Wayne Anderson Tribute

Wayne became the interim pastor of my church, Voyagers Bible Church, after the dismissal of a previous pastor in 1993. Wayne's presence brought healing to the congregation and specifically to me since I had just come to VBC that year after my father's death on Easter Sunday, and after a rather messy "church split" which was filled with dissension at our former church. I have been privileged to serve as Wayne’s liaison with our missions team since 1998 after returning from my first short term trip to India and Nepal. Wayne was my number one encourager in that decision.

Wayne was truly a "Gift from God" to our Voyagers family. I remember his recurring theme, God's abundant grace! He never tired of preaching and teaching God's Word, particularly as it related to the Grace of God which not only saves us, but sustains us. His words still echo in my ears: "Just as I am saved by grace, so I live by grace, serve by grace, and lead by grace."

It's still hard to believe that he is no longer physically with us. It's been three weeks now since his death; and as I walk into church, I still find myself glancing over to where he usually sat, expecting to see him there, and knowing that, after the service, I would receive one of his big hugs. Although I am comforted to know that he is in the loving arms of Jesus, the Savior about whom he joyously professed, I will miss Wayne dearly.