Altar Call - Opelika-Auburn News
August 6, 2000
Walter Albritton
When Keith Byrd sold his Honda motorcycle, his friends were somewhat
impressed that he would be willing to part with it. But when his wife, Dianne, offered her
diamond engagement ring for sale, at half the appraised value, their friends knew that the Byrds
meant business about going to Africa as missionaries.
Many well-meaning people fantasize about becoming missionaries. There is a
certain romance about going to another country to promote the faith. But not many folks are
willing to make the sacrifice that is necessary. Both Keith and Dianne have earned
doctorates. Both have enjoyed a career in teaching counseling, working with teachers,
and equipping college students with the tools to counsel school students. Now both have
given up their jobs in order to prepare themselves to teach at Kenya Highlands Bible
College in Kenya.
Getting there is not so easy. Having been accepted by the World Gospel Mission
Board in Marion, Indiana, they have been commissioned to serve as missionaries. But
first they must raise their support -- a total of $4,800 per month. If that seems like quite
a salary for missionaries, it turns out their salary will be only about $1600 a month. The
rest is necessary for their benefit package (health insurance, etc.) and for ministry
expenses for their work at the college.
Once in Kenya they will be paying income tax both in the United States and in
Kenya. If the Mission Board provides them with a vehicle and a house, they will pay
taxes on the value of both.
Learning the Swahili language is another challenge for the Byrds, although there
is a possibility that they will be allowed to learn the native language as they serve. Even
so they will have to devote from three to six months for language study before they can
set foot on Kenya soil.
A few years ago Keith and Dianne were invited to co-chair the missions work
at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika. They accepted the task of helping the
church raise support for more than a dozen missionaries across the world, never
dreaming that they would join the group of missionaries the church is supporting. The
support of missions work by the Trinity church has grown significantly under the
steady leadership of the Byrds.
Sunday the Trinity church family will commission the Byrds to serve as
missionaries. It will be an experience that is rare for a congregation -- to have some
of its own members to be consecrated for missionary service. Joe Turnham and Newman
Crook, who now co-chair the missions work for the church, will share in the
consecration of the Byrds.
So how much support have the Byrds raised thus far? About $500 a month, they
say. Are they discouraged? No. They will begin next week an intense effort to tell
their story and to invite friends and churches to support them so that they can make the
journey to Kenya.
When do they expect to leave? They have no idea. First, they must secure
monthly commitments totaling $4,800 a month for five years. Supporters can give
any amount they wish. Actually a pledge of $5 a month for five years is better than a
one-time gift of several hundred dollars, although the Byrds will be grateful for
any amount at any time.
And what about the engagement ring? It is still for sale. It can be bought
for $3600, a little less than half its appraised value. Anyone wishing to discuss
buying it can reach Dianne at 749-4924.
Keith and Dianne are enjoying their thirty-second year of marriage. Apparently they have found something together that is worth far more to them than a beautiful diamond ring. If it sells, the money will be added to the money Keith got for the Honda,
to help this Lee County couple realize their dream of serving the Lord in Africa.
I can't help but wonder how Kenyans say "sacrifice" in Swalili.