A Very Special Day

A Missionary Life:
Rev. J. Wesley Day
China, Malaysia, Indonesia

A Very Special Day

"God has been very good to us--especially to me," 87-year-old Rev. Wesley Day, former missionary to Indonesia, reflected in his annual Christmas letter this past year. In the same letter, he said that he had been invited by Christians of Wesley Methodist Church of Medan, Indonesia, to join them in celebrating the church's 40th anniversary. Leaders of the English-speaking congregation invited all former pastors and Volunteers-in-Mission who had served there to come and join them for the historic occasion.

Few would have thought that Rev. Day, a District Superintendent in 1958 and pastor of the church in 1973, would have been able to make such a long and rigorous trip. This is, few who did not know him personally! Those who do can attest to his strong will and boundless energy in his late 80s.

Accompanied by two generations of Days, his son, the Rev. Jackson Day, daughter-in-law Frances Irvin, and grandson, James, the elder Rev. Day not only made the trip to Indonesia, but participated daily throughout the three-week stay. His presence was a welcome sight to members of the Methodist Church, whose present leaders include many of his former students. So respected is the elder Rev. Day for past contributions he has made to the life of the church, that a building adjacent to Wesley Methodist Church in Medan has been named in his honor. A modest man, he was called on to speak at many of the worship services attended by the U. S. delegation. His quiet graciousness and seasoned background in Indonesia inspired and informed the tour group.

Three Generations on Elephant

"I told my doctor that I wanted to try to make this," he said humorously. "So he started me on a bunch of pills and here I am." Rising as early as 5:30 most mornings, the Rev. Day endured long days of visiting church project sites and meeting with church officials. His stamina became the standard by which younger participants measured their days of travel throughout the country. No one dared complain of how long a day of visitation was, or how great the distance was up a hill to a particular village, in the face of the most senior member's buoyant spirit.

The Rev. Day was among 30 people from churches across the United States who participated in the 1998 Mission Study Travel Seminar January 10 through February 4. Sponsored annually by GBGM, the seminar is designed to help staff and constituents become more informed about United Methodist mission programs outside the U. S. Most participants teach in conference schools of Christian mission, thereby helping others understand the global connection of The United Methodist Church. Timing of the tour was planned to coincide with the anniversary celebration of the Wesley Methodist Church.

Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country. Christians make up only 7% of the population, 88% of which is Muslim, but Christianity, especially Methodism, is expanding. "Blessed to be a Blessing" was Wesley Church's anniversary theme, and indeed "the presence of the Christian church is a blessing," Rev. Day noted in brief remarks he offered. One can see how it impacts positively on people's quality of life. It is especially a source of strength during the present economic crisis in the region. Continued prayers and support are requested for all the people of Indonesia.

Currently a resident of Francis Asbury Manor, a United Methodist Home in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, the Rev. Day will have endless stories to share with fellow residents and Christians, as will all the participants of this timely and informative study tour.

Published in Friends in Mission: An occasional publication for Mission Alumni of the General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church, Spring 1998. © 1998 General Board of Global Ministries. All Rights Reserved.