| Return
to Stories Index
Memories Are Made of This
by Owen Wilkie
 |
John, Owen, Earl in Power Wagon
with other missionaries in 1950. |
|
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, on
our way to a remote jungle village to hold a service.
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.
 |
Ruby and Earl Wilkie with sons
Owen, Bill and John in 1951. |
|
God protected us that night.
The next day Dad showed up with help. They 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 this spring after having
been gone 43 years. (My father went to be with the Lord in 1987.)
We stayed 2 weeks with my missionary brother John and his wife
Mary Ann who are currently 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, were 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
who 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 79, 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 teaching
English to the Hispanic students, and helping in various other
ways. This past spring she was 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 500
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.
Sunday, November 12, 2000, is AMA Day in our churches.
This Thanksgiving month will be a good season to honor
our pioneer preachers and their spouses.
Some churches honor them with a service, a special
dinner, or in various other ways. When you meet them
inquire to see if they need financial help. Do what
you can through your church, then tell them about AMA.
Some retired ministers don’t know about this ministry
or are reluctant to ask for assistance. You can call
the Benevolences Department at 1-417-862-2781 ext. 2184,
or write for an AMA application to pass on to the retired
minister or spouse.
One way you can help all the pioneer preachers
on AMA is by receiving an offering for this ministry
in your church and forwarding it to the Benevolences
Department in the attached envelope.
These pioneer preachers and their spouses did their
part. Now it’s our turn.
Owen Wilkie
|
