Today is the
centenary of EAB’s late pioneer missionary and ex-Field Director from 1971-1987:
Frank Dyer. Born in the New Forest, England on the 9th of July, 1916
he went to Brazil to work with EAB in March 1949 where he pastored the Princesa
Isabel and Patos churches. It was in the latter town that Frank was called to
his reward in November, 1987.
Pastor Frank
Dyer also travelled extensively evangelizing the interior hinterlands of Pernambuco
and Paraíba States in northeastern Brazil – often travelling on a mule, at
other times on top of old lorries laden with cotton and eventually in a jeep. He
was a discreet man who rarely spoke about his medal for bravery received from
the hands of King George VI for having seriously risked his own life to save
from certain death his wounded comrades.
Above all
else Frank Dyer was a man faithful to God’s call on his life, who underwent
stonings and threats, without complaining, simply because he was a Christian
and a preacher of the Gospel. Perhaps his greatest legacy was his integrity.
Today his daughter
Elizabeth, who travelled with her father far and wide in the interior from the
age of six, is who continues in her father’s footsteps living and preaching the
Gospel. EAB today praises God for exemplary servants of Christ like Frank Dyer
who constitute an important part of our history. Elizabeth beamed from ear to
ear in 2014 when we put on a new roof and completely overhauled the church
building in Patos built over 50 years earlier. All the roofing timbers were
found to be in perfect order, straight and aligned. Frank Dyer had been the
carpenter and the state of the timber says much about his life and ministry. We
give God the glory this day!
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