Kenneth Garald Smyth

| October 3, 2013 2:34 PM

Kenneth Garald Smyth, long time missionary to Hong Kong and the Philippines, also known as Bro.Ken, Dad, and Grandpa, was born July 18, 1948 in St. Ignatius, to Lloyd and Lyla (Cote) Smyth. From the time he was very young, he always wanted to be a preacher. His home church minister, Bob Larsson, encouraged him in every way. One time Bob entered Ken in a “preacher Boy” contest. Ken was 13 when he won that contest. Many years later, Bob told him that he was the only entrant! In 2011, he spoke at the National Missionary Convention in Augusta, Georgia.

Ken spent his youth on a dairy farm and always said he never thought he would travel around the world in his adult years. He graduated from Mission High School in 1966, from Platte Valley Bible College in 1970 and attended Lincoln Christian Seminary before going to Hong Kong. He married Linda Gudahl, from Gering, in 1973. They celebrated their 40th anniversary in June 2012. The Smyths moved to Hong Kong with two children in 1979 choosing Fairview Park, Yuen Long, New Territories as their place of residence. Along with Wing Wong and the Poling family, they began the Fairview Park Christian Church which continues to meet in Fairview Park. Having been in Hong Kong for 34 years, Ken and Linda have seen many changes. The church started as a Chinese speaking church and now is a bilingual church. Ken attended language school at the University of Hong Kong for two years, his Cantonese becoming very fluent. He could not read the newspaper, but could read the Chinese Bible with little problem! The FPCC is rather unique in that it is a small group of a big variety of people and backgrounds. Nevertheless, Ken always focused on the Bible teachings to bring unity to such a variety of Chinese, American, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Burmese, Catholic, Baptist and Buddhists. Ken was a disciple maker, using the Bible only to teach. Therefore his words were true, and, his actions those of one who truly loved God and shared his life in such a way as to encourage and inspire many people. He started Inductive Bible Study seminars in the Philippines in 2005. With the help of Philippine brothers and sister, this is in its 8th year.

At the time of his death, Ken was in the process of joining his mission, Cross Cultural Connection, with Insight Resources International of Wyoming. The group was in the Philippines for two different workshops to discover how this might be accomplished.

Ken died the morning of April 9, 2013 of a stroke. His heart stopped, he died immediately. Although the report of his death brought shock and sadness to many, we know that Ken has graduated to a better place and he is in the hands of God. Praise God for his peace and comfort to all in this time.

The faith and words of Paul are appropriate for Ken’s life: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Ken is survived by his wife, Linda, his mother, Lyla (who is now 85) of Polson; his three brothers, Les (Carol), of Washington state, Stan (Barb), and Russ (Alicia) and their families; and sister Terrie (Ron) Canfield and family all in Montana. He leaves four children and 15 grandchildren : Son, Scott and wife Evelyn and family of Hong Kong; three daughters and families: Sara (James) Reichert; Grace (Ryan) Santos; Priscilla (Tony) Cushing, and father in law, Richard Gudahl, all of Gering, Neb. He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd.

There will be a Memorial Service held for Ken at the St. Ignatius Christian Church on Saturday October 5, 10 a.m. Cremation has taken place and the inurnment will follow the service at the Pleasant view cemetery at St. Ignatius, at the grave of his father, Lloyd Smyth.

A meal will then be served in the church fellowship hall. All are invited.

The family has suggested that gifts to honor Ken’s memory may be sent to “Cross Cultural Connection”, P. O. Box 185, Mattoon, IL 61938 to help them continue his ministry, or given at the service.