R.G. LeTourneau: A 20 Century Appostle

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In an era when humanity needs a role model, R.G. LeTourneau is highly deserving of recognition. R.G. LeTourneau, a philanthropist and inventor, established his worth with unparalleled work ethics, admirable personal and working relationships, extraordinary contributions to God and the community, and faithfulness in God Almighty that flourished with each passing day. I aspire to live my life as he did; a life that merits emulation.

God’s gentle touch guided Mr. LeTourneau’s life, ranging from exacting correction to bountiful rewards, from a boy unreceptive to church into a faithful servant as a man. Kinship with his mother, brothers, and sisters, was relatively normal, without discord and tension. Common difference of opinions and conflicts with his father concerning work ethics and education culminated with R.G., as he would later be called, learning to serve is to love, defining a father’s affection. This life changing moment influenced him forever.

In 1902, fourteen-year-old R.G., announcing to his dad “I’m a man growed” (LeTourneau, 1967, p. 22), set forth on a career track learning different tradecrafts and furthering his education which assisted him in future enterprises. With his dad’s aid and the supervision of an iron foundry owner, they introduced R.G. to the art of iron molding, consequently accumulating many valuable work lessons. After committing his spirit to Jesus at age sixteen, a series of unfortunate circumstances forced R.G. to frequently shift jobs, acquiring assorted skills such as bricklaying, the use of dynamite, and one that would have lasting repercussions, the welding torch. At age twenty one, recovering from an accident involving an ax, R.G. mastered auto mechanics via a correspondence course....

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...ommitted to his Lord. When his ideas and inventions were perceived as unrealistic, he persevered. When faced with the untimely parting of two sons, he endured. When involved in a devastating car wreck, losing two close friends instantly, his wife lying unconscious, R.G., broken and shattered, remained devoted to his Lord. Like Jesus, His Apostles, and other prominent figures discussed in the Bible, I have never experienced such tremendous respect and appreciation for someone I never met. I easily relate to this humble man who said, “If the Lord doesn’t think you are worthy of having it, He’ll find ways of taking it away” (LeTourneau, 1967, p. 168). Amen Brother LeTourneau, Amen. I have found my earthly Christian role model; I pray you find yours.

Works Cited

LeTourneau, R. G. (1967). R.G. LeTourneau: Mover of Men and Mountains. Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

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