ABWE - Association of Baptists for World Evangelism

Dear friends,

The family and I have appreciated all your cards, letters, flowers, pictures, and condolences in the recent death of Wendell, and thank you for your presence at his funeral on January 11, 2008. ABWE worked with our family and the Calvary Church to follow all of his last wishes.

Wendell’s final days were at home with his family surrounding his bed. All twenty grandchildren arrived through the door of our home in time to see him, and our six children and their spouses cared for him during his last week home.

For me, it has been an unbelievable twenty-five years! I accompanied Wendell throughout the world many, many times. He introduced me to thousands of people in foreign lands. They loved God, and yes, they loved Wendell.

He brought three special young people, Mark, Stan, and Wendy, into my life and became a dad to my three children, Jennifer, Amy, and Tim.

Many of you knew and loved Wendell long before I met him. It is hard to lose your best friend, isn’t it? I am certain you remember that last time you saw him. Was it walking out of an airport, speaking in a church, having a meal, traveling overseas with him, at a ballgame, or in your home? Do you remember speaking to him over the phone and listening to him share a recent blessing on his latest trip?

We all miss him very much; however, we have not lost him. We know where he is, and we will see him again. He was a kind, caring, loving, wonderful friend, father, and husband. His memory will live with us for the rest of our lives. He never forgot a friend or his or her name; he loved us all very much. I know you say with me, “Well done, thy good and faithful friend.”

Our love,

Ruth and the family

“Let’s occupy until He comes and let’s continue to invade enemy territory in the name of the risen Savior, knowing full well that we serve on this side of the resurrection.” —Dr. Wendell Kempton

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