Dr. David Harold Bendor-Samuel, a servant of Christ, Bible translator, linguist, and Bible teacher, was born in Worthing, England, on March 23, 1931. His life was marked by a thorough knowledge and personal application of Scripture, and impactful personal relationships around the world. David was educated in Winchester and Hereford before launching his working life with Lloyds Bank, where he earned his Diploma of the Institute of Bankers. From 1949 to 1951, he served in the British Royal Army Medical Corps, eventually becoming a Corporal and instructor of recruits. During this time, he was diagnosed with and then miraculously healed from Hodgkin's lymphoma. In 1956, David married his long-time sweetheart, Margaret Endersby, and subsequently pursued theological education at London Bible College. In 1958, he and Margaret joined Wycliffe Bible Translators, commencing a lifelong commitment to Bible translation. In 1959, David and Margaret traveled to Brazil, where they began linguistic and translation work among the Guajajara people. David began a PhD program in linguistics at the University of London, completing his PhD in 1966. David served Wycliffe in a variety of leadership and ministry roles, starting as Home Director of Wycliffe UK in 1964. In 1976, he was appointed International Coordinator for Literacy and moved the family to Dallas, Texas the next year. He subsequently served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and, beginning in 1990, as Vice President for Wycliffe Organizations. After many fruitful years in strategic leadership, David redirected his focus to serve as International Facilitator for Pastoral Care in 1999. He developed Biblical cross-cultural conflict resolution strategies for Wycliffe, and oversaw their implementation as a consultant and trainer before officially retiring in 2009. David's life was deeply informed by his faith. He consistently encouraged those in his sphere of influence to love and understand the scriptures. David preached and taught adult Sunday school classes for more than four decades. His extensive years of linguistic, translation, administrative, and pastoral work impacted lives across many cultures and continents. Over the course of his life, David grew into what Scripture describes as a wise man—not simply wise in knowledge, education, or experience, but wise in the way he lived and interacted with others. The words of James 3:17–18 provide a fitting description of the wisdom he came to embody: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” Beyond his professional and ministry accomplishments, David was also known for his consistent prayer life, servant-heartedness, self-discipline, and generosity. He was loved throughout the world of Wycliffe for his readings of Winnie-the-Pooh to children and adults alike. He brought the series to life with a different voice for each character, creating a memorable and humorous experience for any fortunate enough to hear him. A recording of these stories is available on Spotify. David and Margaret were blessed with three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. David loved leading devotions, hiking, reading stories, and playing board games with his family. He prioritized annual family vacations, even on a shoestring budget. He taught his children to love nature and worship the Lord through His creation. David consistently affirmed God’s faithfulness and modeled a life marked by sanctification. During retirement, David authored his autobiography, Great Is Thy Faithfulness: Memories of a Bible Translator. His goal in writing the book was that his grandchildren (and others) would recognize God’s providence in his life. David’s book is available on Amazon and recorded (in his voice) on Spotify. Dr. David Harold Bendor-Samuel will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to God and prayerful intercession for his family. His life stands as a testimony to the faithfulness of God and the wisdom that only comes from Heaven. As James 3:18 describes, David sowed seeds of peace throughout his life. May those seeds continue to produce a rich spiritual harvest in the many lives he touched. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 pm on October 17th (Central Standard Time) at Midlothian Bible Church, 4250 FM 663, Midlothian, Texas 76065. The service will be live-streamed and recorded on Midlothian Bible Church’s YouTube channel. A memorial bench will be placed in honor of both David and Margaret overlooking the fishing ponds at Midlothian Community Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Peacemaker Ministries. www.peacemakerministries.org