1997 Keith and Penny Stamps

I first met Keith and Penny in 1996 but it was in ’97 that I got to know them well. Keith and Penny were career missionaries. They worked for a short time in pastoral work in the States but then were called to the foreign field. Guatemala was their first stop and then a year or so after, Keith was shot by banditos; it was off to Nicaragua. Keith and Penny were thinkers. Translators and linguists at the beginning of their work, they have now returned to Guatemala to do the same.

They were not showy, flashy, political or even suave – and that all to their credit. They were the associates to a lead missionary couple when I met them in Nicaragua. They were workers who rarely sought or got credit. I watched them find solace and call in this servant – second role over the years. I was blessed by their role more times than ever by the others who served above them.

They made sure our missionary teams had water, food, luggage and the like. Keith and Penny were straight-laced and true friends. I stayed in their home. They visited me in the mission field even when I was not working for them. They once came and took me to the coffee farm so that I would rest on a preaching/evangelism trip. They told me of their travels and they shared their lives. I learned how important it was to have, to be able to be and to strive to be a great “second fiddle” leader. It is indeed the hardest of all roles.

I once saw them almost stumble in emotion and frustration because they were overwhelmed with not being recognized and at the same time not really liking being the top dog. It was almost as if they were caught in the middle – I could do little but pray as they worked it through. Watching them, though, helped me when I faced this same crisis as an Associate Pastor. Being true as a support staff is tough. Being solid and unwavering when you might want to lead but aren’t supposed to can be difficult. I was no doubt a better second fiddle leader because of what I watched in my friends Keith and Penny.

These two were dedicated, dependable, experienced and solid. Their skills used in the right way helped great works get done even though few will ever know or remember their work. Nonetheless, they get up and lie down every day as missionaries. They sacrificed it all – like so many others – for the sake of the call. They grew, they failed, they succeeded and they stayed at the work. I really admire them.

It has been years now since I have seen my friends. They are busy and I am a leader of leaders and often get caught up in the tasks of today. But I have not forgotten them over the distance and time. These two people changed my life by simply being my friends and doing their jobs.

I hope they think of me over coffee now and again. Perhaps one day I will be able to bless them the way that their lives in Christ have blessed me.