Bruce Triplehorn, GBIM missionary to Brazil, knew Eddie Miller well and has written this tribute:
A TRIBUTE TO EDDIE MILLER
Eddie and Eileen Miller, along with Bill and Imogene Burk each gave over fifty years of their lives serving the Lord here in the great country.
As a good friend, Pastor Dick Sellers said, “It is not how you start the race that matters. It is how you finish the race.” Eddie Miller finished the race well and is finally at rest in the presence of the Lord.
When I first arrived in Brazil, I had a chance to talk with one of the key Brazilian leaders in the Baptist here. I asked him, in his years of observation, what made a great missionary. He did not mention the great strategies or programs. He simply said that the great missionaries, above all, love the Brazilians.
Eddie Miller loved Brazil and had a passion for seeing Brazilians come to Christ. Eddie loved the brethren here and Brazil and the Brazilians loved Eddie. Everywhere he went, he made an impact.
A few years ago, I was up in Roraima, way up the Amazon to the farthest reaches of the North of Brazil, past Manaus. It is kind of the end of the world and a long way from here.
I met a Baptist pastor and introduced myself. He asked me if I knew Eddie Miller. I couldn’t believe it! He is known all over Brazil. There was no one more willing to help others than Eddie Miller. He showed his love by being willing to sacrifice his personal comfort for the benefit of others.
Eddie loved being with people. Even in his latter years, he related well to the youth in our churches and was always popular at our youth retreats.
THE KEY TO EDDIE MILLER’S LIFE AND MINISTRY
What was the key to Eddie’s ministry and perseverance?
First, it was sincere love for people. Second, it was his energy. He was known for his hard work and dedication to the Lord. Finally, Eddie had a unique ability to laugh at himself. He joked and teased, never minding making himself the brunt of his quick whit.
Eddie adapted well to changes. It was always fascinating hearing him tell the stories of the start of their ministry in Brazil. He tells of the local priest broadcasting on loudspeakers, warning the people of Icoaraci not to talk to the new Protestant missionaries. He told of the difficulties in transportation and how isolated they were from the rest of the world at that time.
Eddie had a unique ability to adjust to the times, adjusting his style of ministry to the times without ever changing the message or his commitment. Eddie loved God’s word and communicated it well to several generations of Brazilians.
Brazil and the United States has lost a great missionary. We salute and bid farewell to Eddie Miller and we will miss him. The Brazilian church is mourning the loss of a beloved missionary.
At the same time, we rejoice that he is in the presence of the Lord now. We extend our love and sympathy to Eileen and the rest of the Miller family. It was an honor to have known and worked with Eddie Miller. To read more about Eddie’s life, go to the GBIM website (www.gbim.org).
