Ralph Winter was a major figure in the Christian (Protestant) world of scholars and missionaries. My wife and I worked at a research center directed by his son-in-law and had the privilege of interacting with him on a number of occasions. Despite his significant contributions to Christian thought on mission, my favorite memories of him involve McDonalds: after driving him back home from a lecture, we stopped there for ice cream; why am I sitting in a parking lot at 12 a.m. eating ice cream with Ralph Winter, I thought. His seatbelt still bears the stain where his icecream dripped. After picking him up at the airport on another occasion, we had to stop at McDonald’s again. I enjoyed placing his order as he bickered with his son-in-law over the monetary advantages of the dollar menu.
Yesterday, 21 May 2009, Ralph Winter passed away. Receive him, God, with mercy and grace; rest in peace.