Dates for your diary

Our friend, brother, and fellow colleague, Dr Bill Woods OBE, went to be with the Lord today, Monday, 6th November 2023. We are sad at his parting from us, but glad that his battle is over and he is now at home with the Lord.  

Undoubtedly, Bill has heard the Saviour say “Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Bill went to Brazil, with Acre Gospel Mission in 1960. Audrey and I had the pleasure of working with him when we arrived in 1965. It was then that he felt constrained to qualify in medicine to help thousands of people who suffered from leprosy, it was a courageous step to undertake this medical course in Portuguese. 

After qualifying in 1976, he further studied in Rio to become an ophthalmic surgeon. Bill used his acquired skills to treat thousands of leprosy patients who thanked God for his dedication to their cause. While Bill tirelessly worked to alleviate physical suffering, he kept his focus on evangelism. Wherever he went, he took gospel literature. He travelled on all the Amazon tributaries that crisscross the Acre to meet his patients in very remote places, all the while sowing the good seed of God’s word.

Many in glory will welcome Bill because he led them to Christ. There is no doubt that our colleagues who have gone before him will also welcome Bill home, and I am sure there will be many joyful conversations of days gone by in the Lord’s work.  Today we salute the life of this great servant of God. Although his was a sacrificial life, it also was very satisfactory for he knew that he served the Saviour who loved him and whom he loved. Good night Bill. We will soon see you and all our Acre family on the morning of that bright and cloudless day. 

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13). 

Victor Maxwell, President of Acre  

Find us on Facebook