In Philippians 2:17, Paul compares his life to a “drink offering being poured out” on the Philippians’ faith. All who know Wayne and Darla, know the same could be said of them. They are an incredible couple who have joyfully served both Christ and Eston College at much personal cost to themselves, and well beyond the normal retirement age.
The Lowenbergs served a number of years as missionaries in Taiwan and in the pastorate in Canada before moving to Eston in 1979. At Eston College, Wayne’s first position was as a teacher where he brought great passion to such classes as Introduction to Missions and Old Testament Survey. Students loved Wayne’s attitude and joyful spirit. One student recalls that at the start of each class, Wayne would stick a finger in the air, run across the classroom, and then launch an imaginary football half-way across Eston--touchdown! Another remembers how easy it was to get him off track, especially when encouraged to tell stories from the mission field. (Do pigs and a motorbike ring a bell?) Still, he was never distracted from his main goal which was to equip students for cross-cultural ministry. Wayne was famous for organizing a fantastic Missions Conference. Even today, many students report their love for missions because of his influence.
A few years ago, Wayne transitioned from teaching to serving as the Plant Manager where his responsibilities included maintaining the college’s buildings and vehicles. Although Wayne did his job with excellence, he could often be overheard saying that he felt like he was making “bricks without straw!” This, of course, was in jest! It should be noted that Wayne was great at making his budget stretch farther than anyone could possibly imagine.
The Lowenbergs served a number of years as missionaries in Taiwan and in the pastorate in Canada before moving to Eston in 1979. At Eston College, Wayne’s first position was as a teacher where he brought great passion to such classes as Introduction to Missions and Old Testament Survey. Students loved Wayne’s attitude and joyful spirit. One student recalls that at the start of each class, Wayne would stick a finger in the air, run across the classroom, and then launch an imaginary football half-way across Eston--touchdown! Another remembers how easy it was to get him off track, especially when encouraged to tell stories from the mission field. (Do pigs and a motorbike ring a bell?) Still, he was never distracted from his main goal which was to equip students for cross-cultural ministry. Wayne was famous for organizing a fantastic Missions Conference. Even today, many students report their love for missions because of his influence.
A few years ago, Wayne transitioned from teaching to serving as the Plant Manager where his responsibilities included maintaining the college’s buildings and vehicles. Although Wayne did his job with excellence, he could often be overheard saying that he felt like he was making “bricks without straw!” This, of course, was in jest! It should be noted that Wayne was great at making his budget stretch farther than anyone could possibly imagine.
Although Darla was always available to fill such roles as office manager, librarian, and Accounts Manager, her primary ministry involved working as the Administrator. Willard Mitchell says that without her organizational skills, he never could have walked the college through four of its critical capital projects. Darla’s no-nonsense demeanor helped keep everyone on track and she did it all with purpose and deep contentment. Darla also put her administrative gifts to work by organizing weekend ministry trips to our ACOP churches.
As ministers of the gospel, Wayne and Darla have done wonders. They have, however, been as equally successful in their personal lives. In addition to maintaining a deep devotion to Christ, they have passed on a love of the gospel to their children and their grandchildren, whom they are extremely close to.
We will miss Wayne and Darla at the College but have a hunch we will continue to see them often. Wayne does not seem like he is the kind to completely retire. We are confident that the Lowenbergs will share the love of Christ wherever they are. We extend our love and deep appreciation for their years of service, and pray that God will pour his richest blessings on them during this new season of their lives.
~The Eston College Family
We will miss Wayne and Darla at the College but have a hunch we will continue to see them often. Wayne does not seem like he is the kind to completely retire. We are confident that the Lowenbergs will share the love of Christ wherever they are. We extend our love and deep appreciation for their years of service, and pray that God will pour his richest blessings on them during this new season of their lives.
~The Eston College Family