Bill Hyde: February 3, 1944 – March 4, 2003
Last week I was in Mindanao, Philippines and landing at Davao airport where my father was killed. Today is March, 4 and the 9th anniversary of my father’s murder. Our flight was two hours delayed so we were landing at nearly midnight. It is impossible to not think about my Dad when I fly to the Philippines. The night before I flew to the Philippines I had a dream. In my dream I saw our plane coming in for a landing and as the plane approached the runway the runway lights went off. The pilot made an emergency abort. In my dream I was perplexed as to what the pilot could do to make a safe landing. . . I envisioned emergency vehicles lining the runway shining all the lights they could to allow the plane to land.
On our late night flight from Manila to Davao City I prayed nearly the whole hour and a half flight. I prayed that the pilots would be calm and alert. It was unusually bad weather for this time of year causing a lot of turbulence. As we descended into Davao the weather cleared, but I kept praying. Closer and closer to the ground we came. Many people were asleep in the plane since it was so late at night.
Suddenly as we were only seconds away from touching down, the pilot engaged the power pressing everyone back into the seats. Some were panicked, but many just jolted from their sleep and didn’t know was happening. The nose pointed up and we got altitude. I could see the airport passing under us. He just buzzed the airport and aborted the landing. A few minutes later the pilot calmly assured us that all would be fine, but they had to abort the landing due to no visibility; the runway lights had gone off. He said that in another 15 minutes we would be attempting another landing. 15 minutes later we were on the ground. As we started to get our baggage, the lights at the airport went off again. Mindanao Island is suffering with a chronic lack of electrical power.
Having a mini-emergency at the airport where my father was killed in a terrorist bombing affects our family beyond normal. Every time I visit the Philippines for training pastors I think of that day when I got the news that my father was in a bombing. I think every day of my responsibility and calling to avenge his death, but to do so with love not hate like those who killed him. Jesus is the only thing that is going to heal the war-torn island of Mindanao and I keep going back to help spread as much love as possible.
In the last 6 years since I have started traveling regularly to Mindanao for training leaders we have trained thousands across the island. Every time, without exception, I am visiting there are massacres, bombings and killings. This time 6 people, including 3 children, were gunned down near a Muslim area in the north-west causing red-alert warnings for Mindanao Island. Each year hundreds are killed and few if ever are held accountable for the murders. My father is no exception. Even though the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) claimed responsibility right after the bombing no one has ever been arrested. In fact, the government gives more and more concessions to the Muslims represented by MILF after each terrorist attack. I don’t see it possible that there will be justice on this earth, but I know that those terrorists will not get away under the justice of Almighty God.
As a direct result of my father’s murder, I continue to go to the Philippines to the very place where he was killed. Last week, under my Bible School “Antioch Institute” we graduated nearly 100 pastors who were equipped for more effective ministry and evangelism in Mindanao. Each year, the students we train plant hundreds of churches on Mindanao island.
The governments of this world do not know how to deal with Islamic terrorists. Justice is rare. Random murders of civilians by the Muslims is now common place. It’s so common that only major bombings and killing even make the news. While the Philippine government gives away concession after concession to the terrorists, and bombings and murder continues, there really is no hope for peace in Mindanao. Equally, there is no chance of justice. So, for me, I continue to wage my war, a war of love. I have hope that the love of God will avenge the death of my father and bring justice to our family and the victims on Mindanao island.
The wreath our family placed where my father was martyred
Thank you so much, Steve, for sharing this…may God continue to keep you and your family safe every time you re-enter this area….
Brother – Thank you for posts. I can honestly say that in the 100’s of emails that come in each week, yours is one of the only ones I look forward to. Blessings to you, my friend.
Powerful reflections and reminder, Steve, of your dad’s Home-going and need to meet injustice with God’s Love and Forgiveness. This does not mean that we, like you, should pray not pray for his murderers to be brought to justice–for that is a part of praying “Thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done;” however, as you said, the best way to do this is the way you are: By being pro-active and training others to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Who knew they’d (we’d) also murder Him when He came to this earth; yet, He triumphed by conquering death and the grave through His Resurrection. Thus, I commend you on helping keep your dad’s Legacy of Faith alive by training pastors to meet evil with good.
Your dad was a dear, dear Brother and friend to me. I still miss our “infamous” chess games and his infectious laughter and love for the Lord. But, I’m sure he and my dear wife, Margaret, who went to be Home with the Lord eight weeks ago today (Jan. 8), are comparing notes on me and asking Jesus to keep working on me because they couldn’t do anything with me. 🙂
Just know we love you and your dear family. Every time I read one of your postings I’m amazed at how the Heavenly Father is blessing your labor of love in His Vineyard. May you continue to stay focused and faithful (Heb. 12:1-2)–for the hour is late, the need is great and the laborers are few. I consider it a privilege to serve alongside of you during these last days. God bless you.
Mr Hyde was a sweet man, an inspiring teacher and a wonderful father. He is one of only a handful of teachers that I can say made a real impact on my life.
I will forever miss him and will remember him even more when I visit Faith Academy in a few weeks. I will remember to tell my children about him there, and Im sure I will smile and cry as I picture his beaming smile and robust laughter.
Thank you for sharing your story and for sharing your father with so many of us lucky enough to have known him.
Steve, Thank You, Husband Barry Walker (1942-2009) and I, Bonnie Walker knew and loved your Dad and Mom. We had fellowship with them many times. Steve, please add me to your updates, as I personally know the burden of sheltering the love and legacy our loved ones leave with us. It is part of God’s Plan. I would like to be kept informed of you and your efforts in whatever way you can. And any of the others of your Family. We had a special devotion to the kids of FA, just like your Dad and Mom did. One memory stands out—a litter of puppies in your Bodega, that y’all were tenderly loving and caring for. A simple example of the lives of your parents that I was exposed to. My children are: Jennifer Walker Nichols, Steve Walker, Tom Walker and Jess Marie Walker—if you remember any of them as classmates. I am so thrilled to get this on FB this AM….God Bless you Mightily in His Love.
Thanks so much for the kind words Bonnie. I remember Steve and Tom most because I idolized them as Basketball players. Faith had some great teams in those years. I think I am 3-4 years younger than Tom. But I played with him many times.
Thanks so much for the kind words and remembering my Dad.
God bless, Steve
I loved your Dad. He taught me well and touched my life during my time at FA!! I loved his classes and musical productions! I’m sure he and my Dad have now met. =) this world just gets smaller and heaven gets bigger and sweeter all the time. Sincerely, Dawn (Parks) Beckler
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I remember your father fondly from Faith Academy.
Steve…
Those who sought to silence your Dad’s voice unwittingly amplified it through you and your determination to continue his work. Your Dad’s death reminds us that Tertullian was right, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Thank you for honoring your Dad’s legacy, following in his steps, and for avenging his death by taking the light of the gospel into dark places.
Blessings,
Omar~