Grandpa's Big Heart for Missions

In honor of Father's Day, I want to share a tribute to my father-in-law: WWII veteran, hard-working dairy farmer (with gnarly hands to prove it), father of nine, caring husband, loving grandfather and great-grandfather of many, fisherman, missions director for his small country church, and most definitely a man of God. Nearly everyone called him Grandpa, and his big heart for all of us was only surpassed by his bigger heart for God and for His kingdom.

Grandpa's birthday was right during Father's Day week; so at this time of the year our entire family clan gets a double-dose of missing him. Yet, as we think back and remember the consistent example he gave us . . . and look forward to eternity (as Grandpa always did) . . . we will never forget his life and his mission-minded legacy.

From the perspective of our oldest son . . . (quoting a letter by my husband):

When Grandpa Dunagan died, my Dad was overseas on a mission trip in Africa and unable to get home in time for the memorial service. I had the sad honor of taking Dad's place (along with my five uncles) as one of Grandpa's pall-bearers.

My dad had written this letter before he left. As it was read at Grandpa's memorial service, it really showed me how a father's life can impact his children for God and for missions . . . and in turn, impact his grandchildren too!

Dear Dad,

Well, I am off to Africa again!

Lord willing, my team will preach the Gospel in two remote city-wide outreaches. Months of preparation and planning have gone into this endeavor. I pray that God will honor the labor with multitudes of precious souls coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Dad, you and mom were the first people to plant in me a desire for missions evangelism. For many years you had been faithfully in charge of the missions department at East Olympia Community Church - always making sure that these laborers received their material support and plenty of love and encouragement.

I remember one time in particular, when I was about 12 years old, that a certain missionary from South America had come to visit you at the farm. I knew that at the time your own personal finances were tight. However, I observed how you and mom wanted to bless this man. You saved a little here and a little here and even sold a cow. When you gave your gift, you gave joyfully and humbly.

Little did this man know of the sacrifice behind what you gave . . .

Seeing your act of giving stirred something inside of me. I immediately ran to my room and gave the missionary all of my money to help him in his work. I figured that if missions was that important to you, it had better be important to me also.

Dad, in the event that your body passes away while I am in Africa, I know that your soul and spirit are with Jesus. To be sure, there is nothing I can do to bring life back into your body now, however, through my labors, I trust for salvation to be granted to many. More than likely, I would not be able to make it back in time for your funeral, but in that event, I would like to dedicate the souls that come to Christ on this outreach to you. I trust that the Lord will add them to your reward.

I love you Dad!

Thanks for being such a godly example to follow.
Your son, Jon

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:20-21).