Mr. Holloway's Sunday Nights

Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas · October 1943

The Baptist Training Union at Sheppard Field was run by Mr. Holloway, a widower of sixty or more who reminded Ken of his grandfather, "not in looks but actions and ways." Every Sunday night he drove a team of Christian soldiers out to the little churches around Wichita Falls: Burkburnett, Thrift, Iowa Park, Kamay and Cashion. "He is a real soul winner," Ken wrote.

On the first Sunday, 3 October, Ken spoke on "What We Believe About the Church." When the young people sang "Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before," he told them it made him homesick and had the whole church stand and sing it again for him.

Two weeks later, at Cashion at 9:15 at night, a soldier stood up in the corner and said he was not a Christian.

Mr. Holloway explained to him the way of salvation. … He then had the other Christian soldiers stand up and come forward. We all stood there together. He didn't do it however after the meeting he was saved. He asked for prayer so I'll pass it along to you.

Ken to the folks, 18 October 1943

It is the first time the letters show someone coming to Christ through Ken's preaching. The team, Butler, Smith, Fuller, Hannah, Pate and Ken, planned a series on salvation, and Ken took "When can you be saved." Mr. Holloway came even when his doctor told him to stay in bed, because the boys might ship out before another Sunday. By April 1944 he wrote Ken that the work had seen 27 conversions and 150 rededications.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

A Bible, Some Tracts and Two Men on Their Knees

Sheppard Field · October 1943

In the barracks Ken's witness was quieter. One night the soldier in the next bunk sat on his bed smoking. Ken wanted to kneel for his prayers and took his time.

He just seem to stay there and so I waited. Then as I closed my bag and was working at it he got down on his knees and started to pray. So I realized we were each waiting on the other.

Ken to the folks, 12 October 1943

A bright young cadet came to ask "a great favour": could he borrow Ken's Bible? Aunt Lois sent tracts, the best package he had received, "When you give out tracts to soldiers they have to be timely and these are the best I've seen in that way." After reading one, the man next to him began the book of Mark.

Corporal Butler took him to a prayer meeting that aviation mechanics had held every night since April.

It was just like our meetings back at Moodys. … When I left M.B.I. I never thought I would get to meet as many fellows like the men I knew in Chicago. But I find quite a few in the Army and they are real because war is real.

Ken to Grandpa and Grandma, 17 October 1943

A lieutenant back from the Pacific told them he had seen big men pray over there. Ken wrote, "War brings out a lot of things. I'm sure glad I have Christ in my heart and am ready for anything."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Guard Duty at the Ammunition Dump

Sheppard Field · September–November 1943

The letters from Sheppard Field are full of training. There was the G.I. haircut, "so short that it sticks up in front," and the obstacle course three days a week, with rope swings over green water and an eight-foot wall: "All of these took some muscles and a little courage." In gas training he smelled mustard gas, and on the drill field the men wore masks "18 minutes out of every hour." He studied the Thompson submachine gun and the new M-1 carbine, and in late October he threw his first grenades. Of the 70 men in his barracks, 29 failed the mental exams. "But through the help of the Lord I passed."

On 23 October he drew post 18, the ammunition dump in the trees south of the field, one of the few posts with live rounds: two hours on and four off for twenty-four hours.

I thought to myself (what if a spy were to come up would I be able to aim the gun and shoot him) So I was very relieved when they told me that we don't kill anybody on this post.

Ken to the folks, 25 October 1943

The family drove down from Kansas about the weekend of 9 October: "my father, mother, two sisters and brother," with a cake from Aunt Lois. Ken had asked them to "bring some Kansas water." Mr. Holloway preached about them afterward, the parents who came all the way from Kansas to see "this Eagle fellow" (the typist's spelling).

At the foot of one letter Ken wrote a motto he kept for life: "We don't know what's in the future but we do know who holds the future."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

The Master Pilot

Henderson State Teachers College, Arkadelphia, Arkansas · 1944

The college paper announced that Cadet Engle would speak during Religious Emphasis Week on "The Chaplain's Work On The Home Front." On Wednesday, 1 March 1944, the other speaker did not come.

We had a very good crowd and the Lord really helped me in speaking. The other fellow who was to speak wasn't there so I got to be the speaker of the evening.

Ken to the folks, 3 March 1944

In speech class a soldier said Engle would know more about the Bible because he had been to Moody. "It gave me a real thrill to hear soldiers hold the Bible in such high a place."

On 21 March he spoke to the college Y.W.C.A., comparing learning to fly with the Christian life. His outline ended: "V The Master pilot – Jesus … 1. My draft & Down drafts … 3. Let go – Let God." At the top of a letter he wrote Deuteronomy 31:6, "one I think goes good with flying."

Flying itself was hard. One night in March he wrote:

Tonight I was about as blue as I have been for a long time. … so I got down on my knees and asked the Lord to help me and I feel fine now. … Mother I was so glad to hear that you were praying for me each afternoon at 2:30.

Ken to the folks, 24 March 1944

He was reading Spurgeon's life, The Shadow of the Broad Brim, and hoping for navigation: "maybe the Lord is preparing me."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Praying for the Roommates

Arkadelphia and Harlingen · January 1944 – February 1945

Ken's roommates at Henderson were Frisella, a Catholic from St. Louis whom he went with to New Year's Mass; Gragey; and Hall, a troubled young man. When Hall was in the infirmary, Ken brought him tracts. In January he asked the folks to pray.

I would ask your prayers that I may win my roomates to the Lord and that I may not go their way as they would like.

Ken to the folks, 5 January 1944

By February Frisella was reading the Bible every day in spite of the teasing. "Frisella is coming along fine in the Bible. He asks me quite a few questions." When the first Arkansas snow fell, Ken put a snowball in Frisella's bed.

Hall went on with Ken to Harlingen, Texas. On 30 April 1944, after many long talks, Hall told Ken he was ready.

He said he believe that it was only fair to give god a chance. … he told me he had never realized what a thrill it was until then.

Ken to the folks, 30 April 1944

They prayed together. Ten months later Hall wrote from Sheppard Field. He was married now, and "completely happy," and he signed himself "A Pal forever." Gragey went to the infantry and wrote from Italy, remembering where they had been on Easter 1944.

At Harlingen Ken found a Christian Endeavor group of soldiers and WACs, and a gunnery instructor who knew the Plymouth Brethren: "I was surprised because so few people even know P.B. even exist."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

A Missionary from China

Arkadelphia · January–April 1944

At Moody Ken had prayed for China, and the burden went with him into the Army. In January 1944 he sent home a newspaper clipping about Harry Lin, "the Chinese boy I talked with quite a bit at M.B.I.," and asked that it be kept in his files. On 30 January he spoke at the Baptist Training Union on "our failure in meeting the missionary challenge." "I didn't do too well, I couldn't get said what I wanted to."

After the cadet program was cut, he and Carl went to the missionary week at Arkadelphia.

At ****** we went to Miss Watson's home. She is a return missionary from China. We had a good talk with her only it was too short. … The missionaries from Brazil and China spoke. And the Japanese American also spoke.

Ken to the folks, 12 April 1944

He bought the course book, The Word Overcoming the World, and was still trying to finish it when he left. When shipping orders came on 4 April (they were cancelled), Ken said goodbye from the chapel platform: "It seems like this school sort of fell in love with its soldiers." Six trees were planted by the dormitory for men who had died in the service.

The train to Harlingen arrived at two in the morning on 22 April. Red Cross canteens along the way gave out food and Gospels. He had relearned Psalm 91, and he wrote, "You know the nearer to battle we get the stronger I'll have to be for the Lord."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

The Bible Class at Nadzab

Nadzab, New Guinea · Christmas 1944 – January 1945

Before Ken moved up to the Jolly Rogers, he started a Bible study at Nadzab with two Christian friends, Robert Meek and a man the letters call only "Lucky." On Christmas afternoon 1944 he watched Meek build a tent, with a parachute for a ceiling.

Meek wrote in January. The weeknight project had stopped without Ken, but the Sunday class was going on.

No one other than Lucky and I were interested in the project you started before you left here and so it has been disbanded. … The Sunday morning Bible class is doing well considering what we started out with and I hope the interest will grow.

Robert Meek to Ken, 22 January 1945

About twelve came each week, fifteen the Sunday before he wrote, and Chaplain Watters was bringing "very wonderful Gospel messages." Meek and three others now lived in the parachute tent and were growing tomatoes from seed his wife had sent.

Lucky thanked Ken for a tract.

Anyway ole boy what *** takes place I'm really pulling for you and backing it up with prayer.

Lucky to Ken, 7 January 1945

Ken's envelopes now read "Cpl. Kenneth E. Engle, APO 713-1." His serial number was 37538334.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Letters from the Crew

Spring 1945

When Ken left the crew in March 1945, Jim Hickey wrote that they had sorted his things before turning them in.

We separated most of your stuff before we turned it in. We took out all your stuff including your Bible and other books.

Jim Hickey to Ken, 11 April 1945

The crew had all made staff sergeant. "Stanley has been checked out in the lead! We flew it on our last mission to Farmosa." Their garden had failed: "Chickens dug up half the radishes and Carrot, and the rats ate the rest."

At home the family did not know where he was. A neighbor back from the Pacific told Grant there was a San Jose on Luzon and one on Mindoro. Mother wrote, "With you so far away we feel so helpless," and then, "But I just read the Verse 'But my God shall supply all your need' and distance means nothing to him." At the bottom Keith added Romans 8:28 and Eloise added Isaiah 26:3. Two months later Ken wrote, "Romans 8:28 is still in the 'Book of books.'"

Ken had been a help to others too. Johnny Hanrahan, a soldier he had met that spring, wrote in June:

I should have written you before, Ken, to thank you for the encouragement and guidance you provided during those troublesome days at the 126th. … I will always be grateful that you were at my right hand when you were. … I've gained something Ken – I'm passing it on to others.

John C. Hanrahan to Ken, 24 June 1945

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

John Sunberg

England · 1945

John Sunberg was a Christian friend from Ken's training days. He flew with the Eighth Air Force out of England, and in February 1945 he wrote to "Cpl. Kenneth E. Engle." He had seen Hannah, a friend from training, in London. He had no Christian buddy on his crew, but he was keeping up his Bible.

I'm reading my Bible twice daily and memorizing scripture verses. … I have completed 13 operations and have 22 to go. I thank God for His wonderful protection thus far.

John Sunberg to Ken, 27 February 1945

In December his brother Bill wrote Ken from Red Oak. On 18 March 1945, on the twenty-third mission, to Berlin, John's bomber was badly hit. The crew tried to reach Russian-held territory and all bailed out.

They all got out of the plane safely but were straffed by Russian Fighter planes.

Bill Sunberg to Ken, 18 December 1945

John and Sergeant Marino were killed. Both letters were kept with Ken's own.

Others wrote too. Harry, a gunner who flew seven missions before he was grounded, told Ken, "I needed some one just like you to associate with, and to go to church, to weekly meetings with."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Where He Wants You

Abilene and Chicago · 1945–1948

Ken went back to Moody after the war, and from the farm and from Chicago he was already giving to missions. In 1945 the Moody Missionary Union thanked him for a gift. In 1946 missionary Anita Lewis thanked him for ten dollars and his prayers: "May the Lord greatly use you for His glory and soon put you in His appointed place of service."

In 1948 a letter came from India. Violet Hendrickson, a Moody friend commended from Austin, wrote from a girls' school in Kollegal. She had seen a full-page Moody advertisement in a magazine, with Ken's picture in it, "dealing with a man at a mission." She remembered their talk in the Sweet Shop about whether a missionary should plan his road or leave it with the Lord.

Kenneth, it is the most wonderful thing in the whole world to know that the place you are in is the place that the Lord Himself has chosen for you. … Have you had any more leading from the Lord as to where He wants you? There seems to be such a need all over.

Violet Hendrickson to Ken, 19 August 1948

That spring Keith was engaged to Cleo Barten and asked Ken to be best man. Ken gave his brother advice.

It's putting the Lord Jesus Christ first in everything. If you put Him truly first He will work out all of the details. … Then you want to talk over having family worship in your home.

Ken to Keith, 28 April 1948

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

The Treasure Boat

Worcester, Massachusetts · August 1949

After graduating from Moody in 1949, Ken spent his August vacation running a two-week Daily Vacation Bible School in a small chapel in Worcester, Massachusetts. It began on 8 August.

He ran it as a voyage. Every child needed a ticket to board the ship. A sailboat race moved each crew ahead for bringing Bibles and visitors, and one little boy brought 28 children over the two weeks.

Another highlight of the day was the memory work which we called the treasure boat, the Bible being our treasure map.

Ken's report, September 1949

One morning a boy stayed behind. He was the friend who had brought all those visitors.

The greatest thrill of the work was one morning when I had the opportunity to lead a young fellow to the Lord Jesus. What joy he had when Jesus came in.

the same report

On closing night the parents came, and the gospel was given to them too. Then Ken went on to New York and Washington, D.C.

Boys and girls, verses learned by heart, and the gospel: it was the work he would do for the rest of his life, before he knew where the Lord would send him.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

The Prayer Meeting at Moody

1949 or 1950

When Ken was a student at Moody Bible Institute, he belonged to a prayer group that met to pray for China. At the same time he had been writing back and forth with Cyril Brooks in the Philippines, and he was praying about whether the Lord wanted him there.

One night Ken asked some of the other Moody students to join him for an all-night prayer meeting. They prayed through until morning.

The next morning Ken went to his mailbox. Inside was a letter from Cyril Brooks, inviting him to come to the Philippines as a missionary. That letter had been on a ship for thirty days. It reached him the very morning after he had spent the night asking God for direction.

God had sent the answer a month before Ken finished asking for it.

“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

Isaiah 65:24

From Kevin Engle’s recollections

An Open Door

Chicago · May–August 1950

In the spring of 1950 Ken wrote to Cyril Brooks in Manila to ask about the need. The answer came in late May. Mr. Brooks wrote that Ken should follow the Lord's guidance, and then:

There is definitely a place for you to help around San Juan if the Lord calls you to work with us. Right now much is being left undone because we have not the time and strength to cope with it all.

Cyril Brooks, quoted by Ken to his mother, 26 May 1950

There was English work among the young people, he said, "in which you could help to relieve us immediately," and he mentioned a roll-away bed.

Needless to say when I got the letter I was thrilled. It looks as though an open door is before at least at this moment. … The Lord has given me real joy and peace in my heart since the decision to go to the Islands. There's nothing better than being in His will.

Ken to his mother, 26 May 1950

Ken drew up a timetable, with the field in December. (Whether this is the letter of the all-night prayer meeting, the family does not know.)

His last weeks at Moody were full. He gave a talk on lepers when his voice was weak: "I do believe the Holy Spirit used it." On 17 July the Dean called a day of prayer for the graduating class, "a day I'll long remember." He graduated on 3 August 1950.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Commended to the Work

Chicago and Abilene · June–July 1950

On Sunday 25 June 1950 Ken met with the elder brethren at Austin Gospel Hall in Chicago and gave his testimony. "They would like to write out a joint letter with the Abilene assembly," he told his sister Eloise.

The letter is dated 9 July 1950. It is addressed to "Christians gathered in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in the United States, Canada and elsewhere." It tells how Ken came to Chicago from Abilene as a student and how he was called into the armed forces.

Later he was called into the service of the armed forces and while in Philippines, the need for the gospel in that country was laid upon his heart by the Holy Spirit. … We have learned to love our brother Engle and appreciate his desire to be of service in the work of the Lord.

the letter of commendation, 9 July 1950

It says he wished to go out as a fellow laborer with Cyril Brooks of Manila.

For Grace and Truth Gospel Hall in Abilene it was signed by D. W. Emig, F. H. Nicholson, Ken's father Grant Engle, his uncle Orville Robson and his brother Keith Engle. For Austin, fourteen men signed, among them Henry T. Moffat, Dr. R. Winfield Scott, Phil R. Clarkson and Clarence R. Welsher.

Among the Brethren a missionary does not join a board. He goes out commended by his home assemblies, and they stand behind him in prayer. Ken's father and brother put their names to the letter that sent him.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Seven at Kansas Bible Camp

Wichita, Kansas · August 1950

Kansas Bible Camp met at 1601 West 51st Street in Wichita, with about 110 campers. Ken taught fifty to sixty-five children, aged nine to fourteen, three periods a day. The director, Richard Burson, taught the campers "Get your mind off Mary Lou."

My heart is overflowing tonight as I write – Two children professed to be saved – one little colored fellow and a little white girl.

Ken to Mary Lou, August 1950

By Friday's campfire testimony meeting there were more.

Seven children (4 boys & 3 girls) professed to be saved. No two were saved at the same time or place.

Ken to Mary Lou, August 1950

He was careful about counting: "When we speak of souls being saved I think we should be very careful for I believe we grieve the Lord many times in this matter. Mary Lou, I don't know when I've seen such a blessing on my ministry as I saw at camp."

That summer the Korean War began. Friends were classified 1-A, and Mary Lou asked whether Ken would be called up again.

I went over there for Uncle Sam once this time I hope to go for the Lord. However, He knows best and if He wants me in there that's just where I want to be.

Ken to Mary Lou, 23 August 1950

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Two Columns on the Tractor

Abilene, Kansas · August–September 1950

Home on the farm, Ken began telling of his call. At Elm Springs Bible Hall he gave "a Philippine flannel talk to the kids" and spoke on worldwide missions. On 17 September he preached at the First Baptist Church of Abilene.

A man and a woman came up after the morning service and said they remembered meeting me at Walla Walla, Wash. That was when I was in the air force and we met at the Baptist minister's home – Small world.

Ken to Mary Lou, 18 September 1950

He ordered a thousand prayer cards, and each had his name misspelled. The printer sent a second thousand with the name right. "Mary Lou, I believe this was of the Lord. Two thousand for the price of one."

Then came a hard choice. Don Parker, who was arranging his New York meetings, was hurt when his yacht's engine blew up and asked Ken to wait until late October. Should he leave in September anyway?

I went out on the tractor to harrow … and also to pray for guidance.

Ken to Mary Lou, 19 September 1950

On the tractor he made two columns of reasons, September and October. September had "far the best list." "It's a step of faith but M.L. He is giving me the 'green light' almost daily regarding the field. … Even though it's a dark picture in regard to getting a visa I believe if we pray He will work it out at just the right time."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

The Boy from Wheaton

Chicago to New England · October 1950

On the night train from Chicago to Boston, Ken noticed a young man across the aisle reading his Bible. He was a Wheaton College student going home because of troubles.

I had a wonderful time of fellowship with him. We went to the diner for a bite to eat – he certainly isn't ashamed of the Word. He carried his Bible along and put it on the table.

Ken to Mary Lou, 17 October 1950

Seeing the boy's troubles, Ken decided not to spend money on a sleeper, and slept curled up on an empty seat. Mr. MacDonald met him in Boston wearing a plaid tie so Ken would know him.

He now had 95 slides of the Philippines. The first night with them he wrote, "The slides were beautiful but the speaker KE. was poor." But the meetings grew: Somerville, Worcester, Attleboro, Westerly. "I had one of the best gospel meetings last night that I've ever had. I know it was in answer to prayer."

A woman at the Beech Street meeting in Somerville asked him to teach her child evangelism class. He put her directions in his pocket, went to Beacon Street instead of Beacon Terrace, and came half an hour late. "The lesson: It is not enough to have followed the Lord yesterday and the days before but we must walk with Him today." Two months later she wrote that the children were praying for him, and sent a gift, half of it from them.

He copied a line from David Brainerd's journal for Mary Lou: "I wanted to wear out my life in His service, for His glory."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Why Go to a Foreign Land?

West Suburban Hospital, Oak Park · August–November 1950

Mary Lou was a student nurse, and she was finding her own call. In the Loop she shared a cafeteria table with a complaining old woman and gave her the tract "The Way of Salvation." Ken wrote back, "You have the makin's of a good missionary."

People asked why go abroad when so many at home were unsaved. She found the answer in Luke.

Luke 4:43 tells where the Lord himself says “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also; for therefore am I sent!”

Mary Lou to Ken, 24 October 1950

Heathen all around us with access to the gospel, and yet worse, thousands in Africa or the Phillipines who gladly would accept Him if only they could hear about Him. It's wonderful that we should be chosen to witness isn't it.

Mary Lou to Ken, September 1950

On night duty a man dying of cancer asked her why she was going to be a missionary.

I explained to him how altho healing bodies is important for this life, healing of souls would mean an eternity of life or death.

Mary Lou to Ken, November 1950

In the margin of one letter she wrote "(MINDORA)," for Mindoro, where Ken had prayed for a church in 1945.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Soil or Souls

Kansas · November–December 1950

The visa still had to go before the Commissioners of Immigration in Manila. One commissioner had just been replaced, and the new man, a Catholic who had gone to a Presbyterian school, favored evangelicals. Mr. Brooks wrote, "KEEP ON PRAYING." After it came through, Ken wrote, "I still can't get over the visa. He did it and I'll never know how."

Back on the farm, he kept preaching while he waited for a ship. At a ministers' meeting in December the speaker helped farmers with their crops.

He was more interested I believe in soil that souls. He goes out to the farmers and helps them with their crops but I wonder how many he ever wins.

Ken to Mary Lou, 5 December 1950

He spoke at a missionary meeting at First Baptist and at the Gospel Hall, and then to high school young people at Hutchinson.

I gave them talks on the Q.T. Prayer, Personal Evangelism and on the will of God. Then last evening I showed the slides. The Lord blessed from the beginning to the end.

Ken to Mary Lou, 11 December 1950

At Christmas he wrote to his campers. "I've had some prayer cards prepared and I wanted each one of you to have one. … Right now I'm waiting on my passport and passage. As you know many of the ships are going to Korea." His postscript: "Enclosed is a little tract. Be sure to read it!"

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Looking Outward Together

Abilene and Chicago · December 1950

Before Mary Lou came to Kansas for Christmas, Ken had a plan for her visit.

Be sure to bring your verses (Navigtor.) Also lets plan to each morning have our Quiet Time together and then tell each other what we get from the Lord.

Ken to Mary Lou, 28 November 1950

They both used the Navigator memory verses. After she went home, they read Proverbs in step, a chapter a day, he in Kansas and she in Chicago, a couple of chapters behind. Proverbs 6 spoke to him about getting up early.

Then in 6:9 I read about sleep and the Lord spoke to me again about getting up early to do my Quiet Time. Pray that I'll get blanket victory! The Word means more to me in the morning it seems.

Ken to Mary Lou, 20 December 1950

In Proverbs 9 he found "the two calls," wisdom and folly, both crying from the high places of the city. Mary Lou wrote that the first chapters had blessed her "since doing it your way."

He copied a saying for her that they kept for the rest of their lives.

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” I believe for sometime you and I, darling, have been looking outward together.

Ken to Mary Lou, December 1950

Waiting was hard. He copied this for her too: "You may move the hands of clock to suit you, but you do not change the time. … Leave all to Him. Hands down. Thy will, not mine."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

A House Burned in Thirty Minutes

Abilene · New Year's Eve, 1950

On the last night of 1950 Ken counted the year's blessings for Mary Lou.

Just think – in it the Brook's ask me to help them, the draft board gave me their release and the Philippine government recommended my visa be granted.

Ken to Mary Lou, 31 December 1950

That morning a man had come into the Sunday school hour with news of a fire. It was a fine house near Abilene, newly remodeled, where Ken and Mary Lou had stopped during her visit. In about thirty minutes it burned to the ground. The family had only the clothes they wore.

Darling it's possible to spend a life time building something like that and then see it go up in 30 minutes. But M.L. those things we have “over there” moth nor rust can never touch. Pray sweetheart that we'll never put “things” first.

the same letter

He thought of Mary Lou's sister Ginny, widowed that October. The Bethany Star had printed that on the night before her husband's homegoing, Ginny and George had promised the Lord that material things would not count in their lives, "but that bringing souls to Christ and making His Word known would be their goal."

Ken also named one of his failures of 1950.

As I look back on 1950 one of my great failures has been with my memory work. Pray with me that I'll be able to buckle down on this.

the same letter

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Up the Coast

California · February 1951

Ken's parents went with him as far as California. On Sunday 4 February he went to the Pomona meeting and then to dinner with forty or fifty Engles of the Upland area. "They are really thick out here." The next day he said goodbye to his parents. "It's another step, like the one in Newton, in breaking the ties with those I love. … It was hard – harder then I expected. I do thank God for my parents."

Then he spoke nearly every night: chapel at Upland College, a Christian school, then Colton, Glendale, Pasadena, Elm Springs, Long Beach and Castro Valley. At Elm Springs they asked for his favorite hymn, and he chose "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." At Pasadena he met Flora Barclay, a former missionary to China. A Chicago friend told him news from Albuquerque.

Two were saved the week he was there. He said the little boy who professed when I was there is coming along fine. That really thrilled my heart.

Ken to Mary Lou, February 1951

At Long Beach he stayed with the Atkinsons, who had kept missionaries in their home for years. Neighbors had said their daughter was throwing herself away when she went to Mexico City. There she met a Christian man with the same vision, and when she came home to marry, the Lord supplied china and silver when both were hard to find.

God is no man's debtor We're giving our lives to Him – whatever our need large or small – He sees – HE WILL NOT FAIL!

Ken to Mary Lou, on the train to Oakland

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Dear Prayer Partners

Aboard the S.S. California Bear, San Francisco · 17 February 1951

The sailing kept slipping, and Ken had what looked like a week's work to do in two days. "I took it to the Lord. Honestly I was really to the end of myself. He's stepped in and now at this moment everything is rated [crated] and down to the ship."

On his last night ashore he wrote a letter from his stateroom to everyone who had prayed for him.

Tomorrow, the Lord willing, I sail for the Philippines. This evening, in a few minutes of relaxation before sailing, I'd like to review with you the way the Lord has worked. May I say first, He has done exceeding abundantly about anything I ever ask or thought.

Ken to his prayer partners, 17 February 1951

He listed the barriers the Lord had taken down: the physicals, the shots, the passport, the equipment, and the visa.

The visa which we prayed about so long is now mine. There were times when it looked as though it would be refused but the Lord moved where we couldn't. … No matter what the enemy of souls may attempt in the future I know that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

the same letter

He gave his address as "c/o Mr. Cyril H. Brooks, Box 2380, Manila." A few days later he told Mary Lou how it had been.

For a while I thought sure He was sending in too much. But He knew the need ahead. … I had told my needs not to man but to Him and He had provided. Let's always do it that way, Darling.

Ken to Mary Lou, 22 February 1951

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

The Backside of the Desert

The Pacific crossing · February–March 1951

Ken was the only passenger. He ate at the Captain's table. "The food here is wonderful. … I am lonely though – no Christian fellowship yet. Pray that I'll be a testimony." He signed that letter with Psalm 56:3.

Mary Lou had given him thirty numbered letters to open on the way. One held a sewing kit: "a bright shining needle, 2 buttons … 5 pins and 4 kinds of thread." He left her a verse of his own: "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

It's been a long lovely trip with no Christian fellowship. The Lord has been close beside though and made it a very profitable time. I believe it is the way He wanted it. Sometimes He takes us to the backside of the desert to speak to us.

Ken to Mary Lou, March 1951

At San Fernando the ship stayed in harbor at night "with so many sunken ships here," wrecks from the war. Two nights later it came into Manila Bay past Corregidor, an island he had bombed six years before.

Almost all day long I could see Luzon. … Today as I looked out at Luzon I thought and prayed regarding the years ahead. I prayed that we might be able to reach out to those people in the out of the way places.

Ken to Mary Lou, Manila Bay, 16 March 1951

On the day the ship docked he wrote out Psalm 84:11, "Our verse," and noticed it had been one of George Müller's favorites.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Six Hours at the Mimeograph

San Juan, Rizal · March 1951

Cyril Brooks had fallen behind on the Bible School of the Air lessons while he settled Ken and the Epplers in. Ken took over the old mimeograph for about six hours, first the English lessons and then the Tagalog ones he could not yet read. "I may not be able to speak it yet but I can mimeo it."

I just prayed as I worked today that the Lord would take those lessons and use them to the salvation souls. I never dreamed it would be so wonderful to work for the Lord over here. I just feel all the time that He just cut out this place for me.

Ken to the folks, March 1951

The young people's work at San Juan was now his to lead. At four o'clock he and Cyril went visiting: a young man in the big tuberculosis hospital, reached by the radio, who was trying to win a scientist friend; then a man who wanted to be baptized. "Just one room and not one piece of furniture. We sat on a trunk."

Supper was usually eggs, bought every Monday out at Far East Broadcasting Co., and hot tea. Then came the Bible.

After the meal we had a reading from “Daily Light.” Then we each take a verse from a promise or verse box. After reading the verse the others guess where it is. You'd be amazed at the way Cyril knows the references. He certainly know his Bible. … It's a challenge to work beside a man like that.

Ken to the folks, 30 March 1951

The lessons had well over 2,000 students; within a week it was 2,400. One wrote, "I have born again through faith in Christ since studing this course."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Easter at Canlubang

Manila and Laguna · Easter Sunday, 25 March 1951

Ken's first Easter on the field came eight days after he landed. It began with a sunrise service on the grounds of the psychopathic hospital. Cyril Brooks preached in Tagalog, and Ken was asked to lead in prayer. In the crowd was Phil Armstrong of the Far Eastern Gospel Crusade, an old friend from Chicago, who preached in English.

Then they drove south to Canlubang.

After the service we drove to Canlubang. I gave a message there on the resurrection then Cyril interpreted. Had my first really Filipino meal.

Ken to Mary Lou, 25 March 1951

Mrs. Calica served rice, fried chicken, pork and bananas. In the afternoon they hired a launch to meet a missionary bound for Singapore, and Ken came back soaked. A missionary bound for Singapore gave him a verse that week: "Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thy self in the field; and afterwards build thine house." There was a Tagalog service at the hall at 4:30 and a cantata at 7:30.

My how these people love to sing. I can almost see their eyes when they first hear Mary Lou play.

the same letter

A week later Phil Armstrong's visit turned into a Moody reunion picnic at Far East Broadcasting Co., with a wiener roast and the old school song, "God Bless the School that Dwight L. Moody Founded."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Isaiah 53 and a Red Scooter

San Juan · 26 March – 1 April 1951

Ken's first Monday was what he called "RED TAPE": import control, alien registration and the American Embassy, with Cyril beside him all morning. His scooter had to clear import control. At noon a cashier offered to take his payment during the lunch hour for five pesos "for the Red Cross."

Well, I wasn't so sure the money would ever get to the Red Cross so I couldn't see it.

Ken to the folks, 28 March 1951

It cleared that afternoon the regular way. "I think it was Kipling who said something like this, 'Here lies the man who tried to hurry the East.'" Marvin Hooge, a missionary's sixteen-year-old son, helped him put it together. "It's a red one as bright as a fire engine. … I'm like a kid with a new toy with this scooter."

On Sunday, 1 April, Gideon, a Filipino law student, preached at 9:15, and the Breaking of Bread followed.

I gave a short meditation on Isa. 53 after breaking of bread. Bro. Mercado gave the translation – I was surprised because I hadn't expected it. Wish I could have understood Tagalog just then. He is a fine brother who really studys his Bible.

Ken to Mary Lou, 1 April 1951

At 5:30 he spoke to the young people in English on "Young People God Used." After supper the Brookses and Ken prayed over the radio work, the San Juan work and the islands. "As we prayed about new workers we mentioned my honey, Mary Lou."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Mary Lou's Map

Chicago State Hospital · February–March 1951

While Ken crossed the Pacific, Mary Lou was finishing her psychiatric training at Chicago State Hospital and taking evening classes at Moody. Her instructor gave her a 1940 National Geographic with two chapters on the Philippines. On her wall she pinned a map and pictures, among them a sunset over Manila Bay.

As I look up at this map on my wall and a few pictures I've pinned to it including a beautiful sunset over Manila Bay, I feel as though you'll not be so very far away.

Mary Lou to Ken, February 1951

In missions class a Dr. Harris showed slides of almost the same route Ken was sailing: San Francisco, Hawaii, the Philippines. In occupational therapy she played the piano for a rhythm band of withdrawn men. She learned a lesson about witnessing.

You know I've found that if I ask Him each morning to give a definite opportunity, and if I am expectantly awaiting one, He never fails to send one. But when I ask generally to make me a witness, my witness isn't very active.

Mary Lou to Ken, March 1951

I love to tell of Him, here, but still I yearn to be in a heathen country because they've NEVER heard. That's what makes me burdened for those dear natives so much. No matter where they are, Philippines, Africa, China.

Mary Lou to Ken, March 1951

On Easter Sunday her little sister Betsy Jane was baptized in Canonsburg. On 22 March Mary Lou left the State Hospital: "It was a wonderful missionary field & good experience though."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

A Bottle of Pop for the Lord

Kansas · August 1951

A year after Ken taught at Kansas Bible Camp, his sister Eloise went. On the screen one evening were Ken's own slides of the Philippines. Richard had asked their mother if he could keep them to show.

They showed the slides of yours and they really showed up nice on the screen. … They also took up an offering for you and got about $29 Richard said that he thought each one of us could give up a bottle of pop for the Lord.

Eloise to Ken, 19 August 1951

"Aunt Mattie" from Osborne gave flannelgraph lessons, and Eloise won a twelve-volume New Testament for her notebook. "We didnt get to sing any of the old camp songs of A.P. Gibbs and lots of the kids remembered your song book." She had also sent a pair of Ken's socks to a Filipino pen pal, who wrote back to her.

On the same day Grant wrote about the harvest. It had been a wet year, the year of the great Kansas floods. They got about 2,000 bushels and bought a new self-propelled John Deere combine, and he had built 6,800 feet of terraces. "We were quite thankful for the crop we got as many were not so fortunate."

Ken Brooks would be in Abilene on 1–2 October with new pictures from the field. And Mary Lou's parents were coming to the farm. "Will be looking forward to meeting the Leonards in a few days. What impression will they get of the Engle's."

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Religious but Lost

San Juan · March 1952

A year after he landed, Ken wrote home that "they are already kidding me about next October," when Mary Lou was to come. Gifts came by way of the magazine The Fields, and one of them stopped him.

I still marvel at the way the Lord touches hearts and burdens them to give. There's a man in California by the name of Golds who has sent to me a couple times through Fields. I don't think I have ever met him – got a letter from him the other day and he tells me he is a deaf mute. When people like that give I feel it makes my responsibility just that much greater.

Ken to the folks, 12 March 1952

The night before, he had visited a man who had shown interest in the gospel.

My how confused he is. His wife is a devout Catholic prays early in the morning and at night. It touched my heart to think – RELIGIOUS BUT LOST! We need your prayers.

the same letter

Ray Larson, "the other engaged fellow out here," had just met his fiancée at the ship. Ken would have to wait seven more months for his.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

Two Verses and Two Rings

San Juan Gospel Hall · 26 April 1953

Three weeks after the wedding Ken wrote to his friends at The Fields in New York.

Brother Cyril Brooks gave the bride away. Ken Brooks was best man and Dale Brooks was ring bearer.

Ken to friends at The Fields, 20 May 1953

It was a missionary's wedding: "A number of unsaved folks were present at the wedding and a good clear gospel message was given." A reception followed at the Cyril Brooks home.

At the rings, each of them gave a verse.

As I placed the ring on Mary Lou's finger I quoted our testimony verse. “The Lord God is a sun and shield…” (Ps. 84:11) Then as Mary Lou placed my ring on she said, “Intreat me not to leave thee…” (Ruth 1:16).

the same letter

Psalm 84:11 had been "our verse" since before Ken sailed. Both of them put it on their valentines in February 1951. Mary Lou wrote it at the top of her letters while he crossed the Pacific, and he wrote it out the day his ship reached the Philippines.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

The Wife Who Came to the Gospel Hall

Mindanao and Binangonan · 1958

In 1958 Ken spent a week of meetings at an orphanage on Mindanao.

Each morning I gave a message to the high school students on Bible Geography. Then in the evening I gave a gospel message. We praise the Lord there were some who professed salvation during the last days of the meeting.

Ken to Bro. John Smart, The Fields, 15 July 1958

He sent along a photo of two boys enrolling in the Bible School of the Air.

Some months before, a brother at Binangonan had come to him after prayer meeting, troubled. His wife and her relatives had planned the Roman Catholic baptism of their youngest child. The two men prayed.

In answer to prayer, the Lord overruled in the matter and when the day came for the baptism, due to special circumstances, they did not take the child to the Roman Catholic church. Instead, the mother and child came to the Gospel Hall.

the same letter

She kept coming, and Ken believed she had been saved through her husband's quiet testimony. "He is so happy these days and is one of the most faithful witnesses for the Lord in that area."

It is the earliest Binangonan story in the letters.

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

A Thousand Radios

Manila · May 1959

In May 1959 Ken sent Bro. Smart a report on the Bible School of the Air. It now offered 27 courses. "What the Bible Teaches" was in Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano, Ilongo, Chinese, Spanish and English. In all, 328,799 had enrolled and 47,497 courses had been completed. Filipino staff did the work: Reny Garantuza, Luz Lazaro, Fe Ison and Letty, all in fellowship at San Juan Gospel Chapel. Luz had been there almost nine years.

On the weekly half hour at Far East Broadcasting Co. there was now a panel, "Forum Time," with Ken, Kenneth Brooks, Leonard Brooks and Milton Haack, newly arrived from Minneapolis. Ken copied one letter:

I'm very happy to let you hear that I have been born again through accepting and trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour.

a student, 1959

Another came from a Catholic student: "I am a true Roman Catholic, and nobody could convince me to a certain religion. … I am like a blind man lead by someone I do not know." After asking his question, he enrolled four other people in "What the Bible Teaches."

The U.S. Ambassador had just given President Garcia 1,000 transistor radios, part of 19,000 for the villages.

This is a great day for radio work in the Philippines!

Ken to Bro. Smart, May 1959

From the family letters, sent by Kevin Engle.

About the Letter Pages

The pages marked "From the family letters" come from the Engle family letters of 1943 to 1959: 365 letters typed by the family in 2007 from the originals, and sent by Kevin Engle in October 2026. Most are Ken's letters home and the letters between Ken and Mary Lou. Others came from his friends in the service, his parents and sisters, Mr. Holloway, and the missionaries he prayed for.

Quotations keep the letters' own spelling. Where the typists could not read a word, the letters show asterisks, and so do these pages. The typists often wrote "Eagle" for "Engle."

Ken's handwritten letters from Manila after March 1951 have not yet been typed. When they are, they will add more to this volume and to Volume Seven, Grace Christian High School and Paul Tan.