EMS/Secretary

For nearly 50 years, Hilda Johnecheck has faithfully served OMS International.

Introduced to missions through her local church and an interdenominational church camp in her home state of Michigan, Hilda developed an interest in overseas witness while still a child. In 1958, she began to sense God leading her to become personally involved in the ministry of OMS. With several years of office experience as secretary to the Charlevoix County, Michigan, agricultural agent, she applied for homeland service. In 1959, she was assigned to the OMS International World Headquarters, then located in Los Angeles, California. During the next several years she served at various times as automatic typewriter operator, cashier and secretary to the treasurer, and later to the vice-president.

From 1964 until 1982, Hilda served as executive secretary to Dr. Eugene Erny and Dr. Wesley Duewel during their terms as president of OMS. Since July 1982, she has served as secretary to Dr. Duewel, president emeritus. She is responsible for coordinating the preparation of manuscripts of his books, handling correspondence, maintaining records of the book ministry and mailing out thousands of the books each year.

She assisted Dr. and Mrs. Duewel during the autumn of 1983 on a two-month assignment in India and visited OMS ministries in Spain and France while en route home.

Hilda also has been involved in several overseas ministries through participation in OMS’ Men For Missions International witness crusades to Colombia, Ecuador and Haiti. Speaking from personal experience, she says, “Romans 12:2 instructs us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, which is our spiritual worship. God reveals His plan for me and step-by-step gently points the way.”

Missionary ID #803008