Mary "Ma" Stumph

Many years ago, when I was leading Lay Witness Missions (mid to late 1970’s), I met a precious lady—Ma Stumph. She was one of the most incredible women I have ever met. She never had any of the material things that most of us enjoy, she learned to read by the light of the fireplace, as she studied with her young son, who was also learning to read, and she trusted God, like few I have ever known. Many were the times I would call on her to stand in front of a large congregation of people to share her testimony, and without exception, she would bring the crowd to a standing ovation (which she never sought!)! After I entered the pastorate in 1979, I scheduled a Lay Witness Mission for that church (Benevolence), and asked my dear friend, Jim Proffitt, to lead it, which he graciously agreed to do. He included Ma Stumph on his team and on Sunday afternoon, just before she left to return home, she handed me something she had written in her own handwriting , which she had entitled, “Who is Jesus?” It was stapled together with a safety pin. She had made copies of it for her children, but she wanted me to have the original. After 30 years, I still have it, and believe me, I treasure it! I think you will enjoy reading it.(You can click on the images to enlarge them)