The Kindness of Generals James and Deborah Green – My Grandparents –
By: Elisabeth Elliott McCreary
Growing up, I was fortunate to know I was loved. My Mom loved me very much and would never have stayed around or tolerated anybody who tried to abuse children! Quite the opposite of all the accusations, both of us experienced the love and kindness of James and Deborah Green. After my father left, their love shaped my childhood in profound ways, and I carry the lessons and memories they gifted me close to my heart even today. As I reflect on those formative years, I am thankful that my mother and I had the emotional support system they and others in our Christian Ekklesia community / extended family provided.
My dad went and married someone else and left my mom and five-year-old me to fend for ourselves. I have a good relationship with my dad now, but at the time when I was little, he never supported us at all. Generals James and Deborah Green were the ones who were kind and supportive of us. They and the ACMTC Christians provided us with food, shelter, and clothes, and helped my mom so she didn’t have to raise me all alone. They made sure I received a top-notch private-school education utilizing the well-known and widely used ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) curriculum. They made sure we always had a nice place to live and were well provided for.
The Generals: Not Scary!
Although many around the world knew them as “The Generals”, I always saw them as “Momboo” (an endearing nickname meaning “Grandma” that one of the grandkids called Deborah and it stuck) and “Gramps” or “Grandpa”. They were not scary or hard-hearted aloof people. The rank of General that God gave them because He wanted them to lead an army of Soldiers for Christ, did not change the fact that they were both loving parents and grandparents. General James Green, aka “Grandpa” to those of us who love him and have lived with him for many years, is one of the kindest men I have ever known. He would give the shirt off his back to someone in need! Ever since I was a little kid, all my memories of him – from then, until now – are of his kindness and tenderheartedness. He was always compassionate, and you could tell he and General Deborah really cared about people.
When I was a teenager and was having trouble with rebellion and confusion and was arguing with my Mom a lot, I ran away. Momboo and Gramps were very kind and understanding towards me. They told me that if I wanted to, I could live in their house with them like when I was a little kid. Of course, I was happy for the extra attention and took them up on their kind offer.
Life Lessons That Endure
Through their everyday acts of kindness, such as giving food to the homeless that would come by or feeding the stray cats that would show up in our backyard, my grandparents taught me important life lessons. They showed me the power of prayer, love, discipline, and faithfulness, and the importance of loving Jesus and loving people enough to share the Gospel with them. Their determination to keep doing the right thing even when some people would misunderstand and lie about or accuse them, made me realize that I could keep my faith in Christ and keep going no matter the circumstances.
Gratitude for Their Lasting Influence
Now, as an adult, I realize just how much their example shaped the person I have become. Momboo (General Deborah) taught me how to cook and it is something that I still enjoy doing for my family and friends. I remember going on hikes with Grandpa and listening to stories of both of their missionary trips around the world, stories of God’s miracle power and answers to prayer. Their love and devotion to Christ continues to inspire me. I cherish every memory and honor the legacy of warmth, generosity, faith and love that they showed to me.
If I could offer any advice to others, it would be this: treasure the moments you have with your grandparents. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and let their kindness become a part of who you are. The love and memories you create together will last a lifetime.
DON’T BELIEVE THE LIES OF PEOPLE WHO ACCUSE THE GENERALS (MY GRANDPARENTS) OF CHILD ABUSE! I WAS A CHILD WHO GREW UP UNDER THEIR CARE AND I CAN VOUCH FOR THE TRUTH THAT THEY NEVER ABUSED CHILDREN!