A Rare Visit, and Remembrances of the Works of the Lord - January 4 & 5, 2009

Ken Engle had opportunity recently to meet with some very special men. They were all in the Philippines when he arrived for the second time. His first time in the Philippines was as a tail gunner with twin caliber fifties on a B-24 Liberator based out of Mindoro doing bombing runs over Corregidor Island. The second time, with the encouragement of veteran missionary Cyril Brooks, was a minister of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Howard Eppler arrived in the Philippines with "Back to the Bible" on March 8, 1951, and Ken Engle followed the 17th, with "Christian Missions in Many Lands".

Christmas 2008 Howard was in Duncanville/Dallas Area with his dear wife Virginia to be with their son Darrell and family. Daughter Sharon, who they live with in Arizona, was with them. Mrs. Eppler took an unfortunate fall, from which she, thank the Lord is recovering, and is now in rehab . They had a wonderful visit at the hospital on Sunday, January 4, 2009. Shortly after Ken arrived at the hospital, C.P. Tarkington, his dear wife Alma and daughter arrived. "Tark" was in the Philippines serving with the U.S. Air Force when Ken arrived in 1951, and during his off time helped with the 'Boys Brigade' work (which eventually grew to dozens of clubs all over the country), and was discipled by Ken. He has been in ministry through the years, and now lives in North Carolina.

Tark mentioned that Tom Hash, with his dear wife Dottie had just relocated from Denver to the Dallas area to be near their daughter. Tom was also in the Air Force serving in the Philippines back in 1951 at the time Ken arrived. It came out in the discussion that Chuck Hall (also Air Force, in the Philippines 1950) was in town for a visit from San Antonio, Texas. Both Tom & Chuck were also involved in the early work, and have been involved in ministries through the years, Tom with Cadence International. Tark and Tom were instrumental with Jesse Miller in the founding of this organization (formerly OCSC, Overseas Christian Servicemens Centers), which now has many centers and "hospitality houses" near U.S. Military bases around the world.

So Howard, Ken, Tom, Tark, and Chuck had a chance to visit. It was a great reunion, and many accounts were given of the early days.

It started out with Ken visiting Howard and Virginia in the hospital.

Tom, Tark, Chuck and Howard all knew the others were in town. Ken was surprised to learn all of them were here. They were surprised to learn he was here. Accidental or providential?

The days concluded with five men having a tremendous time reviewing the work of the hand of God, over almost 60 years, and joyful hugs saying "we'll see you here, there, or in the air", knowing they still have much work to do here.