How we met:
Alan is the first person I met after our move to Ottawa. Alan and his family had just began attending Calvary Ottawa the week before we arrived and he wanted to grab lunch with the pastor and I was lucky enough to come along. This would be my first glimpse into the world of Gilman.
Three things I appreciate about Alan:
1. I love the way Alan loves his family. For those of you that don’t know, Alan and his wife Robin have 10 kids. Every one of those kids is a blessing and an obvious result of the solid parenting and love that come from Alan and Robin. Rachel and I have been extremely encouraged by the example that the Gilmans set and have had many conversations about how we want our family to be like the Gilmans as our kids grow up.
2. Alan is incredible with encouragement. His encouragement is thoughtful, realistic, biblical, and with love. Alan doesn’t always tell you what you want to hear but I’ve found that he will always tell you what you need to hear and a friend like that is invaluable.
3. Alan makes himself available for people and goes out of his way. He is a mentor, he is wise, he is fatherly, and he has a beard. I am very thankful to call Alan friend.
My favorite memory of Alan:
Over the past year Alan and I have been meeting for breakfast on Wednesday mornings. I have really cherished these breakfasts and the wisdom and counsel that has been passed on and the fruit that has come from these times. We have spent a lot of time together but these one on one times have really felt like a gift that I will never forget.
July 21st, 2011 at 9:14 am
Ryan, great post brotha!
I would echo a lot of what you have said about Alan, specifically the wisdom that I have had imparted to me. Alan is vulnerable and is willing to let people into his life by sharing tough things that he has gone through. Alan has experienced a lot of the same things that I have in terms of being a believer when family is unapproving and has trusted the Lord through it all (something which I admire quite a lot). He’s helped me to be wise with and honoring to my father who is yet to know the Messiah and not bend to the pressure of my unbelieving family. His home has always been opened to my brother and I and we’ve always felt warm and accepted. Thanks a lot! Feel the love Reb. Alan haha!!!
July 21st, 2011 at 10:56 am
Alan (and Robin) mean more to me than they can possibly know. The total time I have spent with them wouldn’t add up to even a full week, yet they have had me in their home every trip I have made to Ottawa, not just for dinner – but for Friday night Shabbat dinner. THIS is a wonderful experience.
I am most grateful to Alan for his sowing into my son’s life. 10 kids of his own and he takes the time, weekly, to meet with, pray for and disciple my kid – and for that alone – this mama has great respect, admiration and thanksgiving for Alan Gilman.
On top of this — I love his teaching… listened recently to him teaching in Hebrews — WOW what a blessing!
Thanks Alan Gilman – for loving Jesus & HIS Word and sharing that love with all who cross your path!
July 21st, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I glean from Alan’s wisdom too! Not ever even spending a whole lot of time with Alan, Ryan is always telling me about this or that thing that Alan told him and it always makes so much sense! I’m so glad that Ryan and Rachel get to hang out with amazing people like the Gilmans!
July 21st, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Ryan, I think the only reason that you’re friends with Alan is because you are jealous and at the same time intimidated by his beard.
Jus sayin’
July 21st, 2011 at 2:00 pm
I’m so thankful to know Alan as well. He really has a gift of insight and understanding in both academic and spiritual ways. And is a great worship leader. When he leads worship, his smile is insatiable. The love of Jesus just pours out of him. And if it wasn’t for him, there wouldn’t be this legacy of a family that has richly impacted my life as well.