My French Connection
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Leader’s Edge: Spiritual Formation
My French Connection
By: Don Dirks
GlobalVault, 2013
226 Pages
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This is a classic missionary autobiography, with all the requisite ingredients: Background, homelife, conversion, call, Bible school and preparation for the field. Then comes language study and a deep dive into a lifetime ministry in Gabon, France, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Congo-Kinshasa. Well written, direct and interesting, this is a good weekend read.
Who is this person?
Don Dirks of good Dutch stock, hails from the prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada. Born into the home of Dutch immigrant farmers, part of an extended family of Christians, he was raised in a Bible-believing and preaching church. Saved at the age of 12, he sensed God’s calling on his life for missions at 16 during the church’s annual missions conference. The words of the song, “I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,” sealed the deal. In 1954, he began his preparation for ministry at Western Canadian Bible Institute where he met his future wife, Elma, who he married the next year. They served for almost four decades overseas. He and his wife were accomplished linguists, both in French as well as Yinzebi, a Gabonese tribal language. Don currently resides in Abbotsford, BC where he repairs computers and employs his excellent French for book translation.
What stood out to you about this person’s story?
As a boy, even before his conversion, Dirks admired missionaries and wanted to be one. Don’s calling at 15 began his journey to overseas service and he and Elma never doubted their calling. Throughout their lives together, the Dirks experienced God’s miraculous supply of their needs. They believed in and practiced prayer for the sick, for themselves and others, and saw healings. Don and Elma fasted and prayed about a serious, yet mysterious problem in a Bible School they directed. In a short time, God revealed the problem and led the students in prayer which led to revival and a resolution of the problematic issue
What were their significant contributions?
In the book, Dirks gives a sane and honest account of a true Holy Spirit revival with signs and wonders, the manifestation of spiritual gifts, deliverance, powerful prayers and praise. During the revival, Dirks witnessed an illiterate woman praying eloquently in polished English, praising God. He translated her paean of praise for those in the chapel, a moment of high worship. In addition, Don proved to be a most amazing multi-tasker, i.e., teacher, preacher, maintenance man, builder, computer tech, MK school parents, ad infinitum, aided by an equally capable wife. At one evangelistic campaign, Don’s coordination and sensitivity to the Spirit led to a mass baptism of 500 people, with his colleagues dubbing him, “Don the Baptizer.”
What does this person’s life teach us?
- God will take a person yielded and obedient far beyond their personal humble background, enabling them to develop natural talents and spiritual gifts in amazing measure.
- A life totally committed to God’s service in whatever circumstance will see Yahweh Jireh providentially supply all that is needed to fulfill that which He asks of us.
Following Elma’s passing in 2007 after several years in a nursing home, Don continued serving by participating in an effort to reach French speakers in the Vancouver area. In addition, he made numerous trips overseas to assist ministry in several African countries.
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