BT Staff / Tuesday, April 30, 2024

A Visit with Audrey Tilley

By Bettye Wilson

Mrs. Roy (Audrey) Tilley is the oldest living member of The Master’s Builders. She was born Oct. 12, 1926, and married Roy Tilley on June 9, 1946, when he returned from service in the Navy. Roy was born March 1, 1926, and passed away on Sept. 10, 2010. They have 5 children, 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was a master electrician and worked for the Arkansas Power and Light Company (Entergy), where he retired as a superintendent after many years of service.

Roy and Audrey lived in Hot Springs for many years. They lived in Russellville for six years and then returned to Hot Springs. After Roy’s death, Audrey moved to their hometown of Searcy, where she lived in a retirement center. Her sister, Leona, lived in the same facility. They married brothers, so they were not only sisters but also sisters-in-law. Leona’s husband was James Tilley.

Roy had done electrical work on mission churches on his days off or vacation time for many years before he retired. After retirement, he and his friends became involved with a new ministry opportunity.

The Master’s Builders began as a vision of BMAA men banding together in a building program for the Lord and His people. Bob Massingill, John Mangum and Roy were friends. They had seen another organization in action and wondered if it would work for BMAA men. They recruited several prospects, and in April 1991, The Master’s Builders became a group associated with the Baptist Missionary Association of America. Bob Massingill was the first field coordinator. When he became disabled, Roy served in that position until he was no longer able.

The Tilleys were among the first workers who went to Colorado to answer the call to service. Audrey remembers that first call. She had been a mother and homemaker, staying at home most of the time. She and Roy had hoped to travel after retirement. Then they answered the call to go with The Master’s Builders to Dolores, Colo. They were initially concerned about the expense of committing to this new venture. Their son told them they had worked hard all their lives and saved for such a time as this, “Go and enjoy it.” They bought a travel trailer and made plans to “travel with a purpose,” depending on the Lord to provide for them.

The vision became a reality in June 1991 when five couples loaded their trucks with plumbing and electrical supplies and pulling RVs, went to their first project. They worked for three weeks in Dolores, helping Ray White with the building of a fellowship hall and work in the sanctuary. Others on the first job were Bob and Lena Massingill (Hope); A.E. and Leona Looney (Oakhurst, Texas); Joe and Virginia Henry (Fort Worth, Texas); and Drew and Ann Hughey (Blytheville).

Audrey remembers that at the end of the job, Ray White took them on a drive down the “million-dollar highway” to Silverton. They had enjoyed the work and were blessed by seeing God’s handiwork in the mountains of Colorado.

That was the beginning of an adventure that brought blessings and experiences Audrey still remembers today. She admitted that she didn’t have a favorite among the many jobs they were blessed to work on — they were all enjoyable and rewarding. They usually worked on five or six projects each year. She was the leader of the ladies, called the JOY group, for many years. She is loved and cherished by all who worked alongside her and others who feel they know her because they have heard of her faithfulness.

A word from Audrey: “During the 18 years working with The Master’s Builders, only two projects were missed, and that was because Roy had open heart surgery. A special memory of The Master’s Builders was watching as they began each workday. The men would form a ring of unity, asking for God’s grace, guidance and protection during the day.

“God has taken many of the workers home but has added capable men to continue the work, which I am thankful to see. I am blessed to still have a small part in the work by being on the prayer chain, and I will always have fond memories of our retirement years with our extended family, The Master’s Builders. ‘Raising Roofs for Christ’ is our motto, and mission churches are our priority!”

— Bettye White Wilson and her late husband, John White, were long-time members of The Master’s Builders. Audrey lives in Bella Vista with her daughter, Linda and son-in-law, Kenneth Strickland, who pastors Fellowship Baptist Church. If you would like to send her a card or note of encouragement, her address is 9 Tavistock Dr., Bella Vista, Ark. 71815.