Third and fourth generations Ella Ruth, Elmer, and Pam Kilbourne
Bible schools and seminaries rather than simply building churches. Eventually, he understood.
“ You can’ t build churches if you don’ t have pastors to lead them,” John recalls. Developing local leaders through Bible schools and seminaries was central to the Kilbourne family’ s commitment. That commitment to theological education helped shape institutions such as Seoul Theological University.
The greatest legacy John inherited from his family is not a history of ministry accomplishments but a faith in Jesus Christ. After losing his mother when he was 14, he walked through profound grief, yet never walked it alone.
“ Whatever you’ re wrestling with,” John says,“ you don’ t have to do it alone. There’ s no price to pay. Only repentance. Ask Christ to forgive your sins so that grace will change your life.”
John sees the Kilbourne legacy not only in his own family but also in the faithful people who continue the mission.
“ The Kilbourne ancestors aren’ t carrying the torch anymore, but so many others are,” he says.“ It brings me tremendous joy to see OMS continue faithfully. I think my grandfather and the generations before him would be deeply proud.”
John never met his great-greatgrandfather, E. A. Kilbourne. However, through the stories and lives passed down from one generation to the next, he has come to understand the man whose faith helped shape a Mission that continues to reach the unreached.
Editor’ s Note: John Waits, the great-greatgrandson of OMS’ cofounder E. A. Kilbourne, recently attended OMS’ 125 th anniversary celebration, where he was honored for his family’ s legacy.
Third, fifth and sixth generations Elmer and John Waits with John’ s daugther.
14