Gene Anderson: Trailblazer to Tedim by Donna Faye Anderson

This book reveals Gene Anderson, a Spirit-led champion, as he related to people through God’s perspective. Genuine and approachable—with determination and incredible mental and physical tenacity—he unreservedly embraced both awesome adventures and heartbreaking difficulties with zeal and grace.

During the 1952 year-end meeting of the Burma Seventh-day Adventist Union in Rangoon, the chairman stated, “We have had workers in lower Burma for years, but never have we sent anyone to upper Burma.” He continued with a question, “Is there someone here who feels a burden to take our message to this remote region?”

Gene immediately rose to his feet. “I am willing to go,” he said, “if this meets with the committee’s approval, and if the Lord wills it.” Sitting beside Gene was Elder Robert Pierson, division president, who responded to him, “Brother Anderson, you have before you the greatest challenge open to anyone in the Southern Asia Division today!”

Some have described Gene Anderson as fatherless, homeless, and penniless in his foundational years. Outwardly, this seemed to be an accurate analysis, but it did not recognize the character qualities of this remarkable man. Instead of being bound by his early misfortunes, he consistently followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit and sought the wisdom of godly mentors. His daily appointments with God were the source of his strength for each day’s work.

Donna Faye Anderson currently resides in California with her husband David. They have shared many adventures, including unforgettable trips all over North America and several international journeys.

During her junior year at PUC, Donna Faye and her roommate were accepted as student missionaries to the Seventh-day Adventist Mission Academy in Koror, Palau—a Micronesian island in the South Pacific. This experience provided a great opportunity for her to grow spiritually and to share Jesus’ love with her students, twelve of whom decided to be baptized during the school year.

Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:38–39: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NKJV).

Donna Faye spent the first year of her retirement writing this book. It brought back many heartwarming memories, along with tears and laughter. She can hardly wait to see Gene and Lois when Jesus comes and tell them she wrote a book about them!