An incredible woman of God has gone home to be with her Lord. Today is the memorial service for Sylvia Walker (1/5/41-5/4/18) and as I think back on Sylvia’s life and ministry, I realize how much one committed, passionate person was able to accomplish in a lifetime for God’s Kingdom in her time here on earth.
There’s something you need to know about Sylvia. She was an unlikely choice for a missionary. She started out humbly, as my dad’s assistant. When we needed a distributor for the Book of Life in the Dominican Republic, she volunteered. Not only did she fill the position, she expanded to the Caribbean and ultimately became the fearless leader directing all of OneHope’s work in Latin America.
Watching her navigate the work in Latin America with grace, wisdom, and diplomacy was amazing. In a male-dominated society, being an older, single woman in leadership was undoubtedly daunting at times. However, Sylvia was fierce tempered with grace: not easily intimidated and able to traverse anything that came her way with seeming ease – even in difficult and frustrating circumstances.
Sylvia was an inspiration who modeled purity, strength, and integrity. All the while a mighty force breaking barriers in ministry that most wouldn’t even attempt. What drove her was unbridled passion for Jesus and love of others. She never hesitated to go, even if it meant going places and doing things she had never done before. Sylvia trusted His plan fully and always followed without question. She was so impassioned that just a few minutes with her made you want to drop everything you were doing and go to the mission field to give children God’s Word.
I think Sylvia was unencumbered to operate in the fullness of her faith and gifting because she viewed her calling similarly to predecessor and fellow female missionary, Elisabeth Elliot,
“A Christian woman’s true freedom [and, of course, she would also say a Christian man’s true freedom] lies on the other side of a very small gate — humble obedience — but that gate leads out into a largeness of life undreamed of by the liberators of the world, to a place where the God-given differentiation between the sexes is not obfuscated but celebrated”1 (399)
In a world that hustles to skip ahead to get to the point, Sylvia took the time to hone her skill as a great storyteller. As she was sharing a tale, she cunningly used the rapt attention of her audience to sneak in teaching moments.
Above all, she loved people. She got to know everyone on a deep level, and even when she hadn’t seen someone in a long time, picked up right where they had left off. She made everyone feel welcome and wanted, in her presence and family and, more importantly, in God’s presence and family.
She loved Latin America, and all those who worked with her knew she loved them and would do anything for them. In their own words:
She was a great missionary with a good heart and very loving personality. She gave her whole life to the service of God to children around the globe especially Latin America. Pastor Sylvanus Elorm, West Africa Regional Director
I can remember having great conversations with her about being a single woman in ministry. Her advice and mentoring was priceless. Jeni Matthews, Partner Relations Manager
Sylvia aged with grace. To me, Sylvia is an example of Godly woman where the transformation from Jesus was seen not just while she was working in ministry but as she lived out her final years. Kami Kindel, Vice President of Product Development
She was a woman of great character who loved Jesus and people with passion. Nicole Johansson, Vice President of Advancement
She was a blessing to our country and to all of us who had the privilege to work alongside her in the extension of the kingdom of our good God. Elmer Z, Peru
By our count, more than 87 million young people received God’s Word across Latin America and the Caribbean because of her leadership and commitment, but only eternity will reveal the massive impact of her work and the legacy that remains. I’m so thankful for Sylvia Walker’s life and am proud to celebrate her pioneering that opened new doors for women in ministry.
1 https://www.crossway.org/articles/the-essence-of-femininity/ but originally from Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, A Response to Evangelical Feminism by John Piper and Wayne Grudem
I had the honor of working for Sylvia Walker at Life Publisher’s International, and what an honor indeed. She was my neighbor so we used to drive to work together and talk about all the wonderful miracles in our lives. I was honored that she came to my graduation from the police academy. She was so happy for me, and now she’s in Heaven wearing a huge Crown I know. Sylvia was an amazing servant of the Lord through and through. When she spoke about the mission field her eyes became illuminated and it was obvious that it was Shekinah Glory! When I get to Heaven I’m going to enjoy our laughter about making our veggie juices together ❤️