A Memorial Celebration for David Clapper

It is January 1, 2009. I’ve been carrying around with me the clipping from the Williamsonian, (A communiqué of the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Media, PA where Dave Clapper and I were in the Masonry Program back in the 80’s), announcing the tragedy of August 9, 2008.

I tried to throw away the clipping a few times since the newsletter was printed in the fall of ‘08 but instead chose each time to read it again and remember Dave Clapper and pray for you all.

Only today did I discover this website while thinking of Dave and searching for more information about the ministry and the crash. On one occasion last year I went to my Williamson Year Book and found photos of Dave. I read the last statement Dave wrote in my year book saying “God Bless You.” I showed this to my wife and four kids at that time then we all prayed for you and your family Beth.

I am writing to encourage you, as all your friends have been doing, knowing that you and the children would surely enjoy another fresh eye-witnessed version of the Dave you knew and the interpretation others had who intensely knew him. I distinctly have recollections of times and events with Dave Clapper at Williamson. Williamson is a surreal place of our youth were the intensity of events are heightened since we are all boys leaving home for the first time to live with other, (and may I add very much stranger), boys from various different social and cultural upbringings.

Dave was a year behind me in graduating. Before I ever went to the Williamson School, I prayed for the future boys that I would soon meet there that were of my age and possibly from similar financial and family hardships. In advance I prayed for their salvation through Jesus before I ever lived at the school myself. I asked God to help me be instrumental in leading some to the Savior having just become a Christian myself in High School upon hearing the gospel message preached to me. I was very fervent for the Lord when I entered Williamson. I started a chapter of The Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship there at Williamson. It was lonely for me as I made the rounds every Wednesday evening. I would go through all the cottages where all the students lived, as everyone was required to live on campus full time, and ask boys huddled around their TV in the common living room area if they wanted to come to a “Bible study” we would be having that evening.

All the boys, (rough and tumble-types interested in mechanical trades), had to make a decision when I asked and had the option to cower under peer pressure even if they came from religious homes. Only strong personalities would commit to walking away from their cottage peers to go with me. There were always only a few that would have the nerve. Williamson is a great place to find out what you are made of. Many kids told me jokingly that they would rather I take my message to the parking lot off campus where the kids drank beer, supposedly in secret- but everyone knew, so that I could talk about God in this their comfort zone. I always refused. I was sometimes harassed and as you could imagine. I had the pointing finger pointed at me as a “less than adequate guide to God.” It is true too. I was and still am not all that I should be, (being the rough and tumble guy that I am- still rough around the edges and still interested in mechanical things).

However, I call that weakness my strength so that all are without excuse to lack the attempt to follow God and witness to others of His goodness since it is a reality that we all fall short and the lack of perfection now is just no excuse. Overall, I did feel generally liked by the boys at Williamson since they knew I was just a peer and acted only “as one blind beggar trying to show another blind beggar where to find bread”-real bread to enrich their souls. Jesus.

What great refreshment to me in my Junior year to have this new freshman, Dave Clapper come to Williamson School! Dave’s disposition is just how everyone in these website comments I am reading on-line are describing him.

I was the older guy, the bible study leader, and the driving force in establishing this Christian fellowship on campus. If I needed help I knew I could count on Dave. I could never ask Dave to “jump to do something” without him asking me in return what the exact height might be, (asking it while the jump was EnRoute so as not to lose time in his always fastidious follow-through.)

He was like the kind of man you really want to know and can depend on if you have something important to do. His Yes meant Yes. His No meant No. His face was like flint in determination. He would accompany me for my cottage rounds during my second and third year and even split off to hit some cottages while I visited others. He faithfully came to bible study. He was not shy about being raw regarding the truth in Christianity and the need to repent and follow God.

I believe, however, that he went through the mill personally and was shredded to his core, as we all were in that “military-like” regimented environment. It is hard to be a staunch follower of Jesus with so many judgmental eyes watching your every move and calling a short coming to your attention for your benefit.

Dave grew in his faith at Williamson due to the testing of his faith I believe. You are either going to grow or shrink in that tough environment. Dave may have even wondered which it was for him. But I was watching him and I know he was growing.

I am sure that Moody Bible Institute may have been a more comfortable and clean environment to cultivate a respectable theology and an impeccable handling of the word of God. However, it is at places like Williamson Trade School where The Potter can push you into strange shapes thus conforming you into His intended design and predestining you-whether you will be pottery of noble use, useful to the Master or just a common vessel.

Dave was a powerful lump of clay. God allowed him to be worked over good. I witnessed it and now see, what I didn’t know about Dave’s life as a pilot and missionary, since I lost touch with him over these last 25 years. I see now that Dave Clapper was a vessel for great honor. Better yet Dave Clapper is now like Christ glorified for all eternity. I only hope the same honor will be said of me and my character and the outcome will be as successful as was Dave’s. For we know that we all must die. The difference is if we die unto the Lord and while busy doing His work, as Dave so faithfully was doing, having our own soul secured through faith in Jesus, there can only be victory in death. Jesus said in John 14:2 that He was going to prepare a place for us so that where He is we could be also. He had that place ready for Dave and may have called him home in advance to ready those “places” further for all of us who will one day surely follow. We know at a twinkling of an eye will all be changed one day and as we are found absent in the body we also know we will be present with the Lord as the bible describes in I Corinthians 15: 51-52 and 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Knowing Dave, those plain rooms prepared in advance might very well be amazingly decorated with personal touches if it is true that God allows such a thing to happen.

Dave was and still is a good guy that would find a way to make something extra special if he had the chance to do so. I can think of many ways he demonstrated an attitude of going out of his way for the benefit of another person just in the short time that I knew him. I know his good attributes live in your children and are cherished by you Beth.

So, I end my letter to you as Dave with his own hand ended his message in my year book to me, “God Bless You.” I send his words to you. May God Bless you in 2009 and on and on until His appearing.

Sincerely in the love of Christ,

Andy deGruchy, Quakertown, PA

Class of 1982, Williamson Trade School, Media, PA.

p.s.- Beth, Judah, Tirzah, Natalie, Victoria and Jasmine please feel free to send me any message you like, if you have time and are able to andydegruchy@comcast.net.

If you want to read more of my own testimony find my Faith Story at http://www.degruchymasonry.com where I tell my story of how I became a Christian and how I also got accepted to the Williamson School.

Dear Beth,
It’s been a while. We were at Moody and at EAC together (Paul, Deborah, Kaylah and Nathanael Koch - now we have Josiah too). I know we haven’t kept in touch, but we rememer you and your beautiful family so well! We heard about Dav through Nard Pugyao. SO, so sorry! We are so grateful for the Lord’s comfort, but we imagine it must be a very diffidult road to travel… God bless you! We know he will care for you and your children! Praying for you, the Koch’s.

Dear Beth,
Hi, it’s Donna Gumpper. I just found out about Dave in the moody magazine. I am so sorry for you. Bill my husband just went to be with His heavenly father November 13th! So those two are rejoicing in heaven together as I type you. I can say I understand how you feel and pray that this Christmas will be a peaceful one for you and the children. We have two children Christopher 12 and Abigail 10. Type me sometime when you get a few minutes. I would love to talk to you. In His Love Donna

i’m sorry i just had to write again! i hope you don’t mind! on the page called photos i saw this church were you had one memorial service. it is sooooooo pretty! well this period is over gotta go!!

Dear Clapper family,
i miss you guys so much! i think about you a lot!!!:) When did you get back to Indonesia? The picture on the home page of your family looks really cool! Luv ya bunches!!!:)
Molly

We will be praying for you, Beth, and for your kids, that Christ would be glorified through you and that your work in Indonesia will be filled with God’s presence. That He might guide you in his paths and that you will continue to experience the peace only He can offer. I remember days spent with you and Dav in Chicago while attending Moody Bible Institute and often think about you. God’s blessings to you and your children.
We too have dealt with many hardships and found that God is good…

Dear Beth & Family,

I only know you through David & Marcella Haag but am remembering you each morning as I kneel in prayer. There are so many things that we do not understands but Romans 8:28 has been a favorite verse for me for many years. David and Marcella are very dear to me and I praise God for them. I know David is a great encouragement to you even as he has been to me. I pray God’s mercy for you during this difficult time. Remember Phillipians 4: 19.

Love in Christ, Elmer J Bucher
Sarasota Fl

Dear Beth and family,
Grieve well for your husband, friend and dad. We will keep each of you in prayer over the next few weeks as you are here with family and friends remembering the beauty and gift of Dave.

God bless!

Teri (Theresa Harris) Lucas

Dear Beth and Family,
Henny van de Kerkhof at AMA is my father and it was a shock when we heard the news! Dad kept us up to date through out this period and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Many pilots have gone to be with the Lord while serving the Papuans and Dave was a person who gave his life for these wonderful people! Our prayers are with you, your family and friends.
God Bless you!
Fabrice and Camilla van de Kerkhof

Dear Beth and Family,

I don’t know you but heard about your husband through Buzz Maxey who we just met on our first trip to Papua in April, 2008. My husband and I have been with MAF for 32 years and spent 17 years in Africa. Please be assured of our prayers as you seek God’s will for your future.

God bless, Rich & Judy Olenik
MAF Advocates, Speculator, New York

Dear Beth and Family…
You do not know us, but we heard about you and the loss of your husband through our friends, Issac and Amber Rogers. You have been on our hearts and in our prayers through these past few weeks. We are very sorry for your loss and know that your husband and daddy must be missed terribly. May the one true God, your Father and Prince of Peace, give you everything you need as you adjust to a different life. We will continue to pray and we thank you for your sacrificial lives and testimony to us all.
In Christ Alone,
Cal and Julianne Katterman

Dear Beth and children,

Tonight I received this e-mail, through the grapevines…it made it to me…via Mary, Donna and finally Tara.
I am terribly sorry for your loss. Dav was such a terrific person.
Your family has always held a special place in my heart…the years we spent with eachother were wonderful. Everytime I plant flowers, I think of you, Beth.
We will pray for peace and comfort for you all….

Love always,
Jada

Dear Beth Clapper and Children,

It was just today that we learned that Dave embarked on his finally journey when a friend in AMA texted my wife to wish her a happy birthday. Roberta Hartini and I served with AMA from Oct 89 to Dec 02. David was my replacement as a pilot for AMA but we only met briefly a couple of times. We lived mainly in Nabire during our time with AMA.
Beth, our prayers go out to you and family.
May God bless you all as you carry on with missionary work in Papua. The prayers from Jacobs Well church congregation and staff are with you in your work there.

Michael Valley
Chippewa Falls, wi

my deepest sympathy goes to the family of Dave. Its a great loss for the Papuan community as well.
I knew Dave as a pilot when i was also in Papua, flying for AMA in Papua in 2004-2005.

May he be where he wants to be!

Marc Ket

Beth and Family,
I’m not sure if you will remember me or not. Dav & I were in the same graduating class at Shalom. My heart has been heavy since hearing the news about Dav. Our family has been continually praying for your family. I was truly touched after reading the comments that were written about Dav. It really reminded me how I need to be more open to God to be used in bringing Him glory & bringing others into the Kingdom. Dav was a great example of giving it all for God’s service. You & your family will continue to be in our prayers. I have contacted the other 3 classmates in our graduating class & they are lifting you up in prayer as well. May the healing balm of Gilead cover your family (Jeremiah 8:22).
In His love,
Lisa Hall (Gsell)

How small our world really is - I have been praying for your family since Dav’s plane was first announced missing. I only know your family through Mike and Christy Brown whom I have also never met. I was introdued to them by Tim and Carol Pool who I have been friends with for about 18 years. Now through all of these introduction and the loss of a wonderful servant of God I have been completly touched by the grace and courage of your family and friends. Your wholeness in Christ though the loss of Dave (husband/father/friend/mentor/servant) has shined accross the world. My devoted prayers are with all of you.
Your Sister in our Lord and Mighty God
- Rhonda Hall -

Beth and family,
You all don’t know me but I somehow feel like I now know you all. Mike and Christy Brown with MAF were at our church in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula a number of years ago while raising support to go to Papua New Guinea. I have followed their work overseas and read all there communications. I was informed by Mike via a MAF email on a Saturday night and then Sunday AM here in the States about the disappearance and eventual finding of Dav. My heart immediately ached for you all in a way I can’t explain. I shared that morning with my local church family your loss and asked that others be lifting you up in prayer. Know that folks all over this world, because of the Holy Spirit’s urging have and are holding you all up before our Father’s throne. Be encouraged in our precious Lord’s love and mercy and may He overwhelm you in these days with his glorious presence! I look forward to the day that I can meet and fellowship with Dav in heaven along with all the other saints. God’s richest blessings on you all.
Eric Wallis

Rom 8:35

Who shall seperate us from Christ’s love?
Shall suffering and afflicition and tribulation?
Or calamity and disstress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?

Dear Beth and children
We pray for you in Holland to.
God bless you!

A letter to Beth from an interior friend who lives in the remote mountain village of Lolat. Leah comes from the Yali tribe… former cannibals. Now the Gospel has come to them and lives have been dramatically changed.

Bet, (the name they know Beth by)
I, Leah, in Jesus name greet you. With a heavy heart I greet you. Also for Def (Dave) we are mourning. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday three days we did not go to our potato gardens. With heavy hearts we stayed in our huts and mourned. Ibu Bet, (Beth) aholani (your girls) in Jesus name I greet you.
My friends, enalobok**, (Def (Dave), God’s work he did well, but God took him. In your hearts do not consider this or that.
God will help you. Later you too will go to heaven. You also God gave work to do. This work from God you do.
In Jesus name I greet you my friends.
Not until Thursday we will go to our potato gardens. Our mourning will be done.
Good night.
Leah

**(enalobok= the highest honor that one can give)

Beth, Judah, Tirzah, Natalie, Victoria & Jasmine,
I just want you guys to know that my husband and are praying for you. Your lives and testimony have impacted my life in an incredible way. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord. We love you! - Anna & Jeremiah

Beth and children, you may not even know that your families life had an impact on mine! My family and I (Barry and Sonya Keller) lived near Chicago at the same time your family was living in Cicero. I remember times we would get together for meals and fellowship with you all. I remember Dave then as a kind, compasionate person who was always smiling and busy! Earth is missing him but heaven is rejoicing in having him home! I have often thought of you over the years and the dedication to the calling of Christ that Dave, you and the children had. Know that I and my family are sending warm prayers of comfort your way. My husband and I decided to name our 1st child after your Tirzah. I carried that name with me all these years later after hearing her name in Cicero, and later discovering it is in the Bible. So know that you and your family have never been far from my mind, and will continue to be close to my heart! Love and prayers Jovita Miller

Dear Beth and Children…First of all I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!!! I have known you guys for a long, long time, but in the last 2yrs We’ve definently gotten to know each other better. The year you guys were in the states (year or so ago) there were different times that we got together and had good times of fellowship. I’m so thankful that we had those times with both of our families and I will always remember them. Dav will be missed so much, but I’m so thankful that he is in a much better place and with our Heavenly Father. About a week ago the song “I Can Only Imagine” was sung at our church and it brought tears to my eyes, because I had to think of Dav and how he no longer had to imagine what it would be like, but he is getting to experince it all. Praise the Lord!!!
Love you yall!!! Marty

Dear Beth Clapper & Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss, and to David’s Family as well. Beth, I don’t know if you ever met me. I know your sister married to Dennis Frey. I was married to Chester Nicarry for almost 20 years. I still think of David as my nephew. He used to work for us on our farm in Chambersburg. Maybe I don’t have any right contacting you, but I feel I must. My sister in law, Joanne Patches, married to my brother-Luther Patches, had called & told me about the plane crash, also my son Joel. I just want you to know that everything you say about “Dav” as you spell it is true!!! I know from personal experiance. There wasn’t anything we asked him to do, that he didn’t do with all his might….that included shoveling “liguid” chicken manure out on to the loader tractor. He worked right along side of me, and when I’d get tired, he’d say…”come on Aunt Fern, we gotta get this done before it gets worse, we can do this!” (We raised broiler chickens, and when a water got stuck or ran over, it created a big watery mess). That is just one example. I wish I would have seen him in the years after, but this is not the place for details. Just know that I beleive in the same God you do and you and your Family have been in my prayers and in my heart. There are some people who leave a mark on our life forever, and Dav was one of those, even as a teanager. I am sure you are a very special person also,I can tell by the way you write about him. Joanne forwarded the e-mail you sent out, that is how I am responding. I had always in the back of my mind wanted to be a “misssionary nurse”,but that never happened. I am a nurse, and tried to show God’s Love thru my care to my patients. I am glad there are those of you who heeded the calling to be missionaries. May God Bless You in more ways than you can imagine now and in the future as you go thru this period of grief, yet comforted to know that Dav truly is with God. Sincerely & Caringly I send you my Love,..Fern

Dear Clappers,
I’ve often wondered over the last 6 years why God took our family overseas to serve with you in 2002. That was the year things “fell apart” with the mission you were previously serving with… and you were sent home, leaving us “alone” in Sentani! We’ve always felt that God sent us over there for YOU… to help support and love you through that difficult time, and we always marvel at His love for his children; that He would send an entire family overseas for another family of His. That has always been precious to us.
And now… now we can see that He sent us there for us, too. We have the unforgettable memories of our times there with you, and they are such a precious gift and solid comfort to our hearts as we grieve the loss of our very dear friend and brother, Dav.
We will never forget flying with Dav to Taiyeve to stay with you all in your jungle home! There are too many memories to list… but the “surgery” we girls had to perform as the evening came on that Easter Sunday will always stand out.
And the sweet times in Sentani - singing, praying, crying together - seeking the Lord and worshipping Him through tears. Our children playing and dancing together in spite of the “tragedy” going on in your lives. Beautiful, precious memories, which we’ve always been thankful for, but now are even more cherished.
Thank you for your friendship. We pray that God will continue to pour out His peace that passes understanding, and that He will open a way for you to continue your ministry in Papua. Who knows? Maybe He’ll send us over there again!
Love you dearly - Jill (for the Millsap’s)

Beth, our lives crossed only briefly in Jackson, Mississippi many years ago at Voice of Calvary. My family moved from Jackson seven years ago and now we are members of the Lafayette (IN) Church of The Brethren. We attended this summer’s Annual Conference and learned that y’all lived in Maine after Mississippi. And, now for ten years in Papua. Wow! Praise the Lord for your faithfulness. May God love and help you and your children during this time of loss.

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing Prov.10:7.Jeff & I cherish many memories of good times shared with you & Dav.The endless games of ROOK, the evenings spent working in Jeff’s shop.And for all the discussions we had, we never did solve all the worlds problems.We love you all & pray for peace for your heart, soul, & mind.Hugs to all till we see you again. Juanita

Beth,

I came across this poem the day after Dav went to be with the Lord. Of course, I immediately thought of you and your resolve to TRUST, no matter what. Your trust and your tears are your worship to the Father…
He receives that.

“I will not doubt,
Though all my ships at sea come
Drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I shall believe the hand which never fails,
form seeming evil worketh good to me.
And though I weep because those sails
Are battered, still will I cry
While my best hopes lie shattered,
‘I TRUST IN THEE.’”
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Know that we love you and pray for you,
Martha Barkman

If then, your Lord and Teacher, has washed your feet,you also ought to wash one another’s feet. John 13:14 As I sat and read comments this morning on Dave, I was reminded of a devotional page I had given Dave and Beth in Tennessee some 11+ years ago out of a Closer Walk devotional,it was on servanthood. I felt led to write a quote from this page but didn’t want to mis quote it. I went up stairs to get the page(which I keep in my Bible) ,but first sat to read Daily Bread,and would you believe the entry today had the very scripture I wanted to quote! P.T.L! Dave exemplified Servanthood! Glory!

Beth and Family,
I love you guys so much! I have had my church family and friends across the country praying for you since I heard the news. Hearing of Dave giving his life for the people he loved and served has only fueled the desire God placed in my heart to serve in missions. This desire was encouraged when I visited with you in Papua, and now even more. I love all of you so much and am continuing to pray for you.

You will embark on a fair sea,
and at times there will be fair weather, but not always.
You will meet storms and overcome them.
You will take it in turns to steer your boat through fair weather and foul. Never lose courage.
Save harbour awaits you…in the end

I was over in Indonesia this Spring and just to see first hand how much of an impact Dav was making in the people over there not just flying his plane (which in its self was amazing) but in the way he lived for everyone to see. I’m truly inspired by the life he lived. I was just reminded of a bible study we had one evening over there about running the race with all we have. And I can only imagine the welcome he got as he crossed the finishline.

Dave Was a Humble Servant ….
Dave opened new airstrips in remote villages with villagers shouting and dancing for joy. For Dave it was a tremendous satisfaction and fulfillment; however very few people other then his wife even heard about the events of the day.
Dave took his family to a humble little church were they sit on the straw matted floor. He choose this, even though, almost all of the other churches in town are larger and much nicer buildings.
Very few of us are as humble as Dave was. He found favor in the eyes of higher ranking officials and successful business men but spent almost all of his time serving people in remote villages. He was having a great impact on many lifes and had many projects that he was involved in; but he had no newsletter to broadcast his accomplishments.