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William and Beth Smylie. |
It was 27 years ago that William and Beth Smylie came into the work of SGA. Those years have seen dramatic changes in Eastern Europe with the fall of communism in 1990. On one of the early trips they were directed by border guards to unload their car’s contents onto the grass. Conscious that their cargo included a precious consignment of Bibles and Christian literature they cried to the Lord for his aid. They unloaded as slowly as they could. The guards came back and told them to continue the unloading. Again they proceeded as slowly as they could. Somehow, despite instructions to hurry it up, they managed to take five hours over it. William and Beth prayed “we are in your hands get us through.” After 5 hours the border control said “we have decided to let you through.” William and Beth said “Thank you Lord.” After they had crossed the border they stopped and wept.
When they returned to the border post on their way out of the country the guards recognised them but could do nothing against them as by then the Bibles had been safely delivered. God had intervened yet again. How many such stories they can tell us.
And then came freedom, with its new demands. In many of the countries churches saw incredible blessing. Resources were stretched, opportunities burgeoned, new ventures began, adaptation was needed; yet amidst it all, our doctrinal stance needed to be firmer than ever as winds of false doctrine also began to blow from the West. Stability and discernment were never more needed. We record today our gratitude to God for giving William and Beth to us for such an hour.
Such dedication to the task of SGA and to our brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe will be sorely missed as they retire. Both as Field Director and then as General Director from 2003, William has been at the forefront as SGA adjusted to the changing circumstances. Mission schools have proliferated, translation and publishing have become ever more vital, and our relationships with East European and Central Asian leaders as crucial as ever. We thank our God that William has led us wisely through this demanding period.
In it all he has been so well supported by Beth who has often travelled with him, preparing Prayer Bulletins and quietly undertaking a multitude of other tasks. Now the Lord is calling them to new service and we heartily pray that they will continue to be used for His glory.
There will be many of you who would want to show appreciation in a tangible way, and if this is so then please write to the SGA office marking your gift ‘for William and Beth’.
Derek Maxwell is the new General Director and John Birnie takes up the post of Field Director. I know that all our praying friends will be right behind these men as they carry the work forward.
As we look back we raise our ‘Ebenezer’ – up to now the Lord has helped us; and as we face the future we rely on our ‘Jehovah Jireh’ – the Lord will provide.
David Hughes (Council Chairman)
