OMUSA - OMUSA

Dale Rhoton

United States

Dale Rhoton, who co-founded Operation Mobilization (OM), was born in 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. His older brother, Wilson, led him to faith in Christ when he was 17 years old. The family moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, where Dale attended a youth group at a Christian and Missionary Alliance church. Its pastor was a guiding influence as Dale grew in his faith. It was at Maryville College in Tennessee that Dale met fellow students George Verwer and Walter Borchard. George was baptized by Dale, who he considered a spiritual mentor. In 1957, the three young men made their first mission trip to Mexico, to distribute Christian literature in their summer break. They returned with an empty van and hearts full of passion to reach others with the love of Jesus. The outreach laid the foundation for what would become OM.

The friends transferred to Christian colleges around Chicago, Illinois: George went to Moody Bible Institute while Walter and Dale enrolled at nearby Wheaton. They were active in student prayer meetings, raising funds and mobilizing teams for mission trips. Dale completed his bachelor’s degree and an MA in New Testament studies, with a view to working in Bible translation.

George Verwer spoke to Dale about the 33 million Muslims in Türkiye with no access to the Bible – might he consider starting outreach there? Dale prayed about it and decided to go; as did another Wheaton graduate, Roger Malstead, in early 1961. Dale’s fiancée, Elaine Thomas, joined the pioneering team and they were married that December.

In 1964, Dale was greatly impacted by meeting Richard Wurmbrand, who had been imprisoned for his faith in Communist-controlled Romania. Dale established OM’s Greater Europe ministry, which found creative ways to send Bibles and Christian literature to the growing Church behind the ‘Iron Curtain’ of the former Soviet Union. Building connections with like-minded churches and mission agencies was a gift of Dale’s, and was crucial for resourcing such an endeavour.

Dale concentrated on OM’s Ship Ministry for more than four decades. He served at sea as the director of OM’s second ship, Doulos, from 1979 to 1981, then his family moved to the ships’ administrative base in Germany. Dale became associate director, then managing director from 1984 to 1999. Returning to live in the United States in their sixties, Dale and Elaine developed networks to partner with OM’s Ship Ministry.

Dale travelled widely to inspire and connect people to support OM’s work. He encouraged emerging leaders and exemplified a committed prayer life. His pastoral heart and diligence were an ideal counterbalance to the more outgoing personality and frenetic pace of George Verwer. Two college students who committed their lives to global mission have been used powerfully by God for the furtherance of the gospel and the mobilizing of hundreds of thousands of Christian workers.

I remember Dale from my 1st OM conference in 1984 in the BBI in Leuven. He came in and spoke on grace. He also exuded what he said and it remains in my heart. God's word spoken through His servant echoes through the years. Condolences to loved ones.

Don Thompson

Well done, good and faithful servant!

Carol Allrn

Cindy and I joined the OM team in the USA in 2011 to help raise up financial resources for OM's work throughout the world. Dale and Elaine were tremendous mentors and guides to both myself and the team that developed in the US for this purpose

Michael Stein

Having served with OM for the year of 1967-68, Dale was a genuine witness, teacher and discipler for me. His impact on me has been long-lasting. OM was and is unique and Dale was a huge part of that. Blessings on Elaine and the family.

Roger Elbel

If anyone is interested in reading the story of the Greater Europe team, please drop me a request. The Greater Europe team was an idea from George Verwer after he was expelled from the Soviet Union. Dale Rhoton than made that vision a reality

Walter Burns

Over the course of several decades Dale was a special champion, encourager and friend! His trust and support greatly impacted our lives. Bernd & Margret Gülker

Bernd Gülker

I saw him picking up trash at the Mosbach HQ in 1985. He didn't know anyone was watching. His example of humility has inspired me for 40 years.

Andrew Jones

During the early years of OM's history, George and Dale had a "cameras verboten" policy so OM literature evangelism teams wouldn't be perceived as tourists. Here's one image from their special dispensation to take a few pictures.

Ron Forberg

Through both his life and his message, Dale revealed the true meaning of the ‘Joy of the Lord.’ His humble, gentle, and steadfast spiritual leadership will be deeply missed by the wider mission community.

Pil-Hun Park, OM's Ship Ministry US Director

Oh Holy Spirit of God we ask that you pours Your peace on all the Rothon’s Family and fill theirs life with your comfort and provision in this time of mourning… in Jesus name we pray. 🙏🏼 amen

Lourdes Rivera

What a divinely inspired, brave and wondrous life this dear man led. Outreach on behalf of Jesus’s messages of Unity, Community, Compassion and Honor, for humans worldwide, sharing the Gift of His Agape Love, His Goodness, is breathtaking!

Lesley

I worked with Dale on board Logos II when the ship visited Istanbul, Turkey in 2000. Even back then I saw the amazing legacy he left serving God in missions, both in Turkey and on the ships. What a humble, steadfast presence he had.

Mark Rideout

At one tense field leaders’ meeting, George Verwer was deeply moved and with concern as to what to do in the situation, he shouted out: ‘Dale, please pray!’ Dale prayed. We all sensed that God heard. We saw Him answer.

Dennis Wright, served with OM for 37 years, including in Eastern Europe and on OM’s Global Board

Dale’s focus on what the Lord was saying – even in such difficult times as the shipwreck of Logos – was always such a great support to the team. His experience, insight and Bible teaching stood out and encouraged us all to move forward.

Mark Dimond, OM’s Ship Ministry 1978–2020

If we look at the early years in OM, Dale was key in mobilizing a generation of students who wanted to serve the Lord. I’ve always appreciated this humble man. Despite all he had done in God’s kingdom, he never came across as superior or proud.

Rev Dr Frank Hinkelmann, Church historian, OM board associate

It’s not easy to be a pioneer. It means a huge test of faith and trusting the Lord. Dale was a person who would take his decisions before God. He was so genuine, so authentic. Dale really lived that out.

Dave Babcock, Greater Europe ministry

What a gift these two men were to our generation as they changed the shape of mission with their passion to see the gospel go to the least reached through anyone and everyone, and their pioneering use of ships in ministry for the kingdom.

Katherine Porter, OM’s Associate International Director

Even in his later years, Dale was so key in OM’s Ship Ministry – keeping in touch with partners, phoning and thanking people and letting people know they were appreciated. He believed the best about people. I’ll miss having a champion like Dale.

Myles Toews, OM’s Ship Ministry 1978–current.

Dale was the philosopher of OM – a thinking man, who wrote lots of interesting articles. He could make the wild ideas happen, being both visionary and realistic. He was unassuming and modest, not interested in getting the glory.

John Hymus, Greater Europe ministry

If there is anyone on planet earth who came close to resembling Christ, for me, Dale came across as that person. He was a role model, a mentor and a teacher who showed us Christlike character.

Lawrence Tong, OM’s International Director Emeritus

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