Erma Elizabeth Augsburger was born and raised in Adams county, Indian, born on February 10, 1919, born to Samuel and Leah (Shertz) Augsburger. Erma's stories survive her: stories about Leah's soap-making, knitting, meal-prep for the company of thresher's on Threshing day; and her stories about Samuel's hunger for the Bible and diligence on the farm; among many, many others.
I remember Erma as the story-telling minister, ready to offer a word of thanks to God for any little thing; I remember her as a service-ready pianist, always in her heart a melody; and, I remember her as the friend of sinners, ready to make a sandwich to break up any tension or negativity. I can still hear her voice “Do you want something to eat?” "Can I make you a sandwich?" Her appeals were tender and her company, sweet.
Whatever prompted this kind of solidarity? Perhaps it was Samuel's eagerness to get his family to every possible revival and then his intentional, biblically-driven critique of each message. Maybe it was Velma, Erma's oldest sister, who was an exemplar and Christ-exalting care-giver, community-servant, nanny and mother. Or maybe it was the ministry of Ralph Neighbors and the Gospel Temple in Fort Wayne who sent Ivan, Erma's brother, and Erma into the mission field (Ivan to the Dominican Republic; Erma to the rural communities in Ohio and Indiana.). Whatever influences God used, He wooed her to himself and captivated her affections.
As of consequence, Erma left her position at GE for Fort Wayne Bible College in the mid 40's. Her and Ivan were both sent out by the Gospel Temple in the latter half of the 40's. Erma got involved in Bible club ministries during the height of the Bible Club Movement. During which time she ran a club in Fletcher, Ohio where she met a Jean Evelyn Zirkle, who became her best friend, life-long partner and right wing in their later ministries including more club meetings, church work at Mansfield, Brazil, Rockville with the Rural Home Missionary Association, the Bookstores, and finally at Central Baptist Church. Their love for the local church persisted not because they were particularly impressed with the normative structures or the institutions but because they loved the Lord.
What made Erma so attractive was that there was so much continuity between her message and her life; between her affirmations and affections. Two weeks ago through the strains of dementia and age she managed to say two things. I love you and I love Jesus which she repeated again and again and again... I mention this because its indicative of the entire memory that she has left to us. She was unashamedly Christian and in love with Jesus. This was her story and song.
