November 30, 2004
A key characteristic of the Apostle Paul is adaptability. In the story of the church's expansion, Paul was willing to make every effort to meet the needs of each community. To the Atheneans at Mars Hill, he recognized their need for new definitions. In Troas, he undoubtedly learned to speak with more brevity. In Macedonia, Paul had changed course for the sake of a begging man who asked him, "Come over where I live and help us."
In similar ways, Harvey Kneisel, '53, has learned to adapt. Long on the mission field, Harvey has seen God work in communities around the world. Since age 13, Harvey has preached the repentance of Jesus, and growing up with the Gospel has reinforced its central tenants while giving him clear eyes to see particular needs.
Once Harvey completed seminary, he and his wife, Charlene Lewis, ex '51, served in several churches before moving into overseas mission work. As missionaries, they served in Guyana, South America, India, the Philippines, and the Cayman Islands. "Every furlough we were faced with buying a car," he says. "but since the average time stateside is three months to a year, it is not cost-effective to purchase one. So, Jack Edmonds, '56, and I came up with the idea to provide cars to missionaries."
They named their ministry Macedonian Call Foundation, working from the passage where the Apostle Paul had responded to the needs facing him. That was 25 years ago. Today, 1,014 vehicles later, the foundation provides donated automobiles to many international missionary families on stateside assignment. Through the foundation, he also organizes shortterm mission opportunities for various groups.
His presidency of the Macedonian Call Foundation is only one example. Another example of Harvey's life being patterned to serve the needs of others came by way of his service at First Baptist Church in Houston. Since Harvey has served as pastor for churches ranging from small to large, he now works with First Baptist in their efforts to partner with churches that have a declining population. "I basically travel around the country and do conferences," he says. "Recently, I have been to Georgia, Kansas, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. There is a major problem in America. Eighty-five thousand churches are either declining or dying. First Baptist partners with these declining churches, and because of this ministry, 22 of them have all experienced great growth and have come back to reach their communities."
Yet another task is now on his shoulders. Harvey is now serving as pastor to North Central Baptist Church, one of the declining churches that had need for someone to come along and help.
As for OBU, Harvey says he has "fond remembrances" of the university and what it means to Oklahomans. His OBU experiences have certainly served him well. Now, at the age of 73, Harvey serves as president of a ministry, is minister of missions emeritus of a church, and remains active. Even more, he and Charlene, have four grown daughters - two of whom have served overseas for a combined 30 years - and nine grandchildren.