Apostle Lobias Murray

Murray, Apostle Lobias Funeral services for the Apostle Dr. Lobias Murray will be held Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Full Gospel Holy Temple World Headquarters, 39727 LBJ Freeway with the Bishop Paul Cannon, Jr., officiating and Bishop Herman Lobias Murray, Jr. as eulogist. Public viewing will be begin on Wednesday from 12 noon to 7 P. M. and a Pastoral Celebration will be held Thursday at 7 P.M. Both services will be held at Full Gospel Holy Temple World Headquarters. "Well done, good and faithful servant;...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matt. 25:23) On Friday, December 23, 2011, God transitioned a gospel giant, a five star general, a prince among preachers, a servant leader and a mighty Man of God - the Honorable Apostle, Dr. Lobias Murray from this earthly home to his home in glory. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given," (Isaiah 9:6) Emerging from an obscure and humble beginning in the piney woods of east Texas (Jacksonville), Apostle Murray was born July 28, 1927. The eldest of four children he excelled academically and graduated from Goldsberry Chapel High School in Henderson, TX. After graduation, he served three years of service in the U. S. Army (a Korean War veteran). While serving his country he was introduced to the former Shirley Hollis in a pen pal relationship. Her modest ways and wholesome charm won his heart and they soon graduated from a pen pal relationship to one of courtship, love and a happy marriage that lasted 61 years. "...whom shall I send and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." (Isaiah 6:8) In 1953, a few years after marriage, Apostle Murray moved his family to Dallas, TX. His trip to Dallas with only $10.00, a wife and two small children in a 1949 Ford was his first test of his faith. However, to establish him for the mandate that God would place on his life, his faith was further tested when he was told that his son, Herman, was dying from a tumor on his brain. Heartbroken and desperate he surrendered to the call that God had placed on his life as a minister and vowed to God: "God, If you let my son live, I'll tell it everywhere I go." God raised his son from the dead and Apostle Murray kept his vow. For the past 50 plus years he has been a commanding Voice for God preaching salvation, deliverance, healing and miracles. His unquestionable faith in God and the laying on of hands to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost are the hallmarks of his ministry. "...Go ye therefore, and tech all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19) Continuing to keep his vow, in 1971 Apostle Murray, accompanied by a "gospel son" Bishop Larry Kiel, Sr., went on a world tour preaching and teaching the "good news" of the gospel. Their missionary trip took them to the back side of India, the Philippines and numerous Middle East countries. The living conditions, food, water was often scarce. Although the sacrifice was great, his desire for a harvest of souls was greater. Testimonies of healings, miracles, the lame walking and lepers cleansed and lives being transformed was the fruit of the missionary crusade. "...For where there is no vision the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18) A man of vision, integrity and wisdom, Apostle Murray sought God for ways to help society cure some of its many ills. During an annual international convocation in 1976, Apostle Murray, preaching under a heavy anointing, declared "I HAVE A VISION." He began to speak prophetically of a school where children could learn in a Christian environment. In 1979, the doors of Lobias Murray Christian Academy opened. The Academy was the first African American owned, private, K-12 accredited school in Texas. His vision included a place where the Saints could go for relaxation and recreation. In 1981, the church purchased 109 acres of land in Scottsville, Texas that has been developed in to a Christian resort: L&S Christian Camp. Also, in 1981 the Helping Hand Outreach opened its doors to Dallas County's needy families supplementing them with food, clothes and toys (during Christmas season). Additionally, over 50 outreach ministries flow from the church in to nursing homes, juvenile centers, half-way homes, homeless shelters and street ministries spreading the "good news" of the gospel. "...For thou ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel," (I Cor. 4:14-16) Apostle Murray has been a mentor, role model, example and father figure for members. An honorable and upright Man of God, his character was consistent with his life and message. He preached holiness and he lived holy. He was so loved because of his biblical teaching: faithfulness to God, develop good work ethics, be diligent in business, how to be a good husband, how to be a good wife, discipline in fasting and a plethora of "common sense" basics. A profound biblical teacher he instructed and trained young men with perfection to be their maximum for God. In 1972 he became a leader of leaders establishing over 30 churches across the country. "...For I know...that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord..."(Gen. 18-19) A devoted husband and doting father, grandfather and great grandfather, Apostle Murray loved his family. The same gospel he preached in the pulpit he also preached and practiced in his home. Cherishing his memory his widow, Dr. Shirley Murray, three daughters, Sharon (Eld. Alfred) Smith, Gwendol Renee Murray and Brenda Rice; one brother, Lovester Murray; one sister, Velma (J.C.) Reedy; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; a loving nephew, Dr. Autry Terry; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the Full Gospel Holy Temple, Inc. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Herman and Mrs. Willie Mae Trimble Murray, his son, Herman Lobias Murray, Sr. and brother, Bishop Lorenza Murray. Farewell to a renaissance man, a principal architect in the community, a religious icon, a humanitarian, a pioneer in the educational arena and a legend who walked among us. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (II Timothy 4:7)