StanleyPage3

Howdy Folks!
I call you "folks," for many of the readers of this may possibly be related to me, if not in flesh and blood, by the Spirit of the Living God. I am first a child of God, a born again Christian! I believe Romans 3:23 that all
men are sinners by nature and by practice. I believe that all men (and women) who sin must die to their old nature and put on the new nature of Christ. For sooner or later all of us will die and be judged. Isn't it wonderful that Christ died for all of us, and we have an advocate at His throne? I truly love the Lord!
My grandfather, Richard Milo Standley, of Cave Springs Association, gave his life for the cause of Christ. he traveled many a mile in a buggy, pulled by a white mule named Maude. He preached in the Missouri and Arkansas lapland: Many Springs, Walnut Grove, Bonds, New Salem, Hideout School House, Corning and Paragould, Arkansas, to name a few. Many were saved and baptized under his preaching. He and his wife, Caroline Harder, foster daughter to Judge John F. Harder of Many Springs, lived at Couch, Missouri. Some of the family members live in Thayer, Malden, Couch, Springfield and St. Louis areas. Only three of his family of twelve chlidren are living: my mother and two of her brothers. Although many have passed away, the memory of Milo and his words still live, not only in my heart, but in the hearts of his offspring.
Milo Standley was a small man in stature, but big in heart. He was a jovial person because he loved the Lord. One night he was hauling a load of logs and felt the Lord talking to him. It was about midnight and he was singing the song "The Wayfaring Stranger" when he stopped the wagon and prayed and ask God to forgive him for his sins and promised Him he would preach. Grandad did just that, I often think of how he traveled in that buggy, singing and not worrying about food or anything for he knew God would provide. He never asked for money, but was given so much love from those with whom he came in contact. He never needed a place to stay, for someone always provided for him. Many love gifts were given to him. The church dinners on school house grounds were wonderful! We lived near West Plains on a farm, and I can still remember my grandad singing, "Precious Name, Oh how sweet!" he got louder as he drew near our home.
He preached one time at a rural school near us, and I, being about 10 years old, got tired of the long sermon, and played with my finger in the ink well and giggled and made childish gestures. After the service my grandfather shook me and said, "Don't you know God's business is serious business." My smiles left too, for grandad wasn't smiling, he was serious! That left an impression on my life I never have forgotten. Now, I am a Christian worker and I know it is the best business in this world to be employed by Jesus Christ as His servant.
Memories and incidents would fill this GEM, but on my grandfather's deathbed, I watched and saw and heard his last breath he said, " I am spotless!" I know he loved the song "Are you spotless, free of sin?"
Through tracing my ancestors I came in contact with a second cousin who sent me the address of the GEM and I kept asking why there were no Free Will Baptist churches in Iowa. A few weeks later my phone rang and a voice said, "This is Rev. Leland Horton." You imagine my suprise! I am sure the Lord will bless this couple and their family who have come to Des Moines to establish a Free Will Baptist work for the Lord. It takes time to plant the seeds and let them grow, but some seeds sown produce a bountiful harvest.
Many of my father's family (Asa M. Jones married to Bertha G. Standley) were saved under the preaching of Milo and were baptized as Free Will Baptists. My grandparents, Jim and Arabell Jones lived over 50 years in the West Plains area of Howell County. Some are in this area yet, some are in the Kansas City vicinity.
Many of Milo's children went to school and to church at the old Bonds Church. They were early pioneers of this church.
My grandparents, Rev R. Milo and Caroline Standley, and James R. and Laura Bell (Arabell) Jones have gone to claim their crown. The Standleys are buried in the New Salem Cemetery (Salem means peace). The Joneses are buried in the New Hope Cemetery. Isn't it wonderful to know that through Christ we find peace and new hope in the future. My Easter offering is going as a living memorial to my departed loved ones.
Should anyone read this who heard my grandad preach or knew any of my family, I would enjoy hearing from them. Please write, Mrs. Andy R. Klobnak, 1315 56th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50311
-Seed of Milo
Mrs. Klobnak is a Free Will Baptist in Des Moines, Iowa.