Bob Allen and his wife, Betty, have three children and three grandchildren. Bob is retired from public education. He was ordained as an elder at WBC in 2013.
Itinerancy of a family can provide many benefits or be a detriment. My father was a career military officer and our home was wherever we happened to be. My parents were committed to worshiping the Lord in spirit and in truth, and on more than one occasion were part of the nucleus of a new church in places where there was no Bible believing church. I learned that the Lord came first, whether it was as a first action upon arriving in a new community to find a place of worship or to actively serve the Lord. My mother witnessed to neighbors and new friends as a regular part of her entrance into a new community. My father actively participated in his church, contributing to both worship and leadership, and serving faithfully until the Lord took him home.
My parents’ example established in me the importance of service for the Lord. I trusted Christ as my Savior as a young boy, enjoyed the benefit of living in a Christian home, and, like many, took my faith for granted. I am thankful that, like Timothy, there was a heritage of faith passed down to me. In 2 Timothy 1:14 Paul writes, “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” I am dedicated to keeping the faith I have received, not by virtue of a heritage of faith in my family, but because Christ Jesus saved me by his grace to an inheritance which is in Heaven.
It is a blessing to have taught many of the children of our church and to watch them grow in grace and in knowledge of the Lord. It has always been my prayer that our young people hold fast to the faith and continue on serving the Lord throughout their lives. It is the desire of my heart to do the same as an elder working together with and encouraging my brothers and sisters in Christ.
