A life that made Jesus known: Remembering Andy Jelfs
Martin Erwin gives thanks for Andy Jelfs
On Sunday 21 December Counties senior evangelist, Andy Jelfs, went home to be with Jesus. Personally, it was a privilege to have known him and his wife Miriam, as they served the Lord together with Counties for 60 years. I was privileged to share at his Thanksgiving Service in Colchester, where over 400 people gathered to thank God for his life and ministry. The following is largely taken from what I said at that service.
For six decades, the ministry of Andy Jelfs left a deep and unmistakable mark on churches, communities, and individuals across the UK. Those who knew him speak not only of his faithfulness and longevity, but of a character shaped by gentleness, sincerity, and a steady, joyful devotion to Christ. As we give thanks for his life, we also recognise the unique legacy he leaves—a legacy made up not of headlines or accolades, but of transformed lives, encouraged hearts, and a Gospel faithfully lived and lovingly shared.
Andy’s journey with Counties began on 1 May 1966, when he joined what was then known Andy preaching at a tent mission as Counties Evangelistic Work. It was a step of obedience that would define the next 60 years of his life. The decision itself, however, was rooted in an even earlier conviction. Miriam, Andy’s beloved wife, shared that Andy had decided he would marry her when he was just twelve years old—a promise he kept through 62 years of marriage and ministry together. That combination of early conviction, faithfulness, and quiet determination became a signature of his whole life.
Foundations of a Ministry
Many resonate with the recollections of Gordon Billage, who first met Andy and Miriam when they moved from Devon to Essex to begin their missionary work. Gordon remembers those early tent missions vividly— open-air gatherings in places with names like Matching Tye—where Andy’s warmth, sincerity, and unmistakable Devon accent drew in children and adults alike. Teams of young people often joined Andy and Miriam in those early days, supporting tent missions and children’s clubs throughout the region. Those were formative years, planting seeds of faith that continue to bear fruit across generations.
Across six decades, Andy’s ministry was marked by unusual consistency. Whether teaching, preaching, visiting homes, or simply listening, he carried a sense of purposeful calm and genuine interest in people.
A Gentleman of the Gospel
Lionel Clargo, Counties evangelist in Surrey, described Andy with words echoed by many: “His kindness, gracious speech, and his habit of truly listening. Children especially loved hearing him preach; he unfolded the Gospel with a gentle, compelling warmth that made Christ both beautiful and accessible.
It was Andy and Miriam’s encouragement that led Lionel to join Counties in 1969—another reminder of Andy’s generational influence.
Victor Jack, recalling Andy from their days at Moorlands Bible College in 1963, noted the spiritual depth and thoughtful, caring nature that marked him even then. His preaching was memorable—rooted in Scripture, carefully prepared, and spoken from the heart.
Memories That Speak
One of the warmest reflections comes from Bob Telford, who shared a moment from a Counties conference. “Andy’s teaching was sound, clear, and encouraging, shaped by a deep love for Christ. His humour was gracious and never at anyone’s expense.”
Three Qualities That Defined a Life
In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Paul highlights three qualities that also beautifully capture Andy’s life: faithful work, loving deeds, and enduring hope.
Faithful Work: Andy’s work was the overflow of his faith in Jesus. He devoted himself to sharing the Good News wherever he went. His hands were also busy with practical tasks— building platforms for marquees, repairing tents, and supporting mission work.
Loving Deeds: Those who knew Andy testify that his service was saturated with love. He cared for young evangelists, invested in emerging leaders, and supported believers through pastoral care.
Enduring Hope: Andy’s hope was rooted in Christ—the risen Saviour he trusted in all things. Even late in life, he expressed a desire to preach the Gospel for another fifty years.
A Life That Points Us to Christ
Andy’s greatest desire was that others would know Jesus. This hymn captures this perfectly:
How Good Is The God We Adore!
Our Faithful, Unchangeable Friend.
His Love Is As Great As His Power
And Knows Neither Measure Nor End.
Andy praised God for all that was past and trusted Him for all that was to come.
He is now with the Lord he loved - leaving us richer because we had him.
The following poem was written by a friend of Andy’s and shared at the Thanksgiving service. It appears here with permission from the poet, Jacob Hussain:
A pillar stood in the centre of the town,
A visage of marble and strength.
Peace and gentleness were etched into its eyes,
Steadfastness and courage carved into the sinews of its arms.
It wore a breastplate, a shield, and belt,
And carried on its right a sword made out of words,
Reading as a scroll, “For God so loved the world.”
The pillar remained, through violent winds and waters from the heavens
That would see it eroded from history
Till all that remained was dust.
Yet the statue stood, with its gentleness fixed upwards.
The town around it soon fell to ruin, ransacked by armies
Of Canaanites and Hittites,
Though none could tear down that pillar,
For Love had formed it from that unshapen block,
And held it upright,
And ordained that it would never be removed that witness of salvation
Till Love beckoned it home.