Put a Ring on It
My grandad, Samuel, was a gentle soul with twinkling eyes and a ready smile. I inherited his harmonica, but not his ability to play tunefully. I also inherited his love for storytelling. (Ask anyone who knows me.)
Grandad was a lay preacher at heart but a farmer by vocation. At age 28 he was introduced to Ila, whom he courted by walking seven miles to her home.
Sensing God had perhaps called her to serve on the mission field, Ila initially refused when Sam asked for her hand in marriage. Already determined to attend Nyack Bible College for a year, she spent that time away discerning the Lord’s leading regarding Sam’s proposal. They married on June 10, 1891.
For 21 years Sam and Ila managed the “Livingston Farm” in Stockton, New Jersey. A pastor from NY owned the poultry farm. He paid my grandad a meager salary and donated a portion of the profits to missions. My dad and his siblings grew up gathering eggs and doing chores to help out.
Sam and Ila were devout Christians. Ila never lost her heart for those in distant lands who had never heard the gospel. At a summer camp meeting, a special collection was taken for missions. With no cash to spare, her heart was stirred to place in the offering basket the engagement ring[1] Samuel had given her. “If I can’t get to the mission field, at least my ring can help others go.”
Sam and Ila raised three children. My Uncle Stanley, who just “graduated to glory” this month (at 98!), served with Aunt Betty in the pastorate for four decades in upstate NY. Dad’s only sister, Jessie, married Donald, who similarly served as a pastor. My dad, Hervey, served in pastoral ministry 42 years, seven of which were in Australia.
Of my generation, one cousin was a pastor and two others served in missions overseas for a period. Others have served in local church ministries and Christian colleges. My brother Mark and his wife devoted their lives to Bible translation in Indonesia. And Lori and I have had the blessing of serving four and half decades with Life in Messiah, including ministry overseas.
Over the years I have encountered numerous individuals who sensed a call to missions but for whatever reason were unable to go. I’m confident if God had called Grandpa to pack up his family for ministry overseas, Samuel would have been obedient. Instead, he worked long hours caring for chickens for “chicken feed” so the farm’s proceeds would fund those who could go and serve overseas.
I know Grandma Ila would have treasured that diamond she received as a token of her dear Samuel’s affections. He had made a special trip to the famed Tiffany’s in New York City to purchase it for his intended.
But Ila loved the Lord more than jewelry. Her compassion for those who don’t yet know Messiah prompted a sacrifice few would be willing to make. She never got to travel to China to share the gospel, but through her children and grandchildren, multiplied thousands have heard the news of God’s great love.
I’m grateful for the legacy[2] I inherited from my grandparents and parents. My inheritance is not measured in precious metals, gems, or stocks, but in eternal values. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
“For where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Grandpa and Grandma proved where their hearts were. They put a ring on it. Now they are enjoying the rewards of treasures laid up in heaven,[3] along with their three children who devoted their lives to serving our great God and soon-coming King.
Written by Wes, LIFE Global Ambassador
We at Life in Messiah wish to express our deep gratitude to each one who contributes to the Lord’s work through gifts designated to support our workers, projects, and global ministry efforts. We understand many gifts are sacrificial, as was Sam and Ila’s. Thank you!
Not everyone can give from abundance. What creative ways have you discovered to meaningfully share what God has entrusted you?
What legacy are you leaving your family and the work of the Lord globally?
Endnotes:
[1] For the record, though Gram gave her engagement ring, she did keep her wedding ring. She and Samuel were happily married 44 years.
[2] You can read more about the influence of godly grandparents here: https://lifeinmessiah.org/blog/legacy-of-praying-grandmothers.
[3] Samuel died in 1966 and is buried in Forest Lawn in Glendale, CA – the same cemetery where Life in Messiah’s founder William E. Blackstone is interred. Ila went to be with the Lord in 1995; her grave is in Queensbury, NY.