Written By: Bruce Peters
“I am not tired of my work, neither am I tired of the world; yet, when Christ calls me home, I shall go with gladness.”
– Adoniram Judson (19th Century Missionary Pioneer, Bible Translator)
With great sorrow World Reach announces the death of Brom Cowser. A venerated member of the World Reach family, our brother passed into the presence of God on Sunday morning, November 24, 2019.
Brom Cowser was a great missionary, and even more rare, he was a missionary statesman. He was a tireless advocate for missions, speaking in churches, colleges and seminaries. Many local churches learned about “Faith Promise Giving” from Brom, a creative means to raise funds for missions. He could pastor pastors, mentor leaders who knew they could confide and trust Brom because of his integrity and wisdom.
In addition, his strong and overcoming faith gave authority to his message, authenticity to his faith. Brom won admiration and respect because of his capacity to endure and remain faithful, despite personal sorrows, trials, and hard times. He truly was a Christian gentleman. With his humble spirit and demeanor, Brom made a bold impact by his character and counsel. When he spoke, even in his mild and temperate voice, people listened attentively, respectfully. His words were not to be missed.
Brom, alongside his wife Betty, poured out his life in missions. For over fifty years the Cowsers served in Curacao, the Caribbean island nation off Venezuela’s northern coast. Their ministry and gifts many, the Cowsers dedicated themselves to a nation, preaching, teaching, soul-winning, translating, counseling, praying. In retirement Brom continued his radio broadcast ministry from a studio at McCalla Bible Church, broadcasting over Birmingham’s local Christian radio station WGIB and a local Curacao station.
What a great, inspiring man of God he was! His legacy will continue to bless and build the kingdom of God. Brom held close personal and ministry ties with World Reach. The Cowsers finished their active ministry days as World Reach missionaries. Brom was a close friend to Tim Prewitt, WR General Director. In addition, WR Latin American Director Juan Barrientos was led to Christ as a young man in his native Curacao by Brom, and together the Cowsers loved him as a son and nurtured him in his call to ministry.
Let’s unite in prayer for Brom’s family, including his beloved wife, Betty, as well as son David and daughter Esther and their precious families. David in his own tribute to his Dad recalled one of his last conversations with Brom. David wrote, “I was able to celebrate his 89th birthday September 13 with him. He [Dad] told me he wanted his Lord and Savior to find him faithful. Dad shared Christ with everyone he met, everywhere. So do not sorrow as others who have no hope, but rejoice because dad has gone to his great reward in heaven.”
Brom Cowser’s testimony endures, most of all in the souls he reached for Christ, the continuing ministries he established or nurtured. George Whitfield, legendary 18th century American itinerant preacher and evangelist, wrote “Take care of you life and the Lord will take care of your death.” Brom took care to live his life for his Savior, and in death no doubt Christ received Brom with the words “Well done.”
