Dr. Edwin Yamauchi recently retired from his teaching position at Miami University in Ohio. He is a leader in the field of biblical archeology, having written numerous books and articles. His most recent book, Africa and the Bible, is the 2005 winner of Christianity Today’s Best Book Award in biblical studies.
Dr Yamauchi has also had a long history with InterVarsity, beginning with the publication of “Trouble,” a study of adversity from a scriptural perspective, in HIS magazine, March, 1958. He was the faculty advisor for the InterVarsity chapter at Miami University for over twenty-five years.
Attendees at Dr. Yamauchi’s retirement banquet included friends from InterVarsity, the university, and the community. Dr. Phillip Shriver, president emeritus of Miami University, offered the main tribute, and others told of how Dr. Yamauchi had influenced their lives. Dr. Shriver characterized Dr. Yamauchi as “the humblest man in the room.” Friends told stories about him visiting hospitalized students, partnering in prayer with undergraduate students, visiting shut-ins, and driving a truck full of household goods to help someone move. He also mentored many students, several of whom, he proudly relates, have gone on to teaching positions at major universities.
Dr. Yamauchi was also instrumental in beginning the Oxford Bible Fellowship, which was started because no evangelical church existed in Oxford to minister to the university community. He has served as an elder in this church for many years.
Jesus told his disciples “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Dr. Yamauchi is certainly an example of the servant leadership that Jesus talked about.
