Mel & Connie's Testimony

Mel and Connie were born in Chicago living there until attending College at Bethel in Minnesota. While in High School Mel played with the football team that won the Chicago Championship three years in succession. He was anticipating a career in football until the Lord led him to offer his life for missionary work and the preaching of Christ to those who have never heard the Gospel.

After leaving college in 1943 Mel and Connie entered the newly formed group called New Tribes Mission. After finishing their training they we eager to move on out to the field, but because it was during the war it was difficult to obtain passports, delaying their departure. In 1945 Mel received a flying scholarship and in the following yew years experience was gained in flying for the Mission in the U.S. He then flew a four passenger single engine plane through Central America and down the west coast of South America to Bolivia, their field of service. Connie hand their two year old son, Paul had flown ahead by Pan American three months earlier. A second son was born in Bolivia arriving three weeks before Mel arrived in the small plane.

During the following years the Wyma’s worked in the lowlands helping to contact the Ayore savage Indian tribe. Theses Indians were responsible for the death of five missionaries of the New Tribes Mission in 1942. They were nomadic, living in constant fear, not only of the jungles, but of the animals, and demonic spirits. The plane was invaluable in locating these people and eventually a successful contact was made. These years were filled with adventure, proving over and over again the protection and care of the Lord who led them there. Two more children were born in Bolivia.

The Wyma’s returned tot he U.S. for furlough after which they returned to Bolivia for period of eight years. A Bible training school was established for the purpose of teaching and encouraging both Nationals, and tribal people alike. While this training was in Spanish there were people representing seven language groups attending. Some of these are in Missionary work today in Bolivia.

In more recent years Mel and Connie were sharing in the responsibilities of the home end of the work in administration as Foreign Secretary. Connie worked as Mel’s secretary for many years until she was found with Lymphoma cancer. She passed away in 1997. They corresponded with many of the three thousand plus missionaries in 27 different countries around the world. Mel traveled extensively overseas to these countries and having a ministry with the missionaries, and field leaders. He also traveled widely in North America representing the work of New Tribes Mission in Churches and Mission Conferences.

Three bouts with open heart surgery and the passing of years have taken it’s toll. He stepped off the executive committee and is somewhat limited in the amount of speaking he is able to do. Is however still traveling and preaching and teaching as opportunities are presented. He is also continuing to correspond with many missionaries with whom he has worked over the years.