Dr. Oswald Hoffman, R.I.P.

At praise service this evening, I learned of the passing yesterday of the Reverend Dr. Oswald Hoffman. Dr. Hoffman was the second and perhaps most famous host of the Lutheran Hour radio program, which in the mid-1950s catapulted him into prominence as one of our nation's most respected Christian leaders.

Dr. Hoffman was considered by many to be the Billy Graham of the Lutheran faith. Like his good friend and contemporary Graham, Hoffman was a confidante of presidents who never seemed to lose his humility. His tireless service to the church and humanity inspired many, including my pastor who told us tonight how his heroic mentor dodged bullets during the Vietnam War to minister to our troops.

Dr. Hoffman was 91.