Big Bow, Kansas (1931 - 1932)
As the weeks passed, we were praying and waiting on the Lord. Finally, the call came that we felt was in divine order. We had entertained other considerations, but there was conscientiousness of when we received a letter from our friend Rev. L. L. Waddell, who was then District Superintendent of Kansas, saying they needed a pastor for the Big Bow Church in the extreme southwest corner of the state. We were soon on our way to our new field of labor. In Cincinnati, my younger sister, who had gone west when my sister Vera left in 1915, had returned east to attend God’s Bible School. She later married and became a widow. She was now returning to Arizona with her eight year old daughter. We were glad for them to accompany us as far as western Kansas. From there they finished the trip by bus. We stopped for a short visit with our oldest sister Lettie West. Myrtle was the youngest. They had not seen each other for many years. My sister had a large home to accommodate all six of us. Our visit was a happy one including a visit to an Amish settlement. This was our first encounter with this thrifty group of separate people. On the second day after leaving my sisters, we arrived at Big Bow, a tiny town of perhaps 15 houses, two general stores, a grain elevator, a school, and the Pilgrim Holiness Church.
We were informed that a basement house not far from the church was to be our home. A parsonage was built above this basement. It was divided into three rooms. Our limited furniture fit in very well. The Kearnys were the only members of the church who lived near. When she returned from school where she taught, she came over to welcome us. We had already unloaded the trailer and had most things in place.
The first Sunday was a real time of introductions as we soon learned our church was serving as a community church. Our membership was far smaller than our congregation, but the people were friendly and received us well. We arrived a little late for the beginning of school, but the children fit in readily. This was their fourth school year and the fourth state in which they were attending. I felt this often changing of schools was quite a disadvantage for them, but our travels and contacts with different environmental circumstances was giving them personal education that many their age never had. We had enjoyed the grandeur of the Rockies (including Pike’s Peak), spanning the Royal Gorge, viewing the Grand Canyon, and traveling the desert which at some times of the year was beautiful with different kinds of cactus in bloom. We also had to be careful of rattle snakes and Gila monsters. We also enjoyed Nebraska where there were fertile valleys of the Platte River and thousands of rolling acres of grazing land dotted by lakes making fishing and foul hunting a source of fun and livelihood. The fall round up of cattle and branding were yearly activities.
Now we find ourselves in the wheat belt of Western Kansas. Whichever way we go there are acres on acres of wheat fields. Combining is over and farmers are now beginning to harvest their row crops. We found the people friendly and easy to get acquainted with. Much of our calls were made after school hours. The members usually knew when we were coming and welcomed us to share their evening meals.
While there, we broke one rule that we had always followed – never to buy on credit. One of the two general merchants asked us to pay for groceries and supplies once a month and at that time, they would make reductions. Brother Bolender consented. As far as I remember, that is the only time we ever had a store account.
Not long after we arrived, Brother Bolender held a series of special services. This really helped us to get better acquainted with the people. There was a fine Christian couple by the name of Ireland. He had been a real Sunday promotional leader in the church from which they had moved and was a splendid teacher. He suggested conducting a teacher’s training class which we encouraged. Textbooks were ordered and classes were held on Friday night in homes where we were invited. Enrollment really surprised us. No gossip or social parties took place in these classes; we studied the Bible. Some who had known little about the Scripture were eager to learn. The Irelands, while attending the services, began to search the Word about Sanctification as a second work of grace as they heard it preached.
We got acquainted with a family by the name of Ramey who came to church occasionally. They always seemed so happy when we called at the home and so quiet and impressed when Brother Bolender read the Bible and prayed. They had four little daughters. They were a hard-working family. The oldest, 9 or 10, could milk, cook a full meal for the family, or drive a four-horse team hitched to a cultivator; and she was far from a dullard at school.
We were especially interested in this family and praying that we might lead them to the Lord. One morning we felt impressed to make a call. The three oldest girls were in school. Mr. Ramey was out in the field working so we visited with the mother. It was so natural and easy to deal with her about her standing with God. Tears came and together we knelt in prayer. Soon she was rejoicing in sins forgiven. Knowing our children would soon be home for lunch, we were soon on our way.
The following Sunday, the Ramey’s were all lined up in church. As the sermon closed, Mr. Ramey went to the altar. He rose and testified that he had settled it with God out in the field the same day that Polly had prayed through in the house; but he had gone to the altar because he wanted the world to know that Lon Ramey was a Christian.
After the service, we were invited to their house for supper and for us to bring some sacks for they had some chickens for us. When we went, a gunny sack was put in the car. When Mr. Ramey saw it he said, “I thought I said sacks,” and he proceeded to get more. We went home with chickens enough to last awhile. I could not help but think of our experience at Pueblo when our chickens were stolen and I rejoiced that the devil did not get the tithe. I have used that experience several times when preaching on tithing.
We had two weekend special services while on this charge. A middle-aged man by the name of Newby came from Colorado Springs Bible School. He had visited different churches, giving his testimony. He grew up in Germany well educated, but an Atheist. He had worked as a surveyor in Africa where a highway was to be built. Once he and a co-worker were attacked by a fierce lion. Newby had deep claw scars on his back. When the brute turned his attack on the other man, Newby shot and killed the lion. After his assignment was finished, he returned to Germany. Two of his daughters had come to the U.S. and were living in Denver. Being now alone, he decided to visit his daughters. In Denver he opened an exclusive fruit stand. Not long after that, some Nazarenes rented a vacant lot near his little business and pitched a tent. He thought, as I remember his saying, that a small circus was coming that would bring customers to his business. Instead a revival meeting started with our old friend Rev. C. B. Fugett from Kentucky as the evangelist and the Ripper sisters as singers. One of the daughters, who had been converted, was praying earnestly for her father. One night business was particularly slow, so he decided to close and step over and listen. Of course, he would stay far enough away not to be seen or influenced. The singers that night chose “Going Home With Jesus in the Morning.” Newby heard a voice, “Will you go home with me in the morning?” Thinking it was some child nearby, he looked all around and no one was near. Soon again the same voice, the same question; still thinking it a human voice his eyes searched all around; but again no one was closer than those under the tent who were absorbed with the singing. As Samuel of old, the question came clear and distinct, “Will you go home with me in the morning?” At that moment, the infidel became a believer and answered, “Yes, Jesus, I will go home with You in the morning.” He went to tell his daughter of his conversion and that he expected to go to the South Pacific Islands as a missionary. Learning of the Bible School at Colorado Springs, he enrolled to learn more about the Scripture and to prepare for his life work. His visit and testimony was a great blessing.
Our second weekend services were the occasion of Rev. and Mrs. H. S. Solter. They were returned missionaries from India and were serving the Foreign Mission Department in deputational work. They were scheduled to have a service at Big Bow for Friday night. We learned that they had a cancellation on the coming Sunday and Saturday was their rest night. At our invitation, they had three night services instead of one. Their messages were a blessing and challenge to our people. A good offering was received for foreign missions. This was all a double treat to me as I had been a missionary at heart since childhood; and Edith Stearns, now Mrs. Solter, was one of my closest friends in God’s Bible School. Our paths were to cross twice after that as you will later learn.
The peak of our year’s work came when Rev. H. K. Busby came for a revival. We had met him before and had been impressed by his personality and sincerity of commitment to the work. The first two days, he spent most of the time alone, missing some meals. On the third day, he came from the church with face aglow, but tears in his eyes. He testified that he had just prayed through and been sanctified. He had sought the experience before, but had recently been convinced of a lack in his soul. He seriously considered canceling our revival; but as he prayed, he felt he was to come on. That night he gave his testimony and preached with great freedom. No wonder we had such a wonderful revival. Brother and Sister Ireland, also the Rameys, were sanctified. Several young people sought the Lord. The church took on new life. A baptismal service was planned for the last Sunday afternoon. Our church had no baptismal pool and there was no river for miles, but a farmer who did not even attend our church offered his large water tank. Brother Bolender and some others agreed it was adaptable and everything was ready on Saturday evening. The Irelands had been Christians for years, but being of the Quaker persuasion had never been baptized. As together they had carefully studied the Scripture, they were fully persuaded that the New Testament taught water baptism and that it was the great commission. So they requested to be included with the group. After the last Sunday morning message, the third daughter in the Ramey family, about six years old, walked out alone and knelt at the altar asking Jesus to come into her heart. Her two older sisters had already been saved. She told her mother, “Now I am ready to be baptized.” What a beautiful sight that was to see that family of five lined up and be baptized. Our little Juanita, who a year before had been saved, was also in the group. I think this was perhaps the largest number Brother Bolender ever baptized at one time in the U.S.A.
That night the revival officially closed, but results will never be truly known in this life; for one thing, Brother Ireland was soon called of God into the ministry. They sold their farm and spent the rest of their lives in pastoral work.
While at Big Bow, the children and I had a nice visit to the Gibbs’ home in Nebraska. Milton Stockman who lived near us was making the trip to visit his girl friend Rachel, the oldest Gibbs daughter. He gave us an invitation and we accepted even though Brother Bolender could not accompany us because of his pastoral duties. It seemed almost like a family reunion. We saw so many who had endeared themselves to us in the past. While there, Juanita played with one finger a song on the piano. I had not realized she had a musical talent. I resolved then and there by the help of God that talent would be developed. When we got home, we decided to go to Wichita to some large auction houses. We found a good used one (a piano) at a reasonable price. They loaded it on our trailer. With thankful hearts, we drove the 200 miles back home. Sister Ireland became her first teacher.
We had so many victorious experiences on this charge, but we also met with some problems. The pianist at the church was a very nice educated lady, but not a member of the church. She had not given any signs of a personal relationship with the Lord. Her husband was no doubt the wealthiest farmer in the county. He had hundreds of acres of wheat. When harvest came, he had seven combines working day and night. One Sunday morning, Brother Bolender brought a clear and challenging message on Holiness. At the close he asked Sister Snowbarger to play the piano for an invitation hymn. He did not dream of hurting anyone’s feelings; only that Sister Snowbarger, a sanctified member of the church, would be in harmony with the message and would add influence to the invitation. After the service was over, we felt a spirit of apprehension. The pianist and her husband had left early in not too good a mood. One member approached my husband about it. So when our offended friends did not come to church the next Sunday, we decided to make a call; we prayed the Lord to guide us. We were glad they were both at home. As they invited us in, we tried to be as casual as possible with the usual remarks followed by saying we missed them at church. Making no reply to our statement, he in a very agitated tone said, “The trouble with you folks you accept everything in the Bible whether it is reasonable or not.” Such a statement was so unexpected it could have floored me, but my practical husband calmly replied, “We certainly accept the Bible as it is the Word of God, giving proof both from Scripture and personal experience of the power of the gospel.” Whereupon, he began to ridicule the idea that a low down ignorant drunkard or thief could bow at an altar and almost suddenly be transformed into an upright decent citizen. Seeing he was in no mood to accept help, we took our leave as graciously as possible, inviting them back to the services. Our hearts were saddened, but we felt we had been true to the gospel message and to the leading of the Holy Spirit. They never returned to the services while we were there, but the church continued in spiritual growth.
As time for our annual business meeting drew near, Brother Bolender felt his work there was completed and wrote the District Superintendent to that effect. Brother Waddell tried to persuade him to stay, but he felt he had the leading of the Lord. So in due time, we started packing again saying goodbye to dear friends. As we traveled east pulling the heavily loaded trailer, our lasting remembrance of the area was the miles of growing wheat as it ripened for harvest and took on the appearance of a golden sea rippling in the western wind.
We were informed that a basement house not far from the church was to be our home. A parsonage was built above this basement. It was divided into three rooms. Our limited furniture fit in very well. The Kearnys were the only members of the church who lived near. When she returned from school where she taught, she came over to welcome us. We had already unloaded the trailer and had most things in place.
The first Sunday was a real time of introductions as we soon learned our church was serving as a community church. Our membership was far smaller than our congregation, but the people were friendly and received us well. We arrived a little late for the beginning of school, but the children fit in readily. This was their fourth school year and the fourth state in which they were attending. I felt this often changing of schools was quite a disadvantage for them, but our travels and contacts with different environmental circumstances was giving them personal education that many their age never had. We had enjoyed the grandeur of the Rockies (including Pike’s Peak), spanning the Royal Gorge, viewing the Grand Canyon, and traveling the desert which at some times of the year was beautiful with different kinds of cactus in bloom. We also had to be careful of rattle snakes and Gila monsters. We also enjoyed Nebraska where there were fertile valleys of the Platte River and thousands of rolling acres of grazing land dotted by lakes making fishing and foul hunting a source of fun and livelihood. The fall round up of cattle and branding were yearly activities.
Now we find ourselves in the wheat belt of Western Kansas. Whichever way we go there are acres on acres of wheat fields. Combining is over and farmers are now beginning to harvest their row crops. We found the people friendly and easy to get acquainted with. Much of our calls were made after school hours. The members usually knew when we were coming and welcomed us to share their evening meals.
While there, we broke one rule that we had always followed – never to buy on credit. One of the two general merchants asked us to pay for groceries and supplies once a month and at that time, they would make reductions. Brother Bolender consented. As far as I remember, that is the only time we ever had a store account.
Not long after we arrived, Brother Bolender held a series of special services. This really helped us to get better acquainted with the people. There was a fine Christian couple by the name of Ireland. He had been a real Sunday promotional leader in the church from which they had moved and was a splendid teacher. He suggested conducting a teacher’s training class which we encouraged. Textbooks were ordered and classes were held on Friday night in homes where we were invited. Enrollment really surprised us. No gossip or social parties took place in these classes; we studied the Bible. Some who had known little about the Scripture were eager to learn. The Irelands, while attending the services, began to search the Word about Sanctification as a second work of grace as they heard it preached.
We got acquainted with a family by the name of Ramey who came to church occasionally. They always seemed so happy when we called at the home and so quiet and impressed when Brother Bolender read the Bible and prayed. They had four little daughters. They were a hard-working family. The oldest, 9 or 10, could milk, cook a full meal for the family, or drive a four-horse team hitched to a cultivator; and she was far from a dullard at school.
We were especially interested in this family and praying that we might lead them to the Lord. One morning we felt impressed to make a call. The three oldest girls were in school. Mr. Ramey was out in the field working so we visited with the mother. It was so natural and easy to deal with her about her standing with God. Tears came and together we knelt in prayer. Soon she was rejoicing in sins forgiven. Knowing our children would soon be home for lunch, we were soon on our way.
The following Sunday, the Ramey’s were all lined up in church. As the sermon closed, Mr. Ramey went to the altar. He rose and testified that he had settled it with God out in the field the same day that Polly had prayed through in the house; but he had gone to the altar because he wanted the world to know that Lon Ramey was a Christian.
After the service, we were invited to their house for supper and for us to bring some sacks for they had some chickens for us. When we went, a gunny sack was put in the car. When Mr. Ramey saw it he said, “I thought I said sacks,” and he proceeded to get more. We went home with chickens enough to last awhile. I could not help but think of our experience at Pueblo when our chickens were stolen and I rejoiced that the devil did not get the tithe. I have used that experience several times when preaching on tithing.
We had two weekend special services while on this charge. A middle-aged man by the name of Newby came from Colorado Springs Bible School. He had visited different churches, giving his testimony. He grew up in Germany well educated, but an Atheist. He had worked as a surveyor in Africa where a highway was to be built. Once he and a co-worker were attacked by a fierce lion. Newby had deep claw scars on his back. When the brute turned his attack on the other man, Newby shot and killed the lion. After his assignment was finished, he returned to Germany. Two of his daughters had come to the U.S. and were living in Denver. Being now alone, he decided to visit his daughters. In Denver he opened an exclusive fruit stand. Not long after that, some Nazarenes rented a vacant lot near his little business and pitched a tent. He thought, as I remember his saying, that a small circus was coming that would bring customers to his business. Instead a revival meeting started with our old friend Rev. C. B. Fugett from Kentucky as the evangelist and the Ripper sisters as singers. One of the daughters, who had been converted, was praying earnestly for her father. One night business was particularly slow, so he decided to close and step over and listen. Of course, he would stay far enough away not to be seen or influenced. The singers that night chose “Going Home With Jesus in the Morning.” Newby heard a voice, “Will you go home with me in the morning?” Thinking it was some child nearby, he looked all around and no one was near. Soon again the same voice, the same question; still thinking it a human voice his eyes searched all around; but again no one was closer than those under the tent who were absorbed with the singing. As Samuel of old, the question came clear and distinct, “Will you go home with me in the morning?” At that moment, the infidel became a believer and answered, “Yes, Jesus, I will go home with You in the morning.” He went to tell his daughter of his conversion and that he expected to go to the South Pacific Islands as a missionary. Learning of the Bible School at Colorado Springs, he enrolled to learn more about the Scripture and to prepare for his life work. His visit and testimony was a great blessing.
Our second weekend services were the occasion of Rev. and Mrs. H. S. Solter. They were returned missionaries from India and were serving the Foreign Mission Department in deputational work. They were scheduled to have a service at Big Bow for Friday night. We learned that they had a cancellation on the coming Sunday and Saturday was their rest night. At our invitation, they had three night services instead of one. Their messages were a blessing and challenge to our people. A good offering was received for foreign missions. This was all a double treat to me as I had been a missionary at heart since childhood; and Edith Stearns, now Mrs. Solter, was one of my closest friends in God’s Bible School. Our paths were to cross twice after that as you will later learn.
The peak of our year’s work came when Rev. H. K. Busby came for a revival. We had met him before and had been impressed by his personality and sincerity of commitment to the work. The first two days, he spent most of the time alone, missing some meals. On the third day, he came from the church with face aglow, but tears in his eyes. He testified that he had just prayed through and been sanctified. He had sought the experience before, but had recently been convinced of a lack in his soul. He seriously considered canceling our revival; but as he prayed, he felt he was to come on. That night he gave his testimony and preached with great freedom. No wonder we had such a wonderful revival. Brother and Sister Ireland, also the Rameys, were sanctified. Several young people sought the Lord. The church took on new life. A baptismal service was planned for the last Sunday afternoon. Our church had no baptismal pool and there was no river for miles, but a farmer who did not even attend our church offered his large water tank. Brother Bolender and some others agreed it was adaptable and everything was ready on Saturday evening. The Irelands had been Christians for years, but being of the Quaker persuasion had never been baptized. As together they had carefully studied the Scripture, they were fully persuaded that the New Testament taught water baptism and that it was the great commission. So they requested to be included with the group. After the last Sunday morning message, the third daughter in the Ramey family, about six years old, walked out alone and knelt at the altar asking Jesus to come into her heart. Her two older sisters had already been saved. She told her mother, “Now I am ready to be baptized.” What a beautiful sight that was to see that family of five lined up and be baptized. Our little Juanita, who a year before had been saved, was also in the group. I think this was perhaps the largest number Brother Bolender ever baptized at one time in the U.S.A.
That night the revival officially closed, but results will never be truly known in this life; for one thing, Brother Ireland was soon called of God into the ministry. They sold their farm and spent the rest of their lives in pastoral work.
While at Big Bow, the children and I had a nice visit to the Gibbs’ home in Nebraska. Milton Stockman who lived near us was making the trip to visit his girl friend Rachel, the oldest Gibbs daughter. He gave us an invitation and we accepted even though Brother Bolender could not accompany us because of his pastoral duties. It seemed almost like a family reunion. We saw so many who had endeared themselves to us in the past. While there, Juanita played with one finger a song on the piano. I had not realized she had a musical talent. I resolved then and there by the help of God that talent would be developed. When we got home, we decided to go to Wichita to some large auction houses. We found a good used one (a piano) at a reasonable price. They loaded it on our trailer. With thankful hearts, we drove the 200 miles back home. Sister Ireland became her first teacher.
We had so many victorious experiences on this charge, but we also met with some problems. The pianist at the church was a very nice educated lady, but not a member of the church. She had not given any signs of a personal relationship with the Lord. Her husband was no doubt the wealthiest farmer in the county. He had hundreds of acres of wheat. When harvest came, he had seven combines working day and night. One Sunday morning, Brother Bolender brought a clear and challenging message on Holiness. At the close he asked Sister Snowbarger to play the piano for an invitation hymn. He did not dream of hurting anyone’s feelings; only that Sister Snowbarger, a sanctified member of the church, would be in harmony with the message and would add influence to the invitation. After the service was over, we felt a spirit of apprehension. The pianist and her husband had left early in not too good a mood. One member approached my husband about it. So when our offended friends did not come to church the next Sunday, we decided to make a call; we prayed the Lord to guide us. We were glad they were both at home. As they invited us in, we tried to be as casual as possible with the usual remarks followed by saying we missed them at church. Making no reply to our statement, he in a very agitated tone said, “The trouble with you folks you accept everything in the Bible whether it is reasonable or not.” Such a statement was so unexpected it could have floored me, but my practical husband calmly replied, “We certainly accept the Bible as it is the Word of God, giving proof both from Scripture and personal experience of the power of the gospel.” Whereupon, he began to ridicule the idea that a low down ignorant drunkard or thief could bow at an altar and almost suddenly be transformed into an upright decent citizen. Seeing he was in no mood to accept help, we took our leave as graciously as possible, inviting them back to the services. Our hearts were saddened, but we felt we had been true to the gospel message and to the leading of the Holy Spirit. They never returned to the services while we were there, but the church continued in spiritual growth.
As time for our annual business meeting drew near, Brother Bolender felt his work there was completed and wrote the District Superintendent to that effect. Brother Waddell tried to persuade him to stay, but he felt he had the leading of the Lord. So in due time, we started packing again saying goodbye to dear friends. As we traveled east pulling the heavily loaded trailer, our lasting remembrance of the area was the miles of growing wheat as it ripened for harvest and took on the appearance of a golden sea rippling in the western wind.
