Karl and Peggy Wallace were in the next-to-last group of international missionaries appointed by then-Foreign Mission Board President Baker James Cauthen in 1978. The Wallaces served 40 years in Peru and Colombia with the Foreign Mission Board, now International Mission Board, under five different presidents, through seven major reorganizations.
“I always tell new people not to worry about changes,” Peggy Wallace said. “Just be faithful to where God has placed you.”
The Wallaces were two of 22 missionaries recognized by the International Mission Board in a service near Richmond May 30. They represent a cumulative total of nearly 600 years of missionary service, said IMB President Paul Chitwood.
Karl and Peggy Wallace, retiring missionaries from the Americas, are recognized for 40 years of service in an IMB emeritus recognition service May 30, as IMB President Paul Chitwood looks on. (IMB Photo by Roy M. Burroughs)
These men and women “have given to the cause of taking the gospel to the nations generously and joyfully,” Chitwood said. “We praise the Lord for them.
Work yet to do
As with most missionary gatherings, the event had the feeling of a family reunion, filled with reconnections, stories and memories. The service capped a week of recognition and support for the retiring missionaries, who traveled from locations across the country to attend the conference.
But for those retiring missionaries who might think their service is “over,” the message was clear: There is still work to be done.
In her remarks, WMU Executive Director/Treasurer Sandy Wisdom-Martin quoted the U.S. Army’s first general order: “I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.”
“We rejoice in all that God has done through you for the sake of the gospel around the world,” Wisdom-Martin said. “But I want to say to you — and I hope it’s not too bold of me — tonight you are merely getting your transfer orders. You have not yet been discharged. There’s work yet to do. Your post assignment has changed, but the work hasn’t been completed.”
“You have not yet been discharged,” WMU Executive Director/Treasurer Sandy Wisdom-Martin tells newly retired Southern Baptist missionaries.“There’s work yet to do. Your post assignment has changed, but the work hasn’t been completed.” (IMB Photo by Roy M. Burroughs)
Wisdom-Martin assured the missionaries that their continued service is essential to the work of the Church in the world.
“We need you now more than ever,” she said. “We need you to shine light in dark places here at home. We need you to show us how to be resilient in the face of difficulties. We need you to show us how to become faithful because our culture has experienced the death of loyalty. We need you. I hope you hear me say that. We need you.”
Remember with joy
Preaching from Philippians 1:3-6, Chitwood thanked the retiring missionaries on behalf of Southern Baptists. He encouraged them to remember their service with joy, just as the Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians in the letter he wrote from a prison cell.
“I don’t know what your time on the field was like,” Chitwood said. “We heard some snippets tonight. … We heard about some real challenges, heartache and loss. … But I want to encourage you to be joyful in your memories. … Dwell on the victories. Call to mind those experiences that bring a smile to your face, a chuckle, or even a good, long laugh.”
Richard and Fran Kelly, who are retiring after 20 years with the IMB in Sub-Saharan Africa, reconnect with old friends at the IMB emeritus recognition service May 30. In the early years of their ministry, Richard and a coworker prayer-walked from village to village over the entire country of Gambia. (IMB Photo by Roy M. Burroughs)
“Why?” Chitwood asked. “Because as sovereign as God is over the victories, He is sovereign over the defeats. As sovereign as God is over the successes, He is sovereign over the failures. He is sovereign over the pleasant experiences and the painful ones.”
Because God works all things together “for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purposes,” the Apostle Paul could focus on the good, Chitwood said. “And so can we.”
“I’m not at all trying to dismiss or forget the challenges,” Chitwood said. “We just love you and thank God for you. We think you ought to have joy from having given your life the way you’ve given it and lived your life the way you’ve lived it, even if there was much pain and hardship involved.”
Still a place
Echoing Wisdom-Martin’s appeal, Chitwood also told the retiring missionaries, “There’s still a place for you.”
He shared a conversation from earlier in the day he had with a missionary who retired from the IMB a number of years ago. Now in his 80s, the retired missionary continues to make regular trips to Southeast Asia and speak and write about his experiences.
“He is still carrying the gospel to the nations,” Chitwood said. “He told me to tell you, ‘There is still a place for you.’”
Friends surround and pray for Karl and Peggy Wallace in an IMB emeritus recognition service May 30. The Wallaces served 40 years with the IMB in the Americas. (IMB Photo by Roy M. Burroughs)
Referencing Philippians 1:6, Chitwood reminded the missionaries that the work of global evangelism is not yet done.
“Nobody’s done,” Chitwood said. “This isn’t a funeral. There are no caskets here. Keep finding ways to serve and to be a part of this work. Your partnership in the gospel doesn’t end until the work is complete.”