A tribute to a true ministry pioneer - Bill Wilson -
In 1992-93, I began a journey with William Agbeti of Ghana. We accomplished a lot of things together for the people of Ghana, and still are going strong. Our goal is to show Christ through our example and work to the impoverished, the neglected, the endangered. And we do. Along the way, there are many people who come beside us and make an impact. The Butlers, Enoch and LaGretta, are such people. We have separate ministries, but we work so very closely together. I can't begin to tell you how generous the Butlers have been, providing housing, transportation, food, love and prayer during the past 25 years. William and I are truly grateful for our relationship. Last week, LaGretta went home to the Lord.
From Busuafise, a very rural area constantly under Islamic threat, where the Butlers planted a church and William and our ministry watered and helped grow it, William writes: "Last Sunday was a long-planned day for free feeding of some 100 needy children, giving out donations of used clothing to their parents, and cutting sod to signify the gradual commencement of construction works on the Redeemer MINISTRIES grounds for active rural ministry. It didn't happen as planned. Word reached us of the passing on of our much-beloved Madam LaGretta Butler, wife of Bishop Enoch Butler, founder of Christ Fellowship Church, the local church we always fall on and cooperate with to organize the poorest of the poor children and parents for our feeding programs. She died in the US and was the buried day before our planned program.
"Naturally, in respect for LaGretta, we suspended every activity and gathered with the local church for a service, prayer for the departed soul of LaGretta, her husband and family. LaGretta, together with her husband, have travelled so many times to Africa to do ministry. The couple has planted various churches, established a school, given out lots of scholarships, and adopted a few children in the country. LaGretta's life was total dedication to the service of God and mankind. She and her husband left behind all the good things in the US to embrace a life of uncertainties, medical risks and various challenges to do ministry in Ghana. The Butlers avoided the city centers and launched deep into rural Ghana where the gospel of salvation was most needed and where needs were most felt.
"Their brand of ministry was beautiful to behold, and an encouragement to many. Today, the legacy LaGretta has left behind is there for all to see--a small thriving local church, good education for many, some of whom are still in college, with some employed in places like the Ghana Police Service, whilst others are serving as ministers of the gospel. Above all, hundreds of souls have been won through their efforts for Christ. As we mourn the passing on of LaGretta, our own Bill Wilson, The Daily Jot, has beautifully captured our feelings and the feeling in heaven right now, powerfully saying, "Sadly for us, but glory for her!" Yes. It's so sad for us, but glorious in heaven right now for LaGretta."
Enoch and LaGretta are true examples of those of who, like us, are the little guys. We don't have big ministry staffs or flashy television shows or corporate jets. We quietly obey the Lord's instructions to work in unity with Brothers and Sisters in the Lord to make a difference for the forgotten. When you support The Daily Jot, that's what you get. When I mourn LaGretta's passing, I'm honored to know that she was a woman who fed the hungry, took in the stranger, and clothed the naked. It is both inspiring and comforting that LaGretta has now heard in heaven the words spoken by our Savior in Matthew 25:20, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of the Lord."
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