eric went to the same Grammar school as me but was two years younger. So had little to do with him then. I became a committed Christian at 16 and met Eric at a conference at that time and found he lived in the next road. We became a group of young Christians under the guidance of two great guys , John Ward and Ken Bowdery and had a some great times of fun, learning and evangelism together . We used to meet at his parents house at 7.30am to pray together. We looked somewhat alike and he really annoyed me by copying what I wore so we looked like brothers ! I left Wimbledon where we both lived to join the Police in Sussex and married Mac , my lovely wife. Eric had many jobs and when I lived in Crawley he worked for Singer Sewing Machines and several times called when I was out chasing criminals. I came home to find that Mac had given him my dinner and he had gone !
We lost touch over the years and I moved to North Wales. I heard that Eric had taken the church at Kirkdale so I rang and pretended to be a drunken Irishman wanting to get married. He fell for it but was very diplomatic until I told him who I was . He blurted " I knew it was some Moron !!. We met for lunch a couple of times before he moved to Maidstone and lost touch again until a couple of months ago he rang me - by accident! We had a catch up and it took me back to those early days. So it was a shock to hear that Eric had been called home. He was an amazing man and it was a priviledge to be his friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat and the lovely family he leaves behind . I can hear those cherished words as he meets the Master " Well done though good and faithful srvant!".
Peter Tompsett

I have just made a £200 donation to the Alzheimer’s Society obo Cutting Edge men’s ministry, I sent a tribute previously.

I fist saw Eric when I was 18. I’d just started drama school in London. My first term was difficult. I was very alone. I’d stepped into adult life way too soon and was lost. Not just out of my depth. In shark infested water. I had been reading a bible my uncle had given me . Back in my youth hostel dorm room that I shared with six other young men I’d been reading it under the covers with a torch in case anyone thought I was religious. I read the gospels and I liked the Jesus I found there.But I was stuck.
I’d done a deal with God that if He was real then I needed answers to 5 big questions I had before I could believe this.
I had stumbled into a church in Central London on a November evening and Eric was the guest preacher. The title of the sermon was “ Everything you ever wanted to know about God but were afraid to ask”
That was a promising start.
But what hit me even before Eric spoke was the presence of a Father as He stood there. I’d grown up without mine . I knew in my heart what one looked like because I had ached for one.
In sequence Eric spoke and all the five questions were answered. I counted them on my hand. Until I had a fist. As well as that he answered sneaky hidden ones that I hadn’t even known how to articulate but were there in my heart like a shield that got smashed. Questions my heart had that were too deep and painful to admit.
The final question was about Jesus himself. How did He fit into all this? Then Eric took me to Calvery and I saw Jesus, felt the cross , felt God the father standing behind him like a massive invisible lion . Felt the love, the wisdom, the courage and the strength.
The joy. A father behind Eric speaking directly to me. All the things I longed to know and feel inside myself. A presence behind all things. More real than I had dared to believe.
And I stood up at the end when he invited me to stand. And prayed. Out loud.
Then I started shaking. I now know that was the Holy Spirit and in that moment everything changed.
Eric preached in the power of the Holy Spirit. And this I think got him into a lot of trouble from time to time!
“ The kingdom of heaven is at hand! What does that mean? It means that it’s as close as your hand! Just grab it ! And you’re in!”
I unclenched my fist.
I grabbed it. And I was. I was in. And somehow heaven got into me.
After I had prayed Eric said;

“ Now Someone's just prayed out loud and that’s very brave but it’s not necessary for you to do that.”

I had people putting their hands on me as I shook.

I later discovered I was in a very evangelical Anglican Church and this wasn’t what they were used to. Effectively they’d let the wild ones in for the night.

That night I had a joy in me I’d never felt. I practically danced home. I was so fired up the next day at drama school it almost got me kicked off the course.

Two years later I saw Eric as we both left a meeting at the back of the Albert Hall. He was carrying a suit. And shirt over his shoulder. I shouted to him.
“ Mr Dèlve! I’m the one who prayed out loud at the All Souls!”
And he stopped turned and looked at me and shouted back.
“ You! If you do nothing else in your Christian life that moment was enough!”

And turned and walked away.

The next time I heard from him was many years later.
I was in my late thirties and my life had hit a wall.
More questions.

He agreed to meet and invited me to his house and we sat in my car.

He just listened and this time I did all the talking.

After a massive download he just said .
“ You need to forgive your father. If you don’t forgive your earthly father, you won’t be able to hear your Heavenly Father.”

I burst into tears.

He put his hand on shoulder and prayed for me.

Then he asked if he could have a drive if my car. Which at the time was an mg roadster soft top. He drive through country lanes even more wildly than he preached and it made me laugh it was so dangerous.

Take two.I was back in my relationship with the Heavenly Father.

After that we became friends .Close friends. He was my friend, my advisor and my guide. He was real and honest and got me back to God my father again.

The last time I saw him was just before my father died. Covid hit my father’s care home. I was so glad that I’d repaired my relationship with him as well.

This week at Eric’s memorial service I felt like I’d lost my Spiritual dad.

But.

I didn’t. When someone loves you and pours that love and positive regard and friendship into you . Well, that love is really stronger than death.

I’m so desperate now to talk to him. More questions!

But I can hear his voice sometimes inside me now.

In his Winston Churchill voice ;

“ If you’re going through hell, keep going!”

Recently I have been walking through hell. But even if I go to the depths you are there as David said.

I know many many people are feeling this mixture of pain and joy that I feel now. . That Eric is not with us now but he’s gone to a place we can get to because of Jesus and because he told us about Him.
That Eric is now with the Lord he loves who was in him and with him and with us and will not stop loving us.

“ There is a divinity that shapes our lives rough hew it as we may”

(That’s Shakespeare by the way in case you think it’s scripture)

When we are children we need fathers. When we are adults we need fathers who are friends.
We need them the most when life gets hard and we need their strength.
And then maybe we need friends and fathers who are willing to be honest about their weakness and vulnerability so we can accept our own. But mostly we need a father who will move heaven and earth and make a stand with us in the pain and call us home. That’s the kind of father Eric was , he bore the image of God the father , following God the son and got out of the way of God the Holy Spirit that so that when he was around heaven just did stuff .

He once told me that the line in the movie braveheart when someone asks William Wallace “ what are you doing here?”
And Wallace says;
“ I’ve come to pick a fight.”
Is EXACTLY what Jesus would say about why He came.

The fights not over, Eric fought a good fight.

I’ll always hold him dear in my heart. Some people are like the North Star. They point you home.

Thank you God for Eric. I later discovered that on the podium where he preached that November night where I heard him preach is written an inscription “ Sir. We would see Jesus.”

Eric let me see Jesus.And I’m not the only one by a long shot.

I had the privilege of knowing Eric during my brief time as a Youth for Christ worker in St Helens, Merseyside. I also worked on the Down to Earth mission in St Helens in 1984. We counselled 1496 people during the 3 week mission. Eric was funny, engaging and captivated the nightly audiences with his wit, honesty and his down to earth style. A loss to us down here, but I’m sure he has the saints and angels in hysterics up there!! Thank you Eric, an honour to have known you and work briefly alongside you.

There are many words we could say, but words are not enough as there are no words to describe you and pat, the hard work love and impact you had on many people. Heaven is richer for you being there, but so is earth for the work you did paving the way for many and for God putting you in our lives.
We know the family are proud and think of you as they laugh cry and remember you as they knew you best.
Love Julie and Wan Cheah

Having worked for Eric as secretary for a while I well remember having to look up words regularly when transcribing his dictation! He had a vast vocabulary and regularly used words I had never heard of! I also remember the amusing moments when he would suddenly break into a voice from ‘the Goons’ in the middle of dictation 😊

Eric was a very inspiring preacher who helped us get into
the presence of the Lord. We enjoyed being part of his ministry team and I also enjoyed times at Detling. One of the most amazing events
by Eric Delve was his 24 hour preach in Week street, Maidstone in 2008 where we also had opportunity to share our faith with onlookers.

I remember Eric serving as an evangelist at SPREE73 in London...with Billy Graham,. Eric led a team in street evangelism and I gave him a box of our Pocket Testament League Gospel of John..."Peace, Truth,Love" . It was an old box used for "bubble bath capsules ". Highly amused Eric...who in future always asked me for more "bubble bath Gospels".

Years later I linked up with Eric on Blackheath London for the tent mission with Luis Palau . I admired his very smart car....wondering how an evangelist could afford such a vehicle.... "given by a nice Christian friend.....its a Saab. Great Swedish engineering. Last for ever. " he said, tapping the shiny bonnet.

Later Eric came to our church in Green street green, Orpington. I went forward for prayer after his usually funny but incisive preach. He prayed into my needy , sorrowing life. Abd what a bang on prayer. I didn't get it at first...it took years for the interpretation to be a reality. But I never forget and thanked the Lord fir Eric Delve. I STILL DO, ! THANK YOU LORD JESUS FOR EVERY HAPPY MEMORY OF A DEDICATED SOLDIER AND SERVANT.. He was very special....unique. Old man Peter Honour.

Hi - I'm contributing as one of the leaders of the Cutting Edge Men's Ministry and as an individual as I've been privileged to know Eric in both capacities.
Firstly, on behalf of Cutting Edge, we'd like to honour Eric for leading 3 of our weekends away and 2 of our day conferences. The first was in Deal probably as many as 15 years ago. He took us through his fantastic Echoes in Eternity programme. My main personal memory was at communion when he 'knighted' us with his large sword and then had a word of prophecy for each of us. His word for me was that I'd be a "spiritual leader". You're having a laugh I thought.
Later that year, Eric led a follow-up day conference at All Saints Woodford Wells. He invited people to come forward. His word for me that time was "you don't need to feel spiritually inferior". Obviously, he hadn't remembered me from Deal but his word was so pertinent. I've tried to honour it in my life ever since.
Eric led two more weekends away with the numbers in our ministry having increased from Deal. One, at Lea Valley Youth Hostel, had about 90 in attendance. Eric delivered the talk immediately before lunch. As before, he invited everyone to come up. I can still see this queue of 90 people. Eric had a word for each of us. As each we finished we all went on to lunch. But Eric was still there working through the queue. When he finally finished, he was exhausted. Bless him.
My last Cutting Edge memory is of Eric leading an evening session at St Andrews, Chingford - my church at the time. My wife and I hosted Eric beforehand. Eric 'knew' my wife (I'll come onto that next) and was praying for Janice after dinner and before the meeting. It was time to leave to get there for the start. But Eric was not to be budged. He was fully attentive to Janice and wouldn't leave till he'd finished praying for her.
So, my even more personal tribute. Eric brought my lovely wife to faith around 36 years ago. My best mate, Nick Bishop, and his wife had been praying for Janice who was not a Christian but who I wanted to marry. Eric was leading a mission at St Andrews and Nick invited us. Eric made a very deep impression on Janice. In her words "he stripped in front of her". Eric had started wearing a suit and had gradually taken it off to leave him in leans and a leather jacket. But he also told Janice that Jesus loved her. She gave her life there and then.
I guess this will be one of hundreds or thousands of tributes - par for the course for Eric. But life changing for me and Janice and for the many men whose lives he touched at our weekends away and conferences. I and the leaders of Cutting Edge are just so incredibly grateful to Eric for all he did for us.
God bless you all.

Eric opened up a whole new world for us through his ministry; teaching, spirituality and love in Christ Jesus, giving us " deep joy." Though speaking to thousands he had the knack of making you think his message was just for you personally. Those were very special years at St Luke's and Detling and we feel extremely privileged to have been part of them. Prayers to Pat and the family 🙏

I haven’t seen Eric for many many years but can honestly say that he was one of a handful of people who have had a profound influence on my life.

Back in the 1970s I worked with him in outreaches and missions in Oxford Street and Marble Arch, Tower Hill, Cirencester, Norwich University and also from Kensington Temple in Notting Hill Gate with J John in 1980. He taught me so much about creative evangelism (he once began a gospel message talking about the lamppost at Speakers’ Corner erupting accidentally out of the primeval slime, rejected that idea as codswallop and went on to preach the true gospel), We had lots of fun! I also learned from him so much about Christlike love, forgiveness and persevering through difficulty.

I can’t be there on 15th but Pat you and the family will be very much in my prayers then and in the coming days.

Eric was a significant part of my walk with god - I first heard him at a down to earth mission in 1985 and later at St Luke’s where my sister was a member and I would hear him when I visited over the years and at detling. Thanks Eric for your humour and insights.

I had heard of Eric and his ministry and sold his talks but when Detling started it became a beautiful journey with this great man. He loved getting alongside leaders and encouraging, praying and just loving them. I was on the end of this gift which made a huge impact on me. He show a side of his own faith which was so real and powerful and had me praying with him in way I had never heard anyone before.

He was passionate for the gospel and he was generous in all ways especially with the love he showed. Once in my office he handed me his message bible and challenged me to read this version after sharing about God’s grace. I treasured that bible but not long ago my barber was struggling to understand reading his bible as a non-Christian. I did the same as Eric and passed on this bible. He is now a Christian so his legacy continues!

There are not enough words to describe this unique, genuine, loving man. I’m glad God put him in my life for the season he did. It has been treasured. I’m sure you are dancing in worship in the heavenlies now. RIP and rise in glory!

I will ever be grateful to God that as Churchwarden along with Eddie, at St Luke's, after a long vacancy and seeing a number of candidates we recommended the Bishop appoint Eric, who later arranged for me to proceed on the Ordination pathway. After 23 years it has been my joy and privilege to witness Jesus working in many varied situations. Thank you Eric.

I came to Christ at an event in Liverpool where Graham Kendrick performed and Eric spoke. This was in 1978.
I don’t just remember what he spoke on but how the message made me feel. I was undone by the love of God giving his only son’s life for me. And yes Eric made it feel deeply personal.
I was just about still in church and I went back the next morning to tell my pastor how good it had felt and that I was moved so deeply by Eric’s messsge and God’s love. He said to me ‘you’re not meant to feel good lad, it won’t last’.
I’m glad to say nearly 48 years later it still feels good and it’s lasted.
Grateful to Eric for introducing me to a gospel of grace, a life of fun and the permission to laugh in church!
I’ve been pastoring for nearly 40 years and am so grateful for that night that changed my life. Eric and I met many years later, I expressed my gratitude. He was humble and kind and we met up on a couple of occasions. He was super encouraging and always inspiring to be with.
With gratitude.

Spring Harvest 1981 - I attended a seminar by Eric, 'Why I believe Jesus is God'. I was a Christadelphian struggling to believe this. This was a pivotal moment in my faith journey. Thanks Eric.

I first met Eric gosh in the early 90s, I grew up in the church his dad Fred was elder and his mum Irene….when he walked in if it was if someone like Billy Graham had entered the room…lol he spoke at church that family service that Sunday and I was having onto his every wood!! God Bless you and your family at this time xx

I first had the pleasure of meeting Eric at the Spring Holiday Christian Camps at Post Green, Poole, Dorset in the 1970’s. The Holy Spirit had fallen mightily on the Christian community at Post Green, beginning in the late 1960’s. I remember a deep converstaion with Eric about how we cope with the challenges of the ‘nitty gritty’ of daily life!

The Down to Earth Mission in the 1980’s had a profound effect on the church in Maidstone. Eric insisted he would only come to Maidstone if the churches worked together. Out if this Maidstone for Jesus was born, and church leaders worked together in a wonderful way. I was tasked with providing worship for every day during the four weeks the Down to Earth Mission was here in Maidstone. Musicians from across the churches in Maidstone joined in, it was a wonderful experience. The mission was held in Eric’s circus tent on the grounds of the old gas works, now the site of the Travellodge, Asda, TK Max, The Range and Hobbycraft.

Our next opportunity to work with Eric, came at a fairwell service held for Eric and the family when they went to the USA. Creation Sound, a small new contempary music group birthed at St. Lukes was asked to provide worship at the Oratory Church in London.

When Eric came to Maidstone as vicar of St. Luke’s, I had the pleasure of experiencing his input into the leadership of the churches in Maidstone. At that time I was part of the leadership of Living Waters Church in George Street. Eric had a unique way of resolving divergent views among the leaders, accompanied with that twinkle in his eye that said the obvious. It was just like that Roman nail he produced from his pocket when preaching aboout the significance of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus.

Thank you Eric for all that you brought to Maidstone over several decades.

John Fleetcroft

I have thought a lot about what to write as I don’t have one stand out memory of Eric. What I do have though is a whole mass of blended ones. As a friend of Jo ‘s he always made me feel welcome at their home, always fun , kind and real.
I agree with Camille about listening to him preach at Redland. He preached and showed the gospel. I have such happy memories of that time in my life. Thank you and lots of love to all of the Delve family.

I first met Eric when he came to lead the University CU Mission week in Southampton in 1982 which a group of us were tasked with organising. He was an amazing communicator who managed to combine a wonderful sense of humour and gifted story telling with a clear and powerful gospel message. His humour, which I loved, skirted with the irreverant at times but painted a picture of the Christian faith that was real and relevant, and of a God with a sense of humour. That week in 1982 was significant for me on my faith journey but more importantly there were many others for whom it was the start of the journey.

I vividly remember Eric preaching at Redland Parish Church back in the 1980s, he had such magnetism and presence in that pulpit nobody could take their eyes off him - far less fall asleep in the back row!
One of life’s legends, known for being a charismatic evangelist but also just my friend’s fun dad! Thinking of you all & sending love & prayers Family Delve.

I first came to St Luke’s for an evening service in 2007 when I was going through 9 months of chemo. I didn’t know anyone.
Derek was at the door and just made me feel so special. I came back about a month later - he remembered me and he remembered I was going through chemo. I was amazed.
He had such a big heart for Jesus and for everyone he met.
What a remarkable man and what a blessing to think of him now with Jesus.
I send my love and condolences to all his family.

Precious Eric. I wished I knew what to say. I lost my dad in my mid 30s. It devastated me but Eric was one of a small number of wonderful men who stepped up and fathered this fatherless man. I will never forget you.

I attended Eric's "Down To Earth" mission in (I think) 1982. He was a funny, engaging preacher with great gifts in touching the head as well as the heart. That night was one of the stepping stones for me to explore what has become over thirty years of ordained ministry. God bless you, Eric, now rest from your labours with the Lord you served so faithfully.

There is much to remember and be grateful from many years with Eric leader of St Luke’s. For the way he helped us recognise our gifting. The courses he wrote and led. Bringing the gospel alive and relevant for everyone. Working with him and seeing the pastoral side he had and compassion. Going on ministry trips with him. Seeing him panic at remembering his Roman nail was still in his hand luggage at the airport! Getting it through Unnoticed to be shown again in many sermons. Praying for many hours for the people in churches he visited. Stretching us all to do the unimaginable as the vision for the Detling summer conferences came into being. Seeing how he was made for the big stage to bring the good news of Jesus. Then as he took weddings and people leaving saying they would go to church if all were like this. Too many to write here. Not sure he realised how many lives he touched but it’s enough to know Jesus saw.

Thanks Eric for coming to preeach at my church when I was 9 years old. It was a parade service for Boys Brigade and Campaigners and I had just started Campaigners. You preached the gospel and at the end of your sermon, you asked everyone to close our eyes and then for those of us who wanted to accept Jesus as our Lord and saviour and friend to put our hands up. I put my hand up along with my sister. You asked all of us who had put our hands up to come and see you afterwards. My sister and I came to you and you checked that we had understood the gospel message and then led us in a prayer of commitment to Jesus. You could have fobbed us off as we were just children as so many people would have done. 2-3 years later, I was really depressed and made the first attempt to take my own life. It is only due to your compassion and understanding in allowing us to make that commitment that I made it through to senior school and not hell. I owe you and Jesus so much.

My family had the privilege of sitting under Eric's ministry at St Luke's for all the years he was with us. I really appreciated his motivational & faith raising style & never felt reluctant to invite someone along. There were personal times too, such as the occasion he came & 'sat with us' when our daughter had a serious health diagnosis. His compassion was manifest in so many ways. Our love to Pat & the family, with so many fond memories

Eric, Clive and Roger blew us out of the water and into the ship of living for Christ at Spring80. Changed my life and many others.

I can't be there on the day but want to honour Eric who often had time for me personally as a young evangelist. I was involved in Mission to London in 1984, my first contact with him. His honesty and authenticity was something I drew strength from. Enjoy Heaven dear brother. Much love to Pat and the family.

I will forever remain grateful for the impact Eric had on my life. I will deeply miss his phone calls, his wisdom, and his counsel.
I still remember the last time I called him. I asked, “Do you remember who I am?” He replied, “One thing I know: you are my dear, dear daughter in God.”
He was a father to so many, a true man after God’s own heart.
Now he rests in the embrace of his Savior, forever missed, yet never forgotten here on earth.

I would say I was a distant follower.....I will never forgot the day I saw Eric Delve speak @ new wine ( approx 1998)where he spoke about being mad @ God for 4 days and @ the end of it he heard God say , is that it? We can only presume it was......

Plus I got to do one of thoes prayer walks approx 2017 and he was there for some of it , in Canterbury,probably the last time I saw him......to be honest this is not so sad .......can you imagine how happy he is now with his great friend Roger Forster and many others..in heaven,...even my Dad !!!!

In this life he knew my friend Hilary Marshall- Moody more than me....I look forward to seeing him again in heaven....plus my Dad and others.....'we do not grieve as thoes who have no hope'.....

God bless
Love
Katherine Hortense
Nee Kate Mills

I heard the Gospel and understood it in a new way when Eric shared it over 20 years ago at a service at St.Luke's. I was very blessed to have him as my Vicar for 10 years and in that time get introduced to so many incredible friends, be baptised and married by him. So grateful for his kindness, his relatable and down to earth preaching and passion for Jesus! I know he's living his best life now but praying for Pat and the family as they miss him deeply, that they would feel the Lord's closeness and comfort xx

1975-77- I was fresh out in the big wide world, having grown up in rural Leicestershire, at Froebel Institute College , Roehampton . Eric used to come to speak at our CU and I loved it when he came - he helped me to stay grounded and to grow in my faith at such an important and wonderful transitional time of my life. 46 years on and I am still growing after many years of ministry and with children also in ministry and teenage grandchildren all finding their way in the Kingdom. . Thanks for the great start , Eric.

Thank you for the way you impacted my life with the message of Jesus. Enjoy your eternal rest good and faithful servant.

I remember hearing Eric at spring harvest and his clear explanation of the gospel and his funny stories played a big part in me become a Christian.
He answered some of my worries with such clarity. Thanks to God for him,

So many memories of our time at St. Luke’s. One special moment was when you married our younger daughter and her husband; prophesying over them during a beautiful service. It was a privilege to serve both at the church and Detling.
Diane and John.

My dear Eric,
So many memories, such an inspiration to many thousands through his ministry, and wonderful times during missions both here and overseas. Rest in Peace my friend with you’re Lord and Saviour.Good bye my friend until we meet some day

We first met when I was at Goldsmiths College, helping organise a week of evangelism. Eric made an impression on both non-Christians and Christians alike. What a lovely man! I will ever be grateful to him for helping deepen my faith.

We're so very grateful for Eric's life & ministry. I first met him as a teenager in Hexham during a mission there, when our host asked me to pray for the Yorkshire puds to rise for Sunday lunch for Eric!!. He became a friend & gave us time in marriage preparation & then preached memorably at our wedding long before he was ordained. He travelled up during a mission on the south coast to do this for us. He's been on the end of a phone at very important moments throughout life, with wisdom and compassionate love. Always pointing to Jesus, Eric's preaching brought friends to faith, and his straight talking was so helpful. Our joy that he is with his Lord is held alongside compassion and love for Pat & all his family.