From "Our Heritage" 1975

The following is taken from the Western District "Our Heritage" published in 1975

Azusa street ignited a flame that soon began to encircle the globe.  Dedicated hearts began to cast off material ambitions and walk a new path, that of a missionary.  Ships set sail from various western ports carrying more than ordinary cargo, for on board were the bearers of light - the light of the Holy Ghost and baptism in Jesus Name.

Leaving with nothing more than a handshake and a solemn promise of prayer, these pioneers practiced faith in its truest form.  For the most part God was their only 'Partner in Missions," but they were persuaded that what He had promised, He was also able to perform!


Among the torch bearers were Frank and May Gray who, upon marriage in 1910, left for the islands of Japan into the heart of heathenism.  Their two children, Olive (Haney) and David were born in Japan.  In 1919, the Grays were forced by illness to return to America, but in 1935 the land of the Rising Sun beckoned them again.  Finally, the war clouds of 1940 ended their work in Japan.

While evangelizing in California in the year 1939, F. R. Wheeler, wife, and son David announced their call to China, the sleeping giant.  While there they suffered many hardships and persecution at the hands of the invading Japanese.  In 1942 they were set free to return to the States, but they were not free from their call.  In 1946 they returned to their work until forced to leave by the communist occupation in 1949.

There were others in the early days of which time has buried the names and faces, but God's record is complete and in Heaven none are forgotten. 

From this district then came a marching line of willing hearts: The Pettys and daughter to Liberia in 1944 and again in 1950; the Davises to Liberia in 1954, with little finance but great faith; to Samoa the Reynolds carried His truth twice; and Bro. Elga Battle and wife stood upon the fertile soil of Uruguay where their printing press became a great weapon of God's truth.  Down in Nicaragua Robert Beasley faced a new frontier, and the girl he was to marry came to meet him there.  They united in marriage and together are currently laboring in that field.  From Texas, the Peaveys came and ministered in California until God's hand pointed toward Italy and the city of seven hills.  The march continued with Everett Corcoran and family leaving WABC and his position there to answer Pakistan's cry, for there a revival awaited where hundreds would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  1972 saw the Dominguez family entrenched upon Portugal's distant shore as well as the Allards crossing vast oceans to meet the needs of Ghana.  George Craft and wife, Cheryl, heard the metropolitan cry of Europe's masses and are now there proclaming liberty to those imprisoned in sin.  The O'Keefes and Rashs are currently in their distant fields of labor, Africa and Indonesia respectively.  On and on the march continues, made possible by a concerned district that wants to reach beyond its borders.  A district that was the first to appoint a Foreign Missions Director and then to see a line of directors with a burden: Brothers Hedger, Theobald, O'Keefe, Smith, and Davis all have contributed much to mission's lonely call.  From $25,000.00 in 1966 to $281,941.00 in 1976 the Western District pledges itself to a mission of concern and wholehearted support to those who give their lives for missions.