“By Prayer Since 1893”

The motto of SIM.

I’m writing this note from the guesthouse at the SIM Missionary Village in Sebring Florida, in the southern part of the state about an hour and a half south of Orlando. This is my third visit. I spoke here in 2004 on the recommendation of Calvary missionaries John and Anne Ockers. Marlene came with me on my second visit in January 2006. So far the weather has been excellent–mostly clear skies, a light breeze, with temps in the 40s at night and the upper 70s during the day. After staying here a few days, you understand why northerners become Snow Birds. Approximately 155 retired missionaries live on the 52-acre SIM property. Most of them served over 30 years as missionaries, which means that their total overseas service exceeds 3000 years. I’m preaching eleven times this week–once on Sunday afternoon, and then twice a day Monday-Friday.

The street signs remind you of SIM’s African origin.

It is an enormous honor to be around these faithful servants of the Lord. I suppose the average age must be around 83. Many of them went to the field in the 1940s and 50s. On an earlier visit I heard a man in a wheelchair talk about how things changed at his mission station when “the war” broke out. He was talking about World War II. It’s very humbling to be around such fine, cheerful, godly saints whose hearts still respond to the call of the Great Commission.  They share stories of things that happened in Africa 50 years ago as if they had happened yesterday. They have all known the sorrows of life full well, but there is a joy among them and a peace and a sense of trust in God that outweighs any difficulties they have faced. And since they are elderly, they all face health problems and the knowledge that life is short. So their joy is all the more remarkable and uplifting.

Burt and Ruth Long with their grandson Steve Hammack.

The format of the services is very simple. Hal White, a veteran missionary doctor, leads the singing with characteristic verve, accompanied by his wife Connie on the piano and Ruth Long (who is, I believe “only” 88 years old) on the organ. They play old favorites–hymns and gospel songs and choruses like “I’ve Discovered the Way of Gladness” and “He Giveth More Grace.” Then we have the “missionary reporters” give an update. This week Ed and Rita Moran (who spent many years in Ghana) from Colorado Springs are telling us about the newest couples to volunteer with SIM as career missionaries. Using Power Point, they introduce us to the new missionaries, listing praises and prayer requests. Ed and Rita then ask for volunteers to pray from the audience for the various requests. Then we sing a verse of our theme song for the week, “God Will Take Care of You,” then I preach and Hal White leads us in a closing song. 

Ed and Rita Moran serve as our Missionary Reporters this week.

SIM used to stand for “Sudan Interior Mission,” reflecting its African roots. Today SIM missionaries also serve in South America and Asia. Their motto has stayed the same since 1893: “By Prayer.” Just those two words. And they live out that motto in the way they do their mission work. 

Golf Carts are the preferred mode of transportation.

Since this is southern Florida, you can find alligators in the lake that surrounds the chapel. No one seems too concerned. I think they adopt the policy of “I don’t think about alligators as long as they don’t think about me.” I saw one poking his nose above the waterline but he disappeared before I could take a picture.

The street names reflect the African origin of SIM. For instance, you drive on Nigeria Street, Dahomey Street and Somalia Street. My guesthouse is located on Upper Volta Street. 

Looking down Upper Volta Street.

The weather this week has been delightful but the missionaries said that two weeks ago, when most of the nation was in a major cold snap, temps dropped at night below freezing for a week, a very unusual occurrence this far south. They say the frost turned things brown but the missionary village looks plenty green to me.