In March of this year, Dick and Sally Palmer moved from their home in Vancouver, WA to their new home just outside of Dallas, TX. They felt it was time to be closer to their son and his family. This move also meant Dick’s retirement from the IRM board. I felt it was fitting that you know a bit more about this faithful servant. So, the following is written with deep appreciation for Dick and Sally Palmer.
Dick Palmer played as much of a role as anyone in the decision for me to come to IRM. In 1993 I facilitated my first Prayer Summit with him. In 1999 He made the initial call to me asking if there was any reason I should not be the next Executive Director of IRM. He was a vital link in helping me understand both the logistics and more of the history of the Prayer Summit movement. He served on the IRM committee at Multnomah and on the IRM board from the time we became a separate ministry. He and Sally opened their home to me before we moved to Portland, and to the IRM board on many occasions. His heart for the Lord, for pastors, and for IRM was very evident. His wisdom and his willingness to speak directly to a situation has saved me from several bad decisions. I appreciate the number of times he asked me about how Marilyn was doing. I appreciate the number of times he would encourage me with a well spoken word or verse. He also has great “toys” and has been very willing to share them at just the right times! With the Palmer’s move to Texas, the IRM board will be able to look back with deep appreciation, and also look forward knowing that the God who helped us through Dick Palmer’s life will continue to provide for us all that we need.
I have asked a few others to share a bit about their interaction with Dick.
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I first remember meeting Dick in the late ‘90’s when we all gathered in Cannon Beach for the IRM meetings. I did not get to know him well at the time but remember seeing him function in the meetings with grace and wisdom.
Of course since that time we have had many meetings together with the Board as well as meeting with Dennis at Starbucks and other locations. He has never wavered from that grace and wisdom – because it is Jesus in him! There has also been a “firmness” that I have respected a lot. Dick has been willing to speak up and disagree with the group when necessary. Several times this kept us out of troubles!
“You will be deeply missed from the IRM Board. May you and Sally have a long and ‘healed’ life in your retirement years in Texas!”
-Glen Weber
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I appreciate the investment Dick made in the "birth" season of IRM. He volunteered to give himself during the early days of establishing Dr. Joe's vision. Without Dick, and his personal contacts, so many would have missed those treasured moments of the summit. During IRM's growth spurt, Dick took on the mentorship of cities, and has sown wisdom into the forward movement of the ministry. Yet, it has been in these later years that I have come to love and value the relationship that Dick has offered to me personally. I will miss his face when the Board gathers.
- Jody Mayhew
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I first met Dick Palmer when came to Branson, MO to co-facilitate a Pastors Prayer Summit, nearly 14 years ago. His wisdom and spiritual sensitivity were amazing. Since those days, I have been privileged to sit on the IRM Board with him for many years. In the middle of "the best of times and the worst of times" God has used Dick as an amazing demonstration of the delicate balance between stability and creativity. I know there will be future board meetings where I will be asking myself, "What would Dick be saying or asking if he were at the table today?"
- Howard Boyd
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Dick Palmer has been one of the most significant brothers in Christ and mentors in my life. He has taught me much about integrity, speaking the truth, being a consistent servant, seeking the Holy Spirit's direction, and loving God and pastors (and me too). God has greatly used Dick to build a firm foundation of Christ into Multnomah, IRM, most of the Prayer Summit facilitators and thousands of pastors around the country. "Well done, good and faithful servant."
- Steve Hall
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As I reflect back on the time we worked together on the IRM board, this one verse of Scripture best describes him; Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). To be steadfast is to know you are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). To be immovable is to be firmly anchored in Christ Jesus. Always abounding reflects one who consistently gave more than was required. And finally, when you stand before Jesus Christ, it will be with confidence the quality your good works will stand the test of fire (I Corinthians 3:13). We love you in Christ Jesus.
- Dick Williams
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Although I have only known him a short time, he has left a lasting impression in my heart. I felt a special bond with him because of his own military service and understanding and encouragement to me concerning my husband Jason and his service in the Air Force. When the trials continued to roll my way with our youngest daughter, Sasha, his kindness and heartfelt understanding about the challenges we face in parenting helped re-focus my attitude and confirm the direction that God had been leading us in our relationship with her. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on the IRM board with my brother and friend. “May God continue to watch over you and Sally as you walk forward in this journey called life.”
- Daryl Knudeson
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I had the privilege of logging a ton of miles with Dick on the Prayer Summit journey. His honesty was refreshing (most times!), and his humor infectious, as in the classic Palmerism, "Yeah, Right!" There is an unforgettable high point of our unparalleled co-facilitation career: Billings, Montana, a creaky, leaky, cold cabin in the snow-blown Bighorn Mountains, with rusted bedsprings, and extra-chewy local beef served up by "Buck," our redneck, raspy host. Thanks for the memories, Palmer! And bless you for your undying passion to see pastors make things right and walk together in John 17 oneness. You have a legacy, my friend.
- Tom White
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