Then and Now

By Fran Weddle

Emmanuel Baptist Academy in Iquitos, Peru made its mark on the lives of the missionary children (M.K.'s) who studied in its classrooms. Now many of those same M.K's are making a mark for God in the places where He has called them to serve.

Adelia Harrell was a pioneer among M.K.'s, leaving her Mom and Dad in Brazil to study in Iquitos. Adelia developed steadfast qualities which have helped her in her service with her husband Barney Robison in The Gambia.

Sixth grader Cindy Schlener imitated her teacher's every action, facial expression, and vocal inflection. She was a leader among the other students in academics and fun. Her outgoing personality served her well as she and her husband, Larry Bollback, served with Word of Life in Portugal.

As early as age ten, Andy Large designed and constructed river boats. His present river houseboat carries Andy and his wife Diane to scores of Amazon River towns with the good news of the gospel.

Some M.K.'s would rather read than eat. Lynn Porter read every volume in our school library, and her 6 a.m. Bible reading habit was reflected in her sunny disposition. Teaching children, interpreting, and discipling believers are a few of the ways Lynn transmits God's love to the hearing-impaired at the Efata School in Peru.

Not every MK would tackle a nest of bees in a lemon tree. But Rich Donaldson II has handled a lot of tough assignments. Early encounters with jungle creatures afforded a unique preparation for serving the Lord with his wife Beth at the Hills of Zion Bible Camp on the Amazon in Peru.

Airplanes and boys go together. Our school was less than a mile from the old airport and some boys thought they should race to the window each time a plane took off. Is it any wonder that Kevin Donaldson returned to the Amazon as a missionary pilot? Kevin and his wife Bobbi reach out to many with the gospel both in Iquitos and along the rivers.

Bright, twinkling eyes encourage any teacher's heart. Kim Scheltema encouraged everyone. That still-bright-eyed woman, working alongside her husband Al Yoder, ministers to many Brazilians in the town where she grew up.

Sharon Payne was blessed with diligence and patience, qualities that teachers admire. In São Paulo, Brazil, her intelligence, diligence, and patience are dedicated to translating Christian literature into Portuguese, directing AWANA, and teaching the Word of God.

M.K's thrive on sports. John Patton and his brothers felt the magic touch of soccer as toddlers. A serious student, John still never missed recess. John met his wife Ruth when she visited Peru on a Missionary Apprentice Program. They plan to work in sports evangelism in Spain.

Fran reminds us, "Never underestimate what God can do in the lives of missionary kids." Fran Weddle was appointed by ABWE to work in the Amazon, where she served until 1994. Fran currently volunteers her services at the ABWE Headquarters, and at a local retirement center.

Back to Top	Respond to this Article Email Article to a Friend Print this Article