Testimonials

Alan W. Phillips, Associate Director, Missions Resource Network

As we work to advance mission team formation for the South Pacific on all Christian university and School campuses, no one is doing more to encourage these efforts than Dwight & Brenda. They are highly effective advocates for a region of the world that has been somewhat neglected by churches of Christ over the past two decades. Their experience in Australia is invaluable in recruiting and their collaborative spirit is a real encouragement.”

—Rick & Junko Ryan (former students) Miranda NSW

My wife and I met Dwight (and later Brenda) when we were students at SIBI from 2001 to 2003. When I met Dwight I saw his deep love for the people of Australia and the church here. Dwight did not have to convince us to come to Australia, as my wife wanted to return here. However he did help us considerably in looking at our options & in establishing contacts here.

We met with Dwight many times during our time at Sunset. He was always willing to let us bounce ideas off him and to offer advice from his time in Australia. Dwight is an encourager and a mentor. Later, in Australia in July 2003, both Dwight and Brenda showed great love to us when we needed a helping hand in our marriage relationship. That type of help is hard to quantify but I can certainly qualify it.

During the course of time at Sunset I saw Dwight encouraging other students and faculty to become interested in Australia. When we went to the Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop and helped on Dwight’s (display) stand, I again saw his love and commitment to Australia and the church here. He worked hard to generate interest but in doing so never lost sight that it he is working for God and that is an eternal work.

I see the huge need for God in a land that has turned its back on God. But there are still people in every city, just as there was in Corinth, who want to know God. For that, we need more Christians like Dwight and Brenda who will introduce, encourage and help missionary minded Christians to come to Australia.

–Sherryl and Ern Smith, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Brenda and Dwight’s missionary visits to Adelaide have been very helpful and encouraging; we have been inspired by their enthusiasm and deep conviction for the urgent need of the spreading of the word and of working in the kingdom.

Because of their 9 years full-time and a further 30 years or regular visits as Missionaries their experiences and knowledge of the people of Adelaide and the Australian culture, they are able to advise Christians who are interested in coming to Australia as Missionaries to do Kingdom work and of the urgent need for dedicated workers.

Brenda and Dwight are not interested in quick fixes such as large revivals devised by men (hence a large drop out rate) but by the teaching of the existing Christian base and of the nurturing of the new Christians has a sustained revival of biblical principals is obtained and maintained.

We have been energised by their zeal when they are with us and the practical knowledge and advice they are able to share with the brethren in Adelaide. Their concern to visit brethren and encourage them to fellowship, study and pray is also a great boon to the church.

In Australia the church does not have the depth as it does in America so the need for Missionaries in Australia is urgent for the spreading of the work and the equipping of our younger generation of Christians.

Their long experience and their gift of diplomacy has helped cement the friendship of both the Northern Districts church of Christ and the Adelaide church such is the influence of these two dedicated and much loved Workers.
—Chris Johnson (former student)
I first met Dwight at the Sunset International Bible Institute where he was one of the instructors for the “Advanced Missions” students. Having already attended and completed an apprentice missionary program, a school of preaching, and a Christian university, I must admit that I was very skeptical that I could “learn anything new” from the Sunset staff. However, I was quick to see that my doubts could be removed, as teachers such as Dwight opened my eyes to a broader spectrum of ideas and Bible based truths that I had needed to hear about mission work. Much of the teaching at Sunset was a fresh change for me and Dwight was a leader in presenting such material. Not only did Dwight teach in a way that truly captivated his audience, he also allowed the class to experience his heartfelt convictions as he often spoke candidly and honestly about his own experiences and passions. Dwight’s classes were creative and interesting, not merely lecture but also involving hands-on laboratory and investigation work. These lessons not only appealed to me, but also to other missionaries that I have talked to since. Many have said that Dwight’s “Modern Mission Movements” class was among the best at Sunset.

Not only has Dwight influenced young missionaries who are only beginning their ministries, but he has also influenced older, more advanced missionaries as well. I was surprised one day as I was speaking to the head of the missions department at my Christian university to find that Dwight had been the preacher to convert and baptize the professor. This ex-missionary to Africa could only speak well of Dwight and told me how blessed we were to have him as a teacher. Needless to say, it wasn’t until then that I truly appreciated what Dwight was doing for me. It requires, I believe, a great deal of humility to train young preachers and missionaries for service rather than to enjoy the constant “rush” of being out on the mission field. Dwight’s lifestyle demonstrates that he sees value in creating second and third generation teachers and is apparently rather successful at that task.

Larry and Holly Crosby (former student)

Larry writes: My time at SIBI is the fondest and most memorable in my life. You had a great deal to do with that. I appreciate the investment of your life in ministry, the school, and my life. I am forever grateful.

Thank you for your commitment, your passion, your writing, your teaching, your singing and your obvious love for God’s word. It all comes out in your life and is evident through the impact it has on those of us who are privileged to know you. Thank you for everything.