30/09/2025
In Memory of Missionary Kenneth Fuller: A True Hero
Missionary Kenneth Fuller, the longest-serving missionary in the Philippines, crossed over to receive his eternal reward yesterday.
Those who knew him can testify there was no one like him. To those who didn’t, seek him in heaven in the sweet by and by, and you will meet a certified hero, a living legend.
His commitment to fight for the country he loved began as a young man in World War II. He was among the brave warriors who helped fulfill General Douglas MacArthur’s promise, “I Shall Return.” One of the most heroic soldiers of America became one of the greatest soldiers of the Cross after achieving victory. Out of the estimated the 16.5 million Americans who were part of the WWII war machine only 0.05 percent of them are still alive today.
For many years, he taught at the ACTS Bible school in Manila with excellence. At least once a year, he would lead his students to one of the most powerful and moving memorials dedicated to the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many for our freedom: the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial for WWII. Virtually every year, he guided a group on an emotional journey to honor those he personally knew and loved and tell of the great sacrifices the Greatest Generation of Filipino and American soldiers paid. Most students knew almost nothing about these things. His tour would invariably end at a particular cross.
I was privileged to join him on that journey several times. I will never forget him recounting the story of fighting foot by foot, mile by mile, to liberate the Philippines, enthralled by the unimaginable strength they possessed, and considered it common.
As he talked he would always return to that one special cross, out of tens of thousands. Standing there looking at that cross, which to me looked like all the rest, and when his voice cracked, and tears began to flow I was transported to a time of explosions, gunfire, blood sweat and tears.
He told the story, a beautiful, yet painful story. Pointing to the ground at foot of that cross, which had been green grass to me a moment ago was now flesh and blood. He said, “That should be me. I should have been there all these years. He took the bullet that had my name on it. He traded places with me, and…" His words trailed off. Sometimes words are not enough.
I looked at the name of the cross and suddenly it was like this name, unknown soldier to me moments before, was now known, and the life he never got to live flashed before my eyes.
Kenneth Fuller made every cross in that cemetery seem personal, because he was there, he ate with them, he fought with them, and they died all around him. They were just teenagers, most of them young, with mothers and fathers, and hopes and dreams that were never lived.
The emotion, the power of that moment hit home. The story of that ultimate sacrifice left both of us tears.
It was 80 years later, and he never got over that sacrifice. The last time I was with him there, he looked at that cross and said, “Every day I live is a debt I can’t repay.” Kenneth Fuller convinced others to be debtors too, living lives of great meaning, redeeming the time for a cause bigger than themselves.
On the wall at the WWII memorial is a quote I carry with me always: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.” I have known many who sacrificed greatly for the kingdom, but Kenneth Fuller stands in a very small company of heroes of the faith.
I realize he lived a long life, but every day he lived, was another day he died, a debtor, and because of this he truly lived a very full life.
Prayers for his precious wife Dr. Doris Fuller who stayed by his side all these years.
Brother Kenneth Fuller, your mission is accomplished.
Rest in peace.
