Lutheran Education Queensland is honoured to recognise and pay tribute to Mal and Esme Beck for their faithful service and devoted professional careers as leaders and learners at Luther College, Melbourne, Concordia Lutheran College, Toowoomba and Peace Lutheran College in Cairns.
With a focus on serving others, Mal and Esme Beck have influenced many students and fellow teachers through their genuine love and concern for their welfare. Esme and Mal were surrogate parents to many, being renowned for their hospitality. Everyone was welcome, regardless of who they were, or from which culture or background they came.
Their heart to serve and learn continued to shine after retirement as they taught English at TAFE to help new arrivals, with Mal tutoring students in Science, Chemistry and Physics and Esme teaching a class of Bhutanese students. Everyone felt welcome. They also started helping children with their homework and this blossomed into an after-school program run through the church, where children from the local area came and received a snack and lessons, followed by dinner.
Their deepest love and desire was that they wanted people to know how much God loves them. Throughout their lives together, Mal and Esme had their faith at the centre. Their faith in the Lord Jesus, and care for others was inspirational.
It is with gratitude that we celebrate the rich blessings experienced through Mal and Esme. We give thanks for their devotion, service and gentle witness as they shared the Gospel through learning, relationships, food, fun and fellowship.
