I met Dr. Kempton shortly after my first wife, Gene, died. I was speaking at a missionary conference at Baptist Bible College in Johnson City, where Wendell and his wife were dorm parents of the dorm where I was staying. My heart was still broken over the loss of my wife. Twice that week the Kemptons invited me for refreshments in their small apartment. There he asked me to tell them about my Gene. His loving, personal interest in me at that time of special need greatly impressed and comforted me. I have never forgotten this.
Some years later, after I was remarried, our family was serving in the Philippines when I received a letter from ABWE’s president, Dr. Harold Commons. He told me that the ABWE Board was seeking a new president and was giving serious consideration to Wendell Kempton. Did I know him? If so, what could I say about him? I quickly responded that I did not know him well, but I would raise both hands high for Wendell Kempton because of his deep love for and sensitivity to people.
In 1977, I responded to Dr. Kempton’s invitation to return to the home office to serve by his side as his first field administrator. My appreciation for him continued to grow as he built his administrative team. We had the opportunity to know our leader in an intimate way and to feel his heartbeat for world evangelism and for the missionaries serving worldwide. During the privilege I had to serve closely with Dr. Kempton through the thirty years of his presidency, my initial impression of him never changed. He was a man with a great, loving heart for people.
There are so many fine qualities I remember about Dr. Kempton—qualities that taught me valuable lessons. Dr. Kempton was extremely gracious in his words and notes of affirmation and appreciation. He never failed to encourage his co-workers and all those who crossed his path. He made you feel that you were the most important person in the world! Dr. Kempton coached basketball on the college level, and the “coach” in him was very evident as he worked with his administrative team. He had a game plan. He gave each of us an assignment and expected us to carry it out. He was our greatest cheerleader and was always available to help and encourage us.
Another quality of Dr. Kempton’s that greatly impacted me was his response to criticism. Any leader is a target for criticism, and he had his share of it. But he always displayed a Christ-like response. He never retaliated or sought vindication. He reminded me of Nehemiah who, when his critics sought to distract him from his Godgiven responsibilities, replied, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3).
Dr. Kempton was never satisfied with the status quo. He was fond of quoting an early mentor, ABWE’s treasurer, Rev. Edward C. Bomm: “There is always a better way to do it!” He was an innovator and always saw the large picture. He dreamed big and had great vision, and he was also a man of great faith. I remember him telling us of the amazing dream he had of building the new headquarters in Harrisburg with volunteer help. He believed God would do it—and He did!
As president of ABWE, Dr. Kempton had a special interest in missionary kids. He loved them and they returned his love. He continually asked about our own children by name, sent them telegrams when they graduated from college, and went out of his way to visit them in college. MKs all over the world remember his visits with them and his loving personal interest in them.
Serving with Dr. Kempton also taught me some valuable lessons about priorities in ministry. He never majored on minors! The Word and will of God were most important to him. He placed a much greater value on people than programs. He was a man who believed in, and practiced, prayer. And he had a passion to share the gospel with everyone he met.
Our president emeritus’ life ended so unexpectedly! The work God had for him was done, and he finished well. I have imagined him entering Heaven with one of his favorite words on his lips—“GLORY!” He has left a precious legacy to us all. “He being dead yet speaketh” (Hebrews 11:4)
“In order for us to continue in leadership we have to be totally dependent, 100 percent, upon God every day.” —Dr. Wendell Kempton
Recent Stories
5/3/12
May 2012 G.R.A.C.E. Investigation Report
G.R.A.C.E. Investigation; 1-year update
4/16/12
Mary Lou Brownell passes away at 82
Brownell served in Bangladesh and the Home Office for many years.
3/27/12
Corabelle Stowell, wife of longest-serving Board member in ABWE history, passes away
Her husband, Dr. Joseph Stowell II, went home to be with the Lord in June 2007
