Bob & Doris shared this about their lives in our Northern Lights magazine “CloseUP” feature …
Tell us a little about how you came to know Jesus as your Saviour?
Bob: I grew up in a Christian home, with strong moral values and evangelical teaching. At the age of nine, I attended a locally held crusade. My attention focused on the musician singing “He Picked Me Up From the Miry Clay.” Being a farm boy, I knew a great deal about mire and what it would take to be drawn from it.
I went forward and publicly accepted the Lord as Saviour. I was counselled by a grey-haired man using the tract The Four Spiritual Laws. I have no idea who he was … unknown to me … known by God.
Doris: I was a toddler when Dad was introduced to the Bible. He studied it diligently and began to search for a church. He insisted that the kids be exposed to everything he was learning. When I was about 12, Mom and Dad found the congregation they were looking for.
By that time, I had acquired head knowledge and did the right things, but that was all. After tumultuous teen years, and exploring several denominations, I became very confused. I “chanced” to meet a former high school teacher. He led me through John 3:16 in a personal application, and the head-knowledge clicked into place.
How did you first hear about NCEM?
Doris: I had heard about NCEM at a church in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, before I was married. I was intrigued by the idea of being a missionary, right here in Canada! I was an NCEM “Minute Man” (financial supporter) for a while, but then moved away.
Bob: Our home church in Ontario is home church to NCEM missionary, Blaine Witherow. We heard of NCEM and Tribal Trails whenever the Witherows came around.
What events led you to consider joining NCEM?
Bob: On a trip West, we visited Blaine & Rachel. We heard there that NCEM was in search of a new Chief Financial Officer and they suggested I consider it. Initially, I said “No! That’s too much responsibility for me!” However, I confided in three men about this possibility and asked them to pray with me about it. There were some heavy conversations with them, too.
A few weeks later, NCEM called … and they kept calling and emailing … more questions answered, and information offered. Was that a “sign”? So, God and NCEM persisted, and one by one removed all of my objections. After two years, and much prayer and study, I was at peace to say, “Yes.”
Doris: I felt that joining NCEM was Bob’s decision. The main event that led me to join was Bob handing me the application and saying, “You better fill this out, too.” Since I said, “Till death us do part,” I am happy to be with him!
How has God answered your unknowns about joining NCEM?
Bob: I struggled with the question, “What if I can’t do it?” One day my insecurity was addressed by the revelation: “You’re right, you can’t do it … alone, only with God’s help.”
Bob & Doris: Our place in Ontario sold immediately, with enough to settle outstanding debts, and to buy a home outright in Prince Albert. We found a home and were able to move in, all within two weeks, in June 2017. We also found a congregation to worship with, who have given us opportunity to serve. The NCEM staff have been patient and embracing as we still try to figure out this new part of our life.
What are some of the different roles you have in NCEM?
Bob: Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer of NCEM. This includes oversight of all things financial. Daily, this is process-management and problem solving. Accurate financial statements are a regular requirement. Yearly, government filings and taxes are a significant part. Finally, heading up future development, to meet expanding requirements effectively. Doris has assisted in our Personnel Department.
How has your life experience prepared you for this specific missionary calling?
Bob: I thrived in Human Resources, Payroll, and related Accounting in a manufacturing company for 30 years, in progressively more responsible positions. From policy interpretation and development, to government relations and financial analysis, the detailed focus is familiar.
Explaining the details to people in a way they can understand continues to be rewarding. I had involvement with a Bible camp while my kids and grandkids were of that age. From leadership (including accounting), to counselling, to maintenance and construction – those experiences help me relate to the challenges and rewards that our missionaries experience.
