In Memory of "Uncle" George

We first introduced you to our GMSA co-worker, George Black, back in Jan of 2007, when my dad and I visited him in Copiapó, Chile on a survey trip.

This past Jan 2009, Uncle George (as we affectionately call him) made his last trip to our missionary conference in southern Chile. It was a blessing to visit with him again and listen to his words of experience and encouragement. Deep in our hearts, many of us wondered if this would be the last time we would see Uncle George again.

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Last Friday, we received the news that Uncle George had passed on to the presence of His dear Savior after several days of being in critical condition. I (David) and many other GMSA missionaries, made immediate plans to attend the funeral (20 hours away by bus).

Click HERE to view more photos from the funeral.

George, and his wife, had served many years in Chile and were a Christlike example to co-workers and national brethren alike. Thank you Uncle George for impacting our lives. We love you and miss you, but we are rejoicing that you (and your wife) are with our Sovereign Savior.

Here are some Uncle George quotes that I have jotted down over the few years that I have known him.

-"I'm for the trenches, not for the benches."

-"I could go back to FL and live in the retired missionary housing, sit in a rockin' chair, read Time magizine, and sip Coke, but why would I do that when I could be doing this."

-When I asked him what he would have done differently if he could do it all again, he said, "I would pray more, do less, but do it better."

-"The Holy Spirit makes real what Christ made possible."

-"David, are you willing to take the torch?"

-"I want to be Paul, but I'm a Peter."

-"In ministry, double your opportunities, not your efforts."

-"80% of a missionaries life is attitude."

-"My congregation's greatest need is my personal holiness."
(He recalled this quote by R. M. McCheynne)

-"Work hard, live clean."

George Black (1907-2009)

"Are you willing to take the torch?"