7 Lessons From the Life of Dr. William Richli
I read the book on the life of Dr. William Richli last February. He is a multi-hyphenated genius, a truly gifted man of God. An engineer-pilot-doctor among many gifts. His life is both daunting and inspiring with incredible tales that are nothing short of miraculous.
A doctor by profession who was born in the United States but answered the call in rebuilding the Manila Sanitarium or "Manila San" as it was more commonly called in the Philippine's capital. One funny anecdote that I remembered was it was common to see him in his pristine white coat as it was in his worker's overalls. He was comfortable in holding a scalpel as he was holding a wrench.
He also embodied the other meaning for MD: Missionary Doctor. Dr. Richli would hop on the rickety buses and visited provinces to render much needed medical services sorely lacking in those far flung areas.
I forgot the title of the book but it was published by Pacific Press Publishing. The pages were yellowed and the font was not so easy on the eyes but nevertheless, it was a riveting read. Here are some lessons I've learned from his life:
1. Take more risks for the cause of Christ. Who wants to die OLD? (He is quoted to have said this.)
2. Never rest. The accomplishment of a mission goal should spur you to pray for another goal.
3. Use God's time wisely. (Ouch). If there are things you should be doing, get started and finish to the end.
4. Be thoughtful and considerate. The fact that he always did something for his hosts like leaving money and doing repairs is admirable and worth emulating.
5. "Our" money is not "our" money. While working hard for the sawmill that greatly profited Mountain View College, he still gave more money towards the building of that school and even rendered his own personal service. He poured himself for the cause.
6. Never stop learning. Knowledge sanctified can do great things for the cause of Christ. His emphasis on both theoretical and practical knowledge and the balance he achieved is a super human feat.
7. Never say "No." There's always a way, especially when it is for God's cause and with His leading.
This is too short a post on his life. And I don't even have his picture. But I don't think he would mind. We don't need to be doctors to make a difference in the life of someone. A surrendered life, no matter the profession, is all He needs to make a ripple for His glory.
A doctor by profession who was born in the United States but answered the call in rebuilding the Manila Sanitarium or "Manila San" as it was more commonly called in the Philippine's capital. One funny anecdote that I remembered was it was common to see him in his pristine white coat as it was in his worker's overalls. He was comfortable in holding a scalpel as he was holding a wrench.
He also embodied the other meaning for MD: Missionary Doctor. Dr. Richli would hop on the rickety buses and visited provinces to render much needed medical services sorely lacking in those far flung areas.
I forgot the title of the book but it was published by Pacific Press Publishing. The pages were yellowed and the font was not so easy on the eyes but nevertheless, it was a riveting read. Here are some lessons I've learned from his life:
1. Take more risks for the cause of Christ. Who wants to die OLD? (He is quoted to have said this.)
2. Never rest. The accomplishment of a mission goal should spur you to pray for another goal.
3. Use God's time wisely. (Ouch). If there are things you should be doing, get started and finish to the end.
4. Be thoughtful and considerate. The fact that he always did something for his hosts like leaving money and doing repairs is admirable and worth emulating.
5. "Our" money is not "our" money. While working hard for the sawmill that greatly profited Mountain View College, he still gave more money towards the building of that school and even rendered his own personal service. He poured himself for the cause.
6. Never stop learning. Knowledge sanctified can do great things for the cause of Christ. His emphasis on both theoretical and practical knowledge and the balance he achieved is a super human feat.
7. Never say "No." There's always a way, especially when it is for God's cause and with His leading.
This is too short a post on his life. And I don't even have his picture. But I don't think he would mind. We don't need to be doctors to make a difference in the life of someone. A surrendered life, no matter the profession, is all He needs to make a ripple for His glory.
I read the book about Dr Richli 40 years ago. Fearless, inventive, unorthodox and interested in those around him, I can assure you that Richli was even more remarkable in person than the book made him out to be. He was a brilliant fellow with a common touch.
ReplyDeletewOW! You're so privileged and blessed to have met him in person (I presume).
DeleteI did. We both lived in the Philippines at the time, traveled together on occasion and worked on projects together. He was an inspiration both then and now.
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ReplyDeleteDr William Richli was my mentor and when he got to know me well, he treated me as a FRIEND.
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