Stanley Voke. Just seeing his name gives me joy. I have a mental list of those I want to see as soon as I arrive in Heaven. First, is my twin brother David. Then I want to see my sweet nephew Jody, who entered in at just 16 years old. Next on the list are Stanley and Doreen Voke. We first met them back in the 80’s through Pastor Dave Bridgeford who was hosting the Vokes all the way from London, England. Or more exact, Cobham in Surrey. They had pastored a few different churches for 42 years there in the UK and been honored to meet up with some of the leaders of the revival happening in East Africa. That was the message they brought to all of us at Calvary Fellowship.
Revival. The word conjures up many different definitions to believers. But Stanley’s definition rang so true to me; “A new beginning of obedience to God.” So many of his sayings affected not only my heart, but also the hearts of all of us at Calvary Fellowship Seattle and all the PNW Calvary Pastors. He became our favorite teacher to listen to, even though his words pierced our hearts w/ conviction. Stanley was very good friends with the great English Bible teacher, Roy Hession, writer of Calvary Road and We Would See Jesus. On more than one occasion they both were our featured guest speakers at the old Lincoln High School. I can still remember some of their sayings; “Cathy, it’s not God’s will for that person to be the way they are, but right now, it is God’s will for you, for them to be the way they are.” On the subject of personal devotion; “Isn’t it funny how the thing we deem to be life-giving, if we don’t do it, ends up condemning us.” Stanley taught us what real repentance looks like; what personal revival really looks like. What it means to be “broken, walking in the light, covered by the blood, walking in love, forgiveness, holiness, and in the power of the Spirit.” “Brokenness is bending my neck not only to the Lord, but to others-in the home, the church and in the world. This was the attitude of Jesus, so why should it not be ours?” He writes in his book, Walking His Way, “When Christians are willing to break, God’s love will flourish among them and His blessing flow out to the world. “In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isa.30:15) “There may be a deeper sense of sinfulness. A fresh sense of forgiveness like a cleansing fire. A glow of desire for Jesus and love for Him….” Do we not all desire this?
Not only did Stanley Voke speak with such British eloquence, but also, he had the empowering of the Holy Spirit anointing the Word of God. His life of love and humble service spoke just as eloquently. “Don’t seek great things for yourself,” he always reminded us. His powerful message of revival lives on in his writings and we’re so honored to post many of his teachings on Calvary Fellowship’s website so anyone can be blessed with a fresh Word from the Lord. After I am greeted by Stanley and Doreen Voke in Heaven, then I will be off to find Charlotte Bronte, J.R.R. Tolkien & George MacDonald.
Cathy Taylor
Many of Stanley Voke's messages can be found here.
