On February 28, 2008, an ABWE memorial service was held to celebrate the life impact of Wendell Walker Kempton, ABWE’s president from 1971 to 2001. ABWE Board, staff, missionaries, and friends gathered at the International Headquarters to remember and honor Dr. Kempton and to give glory to the Lord for his leadership of ABWE and his passion for reaching the nations with the gospel. Several board members, administrators, and members of the ABWE missionary family spoke tributes to their beloved friend, mentor, and leader. Following the service, the ABWE Board gathered around the future gravesite on the side of the ABWE hill to dedicate it to the memory and honor of Dr. Wendell Kempton.
Dr. Wendell Kempton . . .
Dr. Kempton is buried on the side of
the
hill at ABWE International Headquarters
- grew the mission from 350 missionaries serving in 11 countries to over 1,000 missionaries in 60 countries during his presidency;
- had the vision and leadership to relocate the ABWE Home Office from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to the present location in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At its dedication, the new home office facility was debt free;
- built a great team of diverse men and women and led them with the eye of faith to serve together with great impact;
- was a passionate personal evangelist and preacher of the Word of God;
- could remember the name of nearly every person he met regardless of age or stature;
- led by example as he listened, counseled, wrote personal notes, and prayed with ordinary working people as well as great Christian leaders;
- loved the poor and downtrodden with a generous heart and raised millions of dollars for missions as well as Christian college, camps, youth ministry, and humanitarian and medical relief ministries;
- was used of God to see thousands around the world come to Christ, become more committed followers of Christ, or be called into Christian service.
“Great things He hath done . . . over and over again.” —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
