We remember Charles H. Cookman
Our hearts are sad at the passing of our dear spiritual father, leader and true friend forever.
Charles H. Cookman, August 11, 1927 - March 26, 2007, has been this ministries ATWR & FFTV Vice-President since 1996. Prior to that time he served twenty-six years as the state leader for 201 North Carolina Assemblies of God Churches(1966-1992). Before that he was a pastor in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Those who would meet him would always be encouraged. Charles great wisdom always set the positive pace for who we are and what we will be in the great future.
Please pray for the Charles Cookman Family. Also please watch this tribute video we have posted on our www.youtube.com/friendsforevertv file. This was from some produced footage we had in 1992.
Please post your memories and comments to the family.
posted by The Friends Forever Ministries at 5:51 PM
42 Comments:
I'm really saddened to hear the news.
I'll miss him. I've always aspired to be like him.
Pastor Mike Barress
First Assembly of God
Andrews, North Carolina
I've always admired Charles Cookman. His ability to be relevant, current and cutting edge were awesome. I want to be like him. His example, love and encouragement have been a treasure to me. Praise the Lord for the Life and Legacy of Charles Cookman.
Mike Barres,Andrews NC
One sermon. 10 years or so ago. I've never forgotton what he said, and it's changed my walk with God. "What's happening, is not what's going on...."
Mark & Laurie,
Gale and I want to thank you for preserving and sharing the presentation about Bro. Cookman.
May the Lord touch you both and give you another faithful warrior to encourage and speak wisdom into your lives.
Continue on my
Brother and Sister
Allen & Gale Byerly
Faith Assembly of God
Kernersville, North Carolina
Thank you Allen & Gale for your kind words. The video will always be available online on our www.youtube.com/friendsforevertv file, and that is just part 1, we will post the other half.
Brother Cookman gave me comprehensive insight into the realites of ministry. He helped me define real ministry. Each time, I was in his presence, He always had a rich deposit of wisdom. He helped me in balance of minstry and understanding of the ways/means of the Spirit. He was a man of great faith and of sensitivity to the Spirit. Lovingly, He embraced and encouraged me as a young Baptist-Charismatic preacher who was prehaps somewhat wild-eyed, fanatical & a little on the extreme side of things. But, he said to me, "Son you are one of us..." The most gracious words I ever heard. I am so grateful he received me and didn't reject me. Today Brother Cookman's memories live big in my heart and will live on forever.... I can hear the Lord say to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will
put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' And His response would, "Lord How can It Be?"
Love Always,
J Michael Brown
Asheville, NC
Charles Cookman was a man of integrity. A smart and witty man. He was totally devoted to Christ and His service to people. I remember as a small child sitting with Bro. Cookman. And I remember the humble spirit he had and how that he was never arrogant or prideful. But, he was always loving and accepting of others. Mrs. Cookman I want to tell you that God could not have placed you with a better man. I love you Mrs. Cookman & your family and I am praying for each of you.
Sincerely,
Matt Brown
Asheville, NC
I will never forget my first interview with Dr. Cookman for my AG credentials. His love and affirmation for Nancy and I and God's calling on our lives still sustains me today during questioning moments.
The message he preached at our church dedication service in 1999 "What's Happening is not What's Going On" was life-changing.
Charles Cookman was a true man of God who faithfully served our Lord in his generation. He will be missed but not forgotten.He will be mourned but his legacy and the fruit of his ministy will continue until Jesus comes. "Think of that!"
Mark Muirhead thank you for this timely and wonderful rememberance video of a man who loved you and whom you loved and served well.
Gerry & Nancy Blood
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Though I did not know Brother Cookman well, what a great man he was to so many people.
My wife and I knew Claudia Cookman Redd and her husband Skip very well, both here in Colorado and also down at SAGU.
Our prayers are with the family.
Blessings,
Bob Cook
Rocky Mount District Council
Assemblies of God
What can i say for Charles Cookman i would like to say to his family that i will say a prayer for him for enouragement........And i will write you a verse out of the bible what touched me and it will touch you and touch his families heart also?
FAITH IN GOD
Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:4
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So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord continue to live in him rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taugh,and overflowing with thanfulness
colossians 2:6-7
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As a preachers kid I’ve meet a lot of people, but very few have remembered my name the way Dr. Cookman did. People would always say, “Hi David’s Son” “Hi aren’t you Pastor David’s son” “What’s your name again?” “You’re that Sutphin boy”. I will never forget as a young boy Charles Cookman ALWAYS knew my name and always called me “Brian” Even after not seeing him for a few years, he knew exactly who I was, He never got me mixed up with one of my two brothers as most pastors still do today.
What’s really sad about Dr. Cookman passing away is that we will miss the warmth that he brought into a cold world.
B. Sutphin
Cutting Edge Youth
Faith Community Church
Clayton, North Carolina
my brother noel just showed me this blog. thanks to all that have shared and will share your thoughts and feelings.
one of the last things dad said this weekend was tell all my friends goodbye. he loved his family, friends and "people" so much. one time he told me he had no qualms about dying but he would miss us all so much.
we are hurting right now and i want you to know that as noel, gay, sandy and i have read these posts and viedos through our tears tonight, you have lifted our hearts and spirits. we plan to share this site with the rest of our family and friends.
thanks mark and thanks friends forever. i hope to post more when i can think clearer on some of the wonderful experiences i was granted over this past few weeks and months to spend so much time serving and loving dad at rex hospital, wake med rehab and rex hopsital again. it was not labor but honor to sleep so many nights in his rooms and be with him for what turned out to be his last days in this phase of life.
noel, gay and i were especially honored to spend so much time this last week as well as carol and randy. carol and sandy were also sharing much time with mom as she was in the hosptial for two weeks of the past four weeks with painful back problems and surgery.
our family has worked as a team and i think dad is so pleased with that. this is not the time to list all the friends who have visited, called, supported, prayed ernestly, and done so much. i am weary at the moment and mom and dad would never want one kindness overlooked or unthanked. i feel sure every nurse, doctor, friend, will be thanked in many ways in the weeks and months to come. please know we love and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your expressions of love and fond memories.
please forgive any grammar or typos, my heart is full and i want to thank mark and laurie and all friends posting at this site, thanks again.
Charles W. (Wes) Cookman
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On behalf of Cornerstone Church, Tina and myself, I would like to say it was an honor to have met Rev. & Mrs. Cookman just a few months ago. Our lives will always be enriched by meeting this faithful servant of God. Sister Cookman, we're praying for you and if there's anything that we can do, please don't hesitate to call upon us.
When Judy and I moved to Ashboro, N.C. we were immediately enfolded into the arms of Charles and Esther Cookman! Their genuine hearts and folk wisdom became a part of our lives. Their thoughtful gestures and warm hospitality made us feel if we had been part of the NCAG family forever. It was my privilege to serve under the leadership of Bro. Cookman on the District Board of Presbyters. It was always special to hear one of his opening devotionals. I still cherish the notes I took at those times. His ready humor and careful insights made the task at hand easy, even in some of those hardest of days.
One of his pieces of wisdom was:
"The only thing worse than getting your way is getting your way!"
When you ponder the truth of this saying you realized how critical it was to find God's way of doing things. It may seem like I should have my way, but our Lord's way is far better!
God bless you Sister Cookman, as you continue on without your wonderful husband. When my father passed away the Lord led me to Psalm 34:17-18. The New Century Bible records David's thoughts with these words:
"The Lord hears good people when they cry out to him, and he saves them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,
and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed."
As the Lord walks with you He will sustain you.
We can ask: "Where is God when I hurt?" The answer is: He still speaks...He still hears...He still saves...!
Judy and I send our love! We share in your tears! Thank you for making us one of your ministerial family!
Your son in the faith,
Sam Henning
Abundant Life Community Church
Alton, IL USA
My memories of Bro. Cookman could probably fill several pages since Marilyn and I have known him when we were teenagers in an A/G church in Greensboro. He has been an encourager to us over the years. I have always appreciated his ability to make you comfortable and feel at home in his presence. He was pastor, wise counselor and especially friend to the Sutphin family. When going through one of the most critical times of my life and ministry Bro. Cookman stood by me and went to bat for me without my knowledge. Now that is true friendship and integrity!
My most recent memory is when the board members of MMM, Inc. were invited over to the Cookman's new home in Dunn for refreshments following the board meeting in November '05. I remember Mark Muirhead, Kenneth Johnson and myself sitting on the porch, drinking sodas and listening to wisdom and wit flow from Bro. Cookman. You just knew that you were in the presence of "greatness" (although Bro. Cookman would deny that). Bro. Cookman could share more wisdom, wit and humor by accident than most people could intentionally.
As I write this with tears of thanksgiving and gratitude I know that my life is enriched because of Charles Cookman. I also know that he has joined that "great cloud of witnesses" and is cheering us on from Heavent's grandstand as we continue our race here on earth. As a matter of fact, seeing from Heaven's perspective Bro. Cookman is probably saying, "Think of that!.
To Esther and the entire family please know that the Sutphins are praying for you. May the God of all peace comfort and strengthen you.
David & Marilyn Sutphin
Faith Community Church
Clayton, NC USA
Today I reflected on the life of Charles Cookman. My mind went back to West Edgerton and Layton in Dunn, N.C. I sat as a young credential candidate waiting to hear my name called for the interview. I was nervous to say the least. This was all new territory for me. My wife, Joy, was with me and our son Josh.
When we entered Brother Cookman’s office he smiled and began to talk about us. We were calmed. Josh was in his lap in moments at Brother Cookman’s request. The seasoned spiritual father and leader gently massaged Josh’s little head and said, “Oh yes....there it is! Young man…you have a knowledge knot. You’re going to be very, very smart.” A nervous couple was welcomed by the top leader in our state. We were encouraged and affirmed as a couple seeking to chart the course of ministry to which God had called us. That day served as an example of what we knew Charles Cookman to be as an influential Christian leader and a pastor to pastors. He always inquired about us personally as we conversed through the years.
As I thought of him today my heart smiled. I could hear him using one of the words that he used so often in speaking – MARVELOUS. He never used it of himself. But today, I think that would be an adequate word to describe him. Webster says it’s “of the highest kind or quality; notably superior”. Thank you Brother Cookman. You, my friend were marvelous! Think of that!
Wallace Phillips
Carpenter’s Shop Church/Ahoskie, NC
www.wallacephillips.com
wallacephillips@hotmail.com
I viewed both Part I and Part II of the Cookman Tribute videos. So wonderfu.I’m so thankful that you put this out for others to see.
So much I could and want to say...there’s only one “Daddy Rabbit”. Man of honor, integrity, wisdom, faith and love ...a man who taught me so much and has impacted my life forever...and
the lives of my family, especially my three sons … they loved him like he was their grandfather and he was in many ways.
My love to the family,
Buddy Maness
Dr. Charles Cookman and his family will always hold a special place in our hearts.
We always knew Dr. Cookman as "Daddy Rabbit". Growing up as a Preacher's Kid ... Dr. Cookman was more than just a minister with a big title ... he was a caring man who adopted all of us PK's as one of his own kids or grandkids.
In college I attended classes with John. And Claudia and Skip took me under their wing as I travelled with their music groups.
The Cookmans attended our wedding (as well as my sister and brother's weddings), celebrated with our church family's 50th anniversary, preached for the service honoring my dad's 25th year as Pastor in Gastonia, and were thrilled to hear the news of Dominic joining our family.
We love the Cookmans because they always show not only with words but with actions that they care about you.
We will miss Dr. Charles Cookman ... a man of God, a man of character, a faithful servant, and a true example of what means to be a great man.
Our prayers are with the Cookman family this week and in the weeks to come.
We love you,
David, Michelle, & Dominic Scruggs
Refuge Youth Ministry
First Assembly of God
Gastonia, North Carolina
Thanks for the great videos of Bro. Cookman. We are in Belize and will not be able to come to the funeral.
He will be missed.
James Dodd
The good memories of my years in North Carolina include the knowing of Charles Cookman. He was a very enegetic, caring, spiritual, and intelligent man who could brighten up a room and make you feel as though you were the most precious of God's children when having the opportunity to speak with him.
He was trustworthy. He was a person you could count on to give you Godly advice; a mentor and overseer who cared about his "flock" of ministers in NC and beyond.
I am truly thankful that I knew Charles Cookman, beyond his duties as the Superintendent of NC, and was fortunate to know him as a human being who loved God, his family, and God's people.
Thank you Lord for giving us the gift of Charles Cookman, may he dance, sing, and shhout on those beautiful streets of gold and in the eternal presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
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I really didn't get a chance to know Mr. Cookman. I'm the daugther of Sandra Cookman my heart goes out to the family I have wacthed the the tribute over and over again I know he was a very loving person that made a big diffrence to others.
I Love You Cookman Family!!
Kimberly Lofton
To the Cookman Family:
You will continue in my thoughts and Prayers during this time. It became obvious that your love one Mr. cookman was loved and respected by many and touched so many lives along the way. I'm blessed to have known a portion of the family and worked with his son Mr.Charles Wes Cookman at WIDU. I'm often reminded of these words spoken by my grandmother "May the Works I've Done Speak for Me" The life and legacy of Dr. Charles H. Cookman is doing just that.
His memories are with you until you meet again.
Love Val Holliday
Mark and Lauris
Charles H Cookman and i am keeping his family and the Children and his grandchildren and his GreatChildren and i am keeping his family in my prayers and throughts for forever and forever more
Best Regards to Dr Mark & Laurie
Love you Dr Mark Laurie and Alex
Love your Friend Forever Amy Jenkins
Brother Cookman was an awesome man of God wrapped up in a "Grandfather" package to my generation. I will never forget the memories of Brother Cookman at PK (Preacher's Kid) Retreat. This was a great camp where preacher's kids would go once a year to getaway from pressures that come along with being born into a ministers family. Bro and Sis Cookman's goal was not to pump up the PK's just to back to support our Parents one more year. But to take time to know us personally, call us by name. To invest in our lives as individuals. I've never seen a man like him before. Much healing came to the PK's of my generation through the love of Bro & Sis Cookman gave us at PK Retreat. Fun Memories too! I am honored to have known Brother Cookman but I am mostly honored because he "KNEW" me. Thank you Bro Cookman for your life of sacrifice and servant hood I honor your life by investing into kids lives also.
God Bless the Cookman Family!
The Chases send their love and prayers to you all.
Jimmy Chase
God Bless the memory of Rev. Charles Cookman. We didn't know him but now we feel we have known him forever.
Your Family At Chowan Skilled Nursing
Edenton, N.C.
Never was I in his presence that I was not honored to be there . . . regardless of the circumstance. He was a pure heart indeed, a brightly shining star in the God's heaven of anointed vessels. Now he has seen that of which he spoke to so many so often for so many years.
Beechard Moorefield
New Life Family Worship Center
Winston-Salem, NC
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was one terrific man!
Plus he was so good to you Mark Muirhead and believed in you so strongly.
It's a wonderful thing that you have done this special tribute for him we will keep his family in our prayers.
Ken Lee
St. Charles, Missouri
Mark and Laurie, your special tribute to dad is heart-warming, to understate its effect upon our hearts.
I so appreciate the comments and enjoy reading them. The prayers of God's people are encouraging and we all can feel the power of God at work in us. Thank you all.
The grandchildren paid tribute to Charles Cookman. The lone script in the video presentation simply said "he was the same man at home as he was behind the pulpit." I would say the same thing. He didn't just practice what he preached - he practiced a lot of things that he didn't wear on his shirt-sleeve or put in a sermon. One particular thing was his lack of willingness to believe or repeat an "evil report" about another person. In all of his experience as District Superintendent, I never learned of any negative thing about another minister from dad or mom. Now, he didn't have his "head in the sand" as he had to disipline many a minister. But, it broke his heart when one failed and he protected that minister the best he could from assault from others.
Maybe now this 55 year old son can achieve my boyhood dream to "be like my dad." At least I can dream and endeavor.
Noel Cookman
Flower Mound, Texas
Dear Sister Cookman and the Cookman family members,
You have my prayerful support and love during this time of great loss.
Our church, Christian Chapel, joins me in praying for you and your family, but please be assured that heaven is enhanced by Brother Cookman's presence.
Now, he rests from his labors and his works follow him, both in this world and in heaven. Eternity alone will reveal all the good accomplished by his excellent leadership.
Thank you for being a part of all his accomplishments.
Always a friend,
Conrad Barrett
Christian Chapel
Muskogee, Oklahoma
I am deeply touch by the homegoing of my dear friend C.H. Cookman, But I know he is where is has worked to go, and his works did follow him, in the words of my friend C.H. Cookman "think of that"
Your Servent in Christ
Hedrick Jones
Pastor-God's Holy Assembly
Shannon NC
Charles Cookman was our inspiration for ministry. He loved God. He loved people. He loved us. He communicated that cleary.
We miss him today. Until we meet again, our love for him remains. Also our prayers are with the entire family.
Pastors Gene & Kathy Alexander
Possibility Church/First Assembly
Rockingham, North Carolina
This has been a real tough experience for us. We can't even imagine the grief the family members have experienced. Our prayers are with Esther and the entire Cookman family.
These are the words I shared last Friday, March 30th at the close of the Memorial Celebration for our beloved Charles Cookman, copy and paste this link:
http://www.aroundtheworldradio.org/CharlesCookmantribute.htm
We have lost one of the great leaders, but his influence continues...
Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for posting these tributes to Dad.
To say that this site has been heartwarming and comforting is an understatement.
For someone "outside" our immmediate family to create and air this kind of tribute is such an honor. ("Outside" is used rather loosely, since Dad used to claim you as a fourth son)
And the comments from friends!
I have read and re-read them tearfully as they have aided me in my grieving process.
What you have done is a precious gift to our family.
Thank you so much.
Carol Pierce
Edenton, NC
Thanks for everything you’ve said and done for my grandparents.
Having everyone stand at the funeral, if they could say their life/ministry had been affected by his life, was one of the highlights for me.
I truly appreciate it. Thanks for seeing to it that he is remembered by many.
Regards,
Zack Cookman
Life Insurance Case Manager for Tai Lopez & Jon Dewar
www.legacylifegroup.com
I was very sad to learn of Brother Cookman's passing. As a young girl growing up in the mountains of western North Carolina, campmeeting was always my favorite time of year. Little did I know the spiritual blessings I received under the sermons of Brother Cookman would stick with me and keep me the rest of my life. He was truly a blessing to me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Debi Ramsey Vinson
Franklin, NC
debi.vinson@mcsk-12.org
Wes and Sandy,
I don't know if you'll ever read this, but I just found out that you lost your dad last year. Wes, I want you to know how very sorry I am because I know that you are hurting over your loss. I remember from our many conversations over the years how much you loved him and how supportive he was of your efforts to do the right thing in life.
Also, I can't express what it meant to me when I called you from Atlanta in 1998 from the hospital in Atlanta and you asked your dad to pray for Lynette's recovery over the phone. I'll never forget you or him for that: he truly made an impact on me for his unselfish and giving love: he WAS special!
I'm praying for you and your family.
God bless you all,
Dan Dildy
Having been out of the Carolinas for many years I was not aware Bro. Cookman had passed away. While the initial grief has passed I know great memories still are left.
He truly was a Man of God. As my Father's leader for many years he and his family were a real blessing. I remember that he always took a personal interest in everyone he met, myself included.
Am glad to hear his "mantle" has been picked up and the Kingdom of God continues to go forth.
Blessings on all of the Cookman clan.
Brad Bacon
Christian FM Networks
Vero Beach, FL
Brother Cookman always encouraged us because he believed in Christ's ability to make people the best they could be. He believed in us. He was a blessing to many including me.
Henry Hauser
We will always remember being young pastors newly transplanted to the NC mtns. Bro. Cookman came to preach for us on Sunday night then sat and talked with us - listening; encouraging. When we started to show him to his room for the evening, he put on that big fur hat and his overcoat announcing that he would be driving back to Dunn - six hours away! It was after eleven pm then. What a gift of love! We all miss him; thanks for sharing him with us. Frank and Sheri Hawley Winter Haven, FL
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