Towel and Basin Award

Towel & Basin

The Towel and Basin Award is an award presented by the Alumni Department of Asbury Seminary to a graduating student who has shown throughout their time at the Seminary a loving attitude, and caring actions toward others. Their example has proven that they have a heart to serve the people around them. This prestigious award allows students, staff, and faculty to recognize someone who has displayed a servant’s heart in our community, and in all areas of life. Through this person we in this academic community have been able to reflect upon the heart of Christ and how embodying Christ’s heart can impact our world. 

Florida 

This year’s recipient of the Towel and Basin Award has, in his own words, had his life changed by his sojourn through Asbury Seminary. Arriving in 2013 as a newly minted Associate Pastor serving as a Youth and Worship leader in his local church, God replaced his dream of becoming a Broadway musical performer with a heart for ministry. The classes and relational community at Asbury became formative in both his personal life and in his public ministry. During his sojourn he has faced the normal rigors of juggling academic life, church ministry, and family life. Added to that have been some major transitions. During the last month he has transitioned from Youth/Worship pastor of his local church to become the Senior Pastor – replacing the more than 40-year pastorate of his retiring Senior Pastor. During the middle of his seminary experience, he suffered a heart attack and had to be hospitalized and undergo bypass surgery. His first venture out of the house after going through weeks and weeks of recovery and rehabilitation was to have his wife drive him to Asbury Seminary so he could attend a Chapel Service. As he remarked on that occasion, “This is where I worship the Lord.” This year’s Towel and Basin Award recipient has been a major contributor to Chapel, a stalwart presence in the community, he has served the seminary in numerous capacities during his time here, and was one of the Senior Chapel speakers this past week. I am pleased to present to you the 2016 recipient of the Towel and Basin Award – James Irving.

Wilmore 

Many Students and Staff had many wonderful things to say about this year’s recipient:

“Throughout his service, he leads a life full of humility and purity of heart. He is a friend to everyone and anyone. He is a true follower of Jesus. I have not known anyone at Asbury Seminary that embodies the heart of a servant as much as he does.”

“He is one of the most selfless and kind-hearted people around. He always has a warm hand-shake, smile and hello to offer to any and all. He has a servant’s heart, stopping to pray with others and offer kind words of encouragement whenever needed.”

“He faithfully showed up for his Eucharist duties and always exuded such a kind and gentle spirit. His humble attitude is so refreshing.”

“He is one of the most sincere and caring people I’ve met here on campus.  He is always available to listen and offer encouragement, often putting others before himself. He epitomizes all that the Towel and Basin award embodies, always willing to help others come into a greater knowledge and understanding of the grace of God.”

“He is by far the most humble, servant-hearted intern I’ve seen at work in our office. He is truly like a Levitical Priest, preparing the elements of worship for the people so that they may connect with God. He has a depth of love for theology and worship, and a great deal of knowledge about liturgy and sacraments. He has the most gentle, quiet spirit, but he is also passionate about worship and liturgy. If you take time to ask him and listen you find a depth and richness of knowledge. On this campus I can think of no one who better exemplifies the servant-hearted leadership Jesus displayed at the Last Supper.”

“The “peace of Christ” walks with this brother in a most natural way.  It is as if he has “known”, and has been “known” by the Lord from the day of his birth. He has been preparing for service to our Lord for all of his life. His devotion to all of his fellow students, parishioners, friends and colleagues is readily observed in the performance of even the smallest task. I can think of no one who has better demonstrated the attitude of a servant in both lifestyle and activity, or who has more promise as a leader than he.”

This year’s Towel and Basin Award goes to Jonathan Lamb.

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