By Owen Wilkie, son of Pioneer Preachers Earl and Ruby Wilkie
It was 1949. I still remember it although it was many years ago. My missionary parents, Earl and Ruby Wilkie, with my brother John and I, were driving in our Speed the Light Dodge Power Wagon through the rain forest of Bolivia, South America. John and I, about 6 and 4 years old, were riding in the camper Dad had built on the truck bed.
Driving on a road that was little more than an ox cart trail we got stuck crossing a river. The truck had a winch attached to the front bumper that we often used to pull ourselves out when stuck. But this time the winch broke. Dad had no other alternative but to leave us in the truck and walk several miles back to Santa Cruz in the tropical heat to get help.
Mom, John and I waited for his return in the middle of the lonely river. To build up our courage Mom got out her accordion and we started singing to the birds and wild animals we knew hid in the jungle. The water level was up to the license plate and we kept our eyes glued to that spot, knowing if the water rose above that point it meant a flashflood was on its way.
God protected us that night.
The next day Dad showed up with help. He fixed the winch; we got out, and continued on our way.
These and many more memories flooded my mind as my mother, my wife Beverly, and I returned to Bolivia after having been gone 43 years. (My father went to be with the Lord in 1987.) We stayed two weeks with my missionary brother John and his wife Mary Ann who were stationed in Bolivia where we were raised for much of our growing up years.
We traveled to different parts of the country seeing old friends, making new ones, and visiting churches and Bible schools. It was heartwarming to see the love and gratitude shown my mother who, along with my father, was one of the three missionary families to pioneer the Assemblies of God in Bolivia. In one of the Bible schools they gave her an engraved plate that expressed gratitude for her pioneer labors in Christian education in Bolivia.
My mind also went back to the many families and churches that had supported my parents during their missionary career, making their ministry possible. As a child I didn't see the offerings that were faithfully sent each month, but I still remember receiving the missionary boxes sent to us by churches and Women's Ministries groups (then called the Women's Missionary Council). We especially enjoyed receiving model airplanes, books, and American clothing. Since it took so long for boxes to reach us we would usually celebrate Christmas several times during the first few months of the new year as gift boxes trickled in.
Today, at 88, my mother is young at heart and blessed with good health. In retirement she continues to minister in her church and community. She volunteers at the local elementary school helping Hispanic students with their English, and helping other children with their reading. Twice she has been honored as volunteer of the year for the entire school district.
My memories of growing up on the mission field include seeing the commitment of my parents and other missionaries. Times were often tough financially and in other ways, but I don't remember hearing my parents complain about the hardships. They were doing God's work, were in His will, and God always came through.
We have slides and movies of that old Power Wagon and other keepsakes of those days. But the best mementos are the memories of growing up on the mission field and seeing God's miraculous power in building His church, and how He provided for our family over those many years.
My mother has adequate housing and enough retirement income to get by without financial help from Aged Ministers Assistance. But other retired missionaries, pastors, and evangelists do not. AMA is a literal answer to prayer for the nearly 400 retired and disabled ministers currently on the AMA rolls.
Today these saints of God look back on how the Lord provided for them and their ministries, often in miraculous ways. They also look ahead trusting in the Lord to continue providing for their needs.
I encourage you to get acquainted with the retired ministers and spouses who attend your church or live in your community. Each one is a library of testimonies of what the Lord has done in their lives and through their ministries. They can tell you many stories that will thrill your heart and build your faith.
We are all indebted to our pioneer preachers and their spouses. They did their part. Now it's our turn.
Owen Wilkie (son of Pioneer Preachers Earl and Ruby Wilkie)
