It is with sadness that SGM Lifewords reports the death of Norman Brown, former General Secretary of Scripture Gift Mission, who went to be with the Lord on 03 March at the age of 91.
Norman joined Scripture Gift Mission in 1944 at the age of 24, serving first in the Liverpool office, then as District Secretary for the North of England, Scotland and Northern Wales, and at the same time for seven years as Young People’s Secretary. He was transferred to London as Business Secretary, then Home and Deputy Secretary before taking up the role of General Secretary in 1972 until his retirement in 1985. Throughout his life he was a gifted speaker, Bible teacher, and advocate. As General Secretary he oversaw the printing and distribution of tens of millions of pieces of Bible literature in countless languages, all over the world. Norman remained as a consultant to Council for nine years after his retirement, and continued to be a great friend, supporter, and advisor right up until his death.
“We owe Norman an enormous debt of gratitude for almost 70 years service and support of the Mission. We are thankful to God for Norman’s leadership, for his commitment to the work of SGM, and most importantly for his unswerving dedication to the work of the gospel and his passion to see people come to a saving knowledge of Christ.” – David Rivett, SGM Lifewords Council.
“Even 25 years after his retirement as General Secretary, Norman was a familiar face for staff, and a source of regular encouragement and advice. As a staff leader he commanded much affection for his kindness and interest in each and every member of staff. He has been at the heart of SGM Lifewords’ work for a lifetime, and his influence will be missed but very much remembered. He has made an outstanding contribution to the life of SGM, inspiring so many to support and involve themselves in evangelism through the sharing of God’s Word around the world.” – Danielle Welch, General Director, SGM Lifewords
Our sympathy and prayers are with Norman’s wife Selene, and children Rosemary and Stephen and the rest of the family in their loss.
Thanksgiving Service
A Thanksgiving Service for Norman’s life will be on Thursday 10 March at 12.30pm, at All Saints Church, Lindfield, West Sussex, following a private burial. Light refreshments will be served at the end of the service.
Family flowers only. If desired, donations may be made towards the production of Scriptures by SGM Lifewords or Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Directions to the church here. Please help the family anticipate numbers by contacting us by Wednesday morning if you are planning to attend the funeral (email uk@sgmlifewords.com or phone 020 7730 2155). Thank you.
Please pass on our sympathy and our thoughts to Selene of the passing of her beloved husband Norman.
To us Mr Brown – was Mr SGM – he was so committed and dedicated to the work of the mission he was truly an inspiring and loving individual. SGM owes so much to his leadership.
We trust the thanksgiving service on Thursday 10th March will show God’s glory and nature of God’s love working through individuals like Mr Brown.
Although it will not be possible to be present at the thanksgiving service, I shall certainly be prayerfully and gratefully remembering a life so wonderfully lived for the glory of God and so dedicated to the spreading of Good News. May I take this opportunity of wishing those who carry on the work so dear to Norman’s heart every blessing in the days ahead.
Unfortunately I was not able to attend the funeral but give thanks to God for the life and work of Norman Brown. I have very fond memories of him in his role as General Secretary during my time at SGM (1972-78). His influence, godly example, love for the Lord and encouragement in the Word made a great impression upon me as a young Christian; and continues with me to this very day. My thoughts and prayers are with Selene and the family at this time.
With love in Christ,
John (and Margaret)
I joined SGM in August 1986. NB had retired a year earlier as General Secretary and although he was not in Radstock House, I heard a lot about him. Then we met him at the annual staff conference in Herne Bay Court. I found him a great encourager over the years and appreciated his visits to the SGM Belfast office when he and Selene came across on holidays. Thank God for Norman Brown.