Retired HCJB Global Musician, Broadcaster Wilda Savage Dies at 88

January 18, 2008

Retired HCJB Global Musician, Broadcaster Wilda Savage Dies at 88

January 18, 2008

A retired HCJB Global pianist known for her gentle, endearing personality, Wilda Zoe Savage, died in Okemos, Mich., on Wednesday, Jan. 16. She was 88.

Wilda and her late husband, Bob, who died in November 1987, were missionaries in Latin America and leaders of several Baptist churches in Michigan.

Bob and Wilda met while studying at Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Ill., and married in September 1938. Bob then worked as assistant pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. He later became the pastor of First Baptist Church in Romeo, Mich., and founded First Baptist Church in Washington, Mich.

In 1940, when the Savages sensed the Lord leading them to missionary service, Wilda wrote the well-known missionary hymn, "Lord, Send Me," which continues to inspire young people on their way to missionary service abroad.

Bob and Wilda served for 27 years as missionaries in Colombia and Ecuador. They went to Colombia with The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) in 1942, first in Pamplona for a period of language study, then at a mission station in Chinácota as evangelistic missionaries.

In 1944, frustrated by the lack of progress in the work in Colombia, the couple moved to Quito, Ecuador, to serve with HCJB Global where they worked in broadcasting, music, youth outreach and administration.

They became well known throughout Latin America for their daily radio program, "Himnos de la Vida Cristiana" (Hymns of the Christian Life). Wilda played the piano and organ and sang duets with her husband. Wilda's most well-known hymn in Spanish was, "Oh Cristo, Anhelo Agradarte." It was later translated into English as "Jesus, I Fully Surrender."

After resigning from the mission in 1969, the couple returned to the U.S. to enter pastoral service, leading churches in central and western Michigan, including Dalton Baptist Church in Muskegon, Mona Shores Baptist Church, Evanston Avenue Baptist Church and Haslett Baptist Church.

Wilda is survived by her four children, Steve, Carol, Jim and Judi, as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held this spring in Muskegon.

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.