This site tells the true-life story of two American missionaries, Bruce and Doris Burke, and their 38-year ministry in South Africa. They endured betrayals, heartaches, and disappointments, while striving toward obedience to God and faithfully working to build a mission field of believers as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ . When said and done, was it worth it all?

After several decades in South Africa, the Burkes semi-retired from the field and returned to the United States in June 2007. Even through all the hardships and financial struggles they had endured, the Burkes declared it had been an abundant life. Yet, the question is often asked of them, "Was it worth it all?"

With joyful voices, both Bruce and Doris have answered the question with the words of a wonderful Gospel hymn: "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus." They have relied firmly on God's promise. "We are reminded in the Scripture that we are to be willing to suffer for Christ just as He was willing to suffer for us. The Lord never promised a life free from trials and tribulations, but He did promise His Word will not return void and to be with us in all our sufferings."

There has never been any doubt in their minds that the Lord led them and provided for them, and they gave to Him all the Honor and Glory for everything that was accomplished by, through, and for Him in their Mission Endeavor. As evidence of God's fullness, many churches, pastors, and believers in that area—too numerous to name them all—are still standing firm in the Lord. Many of them still receive Gospel messages and counseling by email communication and by mail from Open Bible Ministries Headquarters.

To request a copy of their life story, Stepping Stones to the Abundant Life, click here. Please look around our site. We have devotions that are free to download. If you are curious about how you, too, can be Born Again and receive forgiveness of sin, please read our plan of salvation.

"Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." —Matthew 5:11-12