For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
(Hebrews 4:10)
Dr. Gene Burge, 74, was called home to Heaven on Sunday, September 5, 2021. He passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family.
Dr. Burge was born Marcus Eugene Burge on September 11, 1946 to Ancil and Helen Burge in Martinsburg, WV. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of 9 and God called him to preach at the age of 15. By the age of 16 he was preaching the Gospel.
Dr. Burge met his wife, Alice, at church and they were married in June 1965. He attended Washington Bible College. During this period he pastored a small local church. The Lord called him to the mission field, and he took his young family, and moved to Guadalajara, Mexico to plant a church. Due to health issues he was forced to return home after only two years.
He next pastored two churches in Berryville, VA and Parkersburg, WV. He founded Keystone Christian Academy in 1976. These churches, and their schools, experienced significant growth and spiritual outreach during his time as Pastor.
In 1980 he once again answered God’s call, this time founding Baptist Missions to Forgotten Peoples, along with Dr. Garland Powell. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, BMFP became his life’s work. He left the pastorate in 1983 and devoted himself full-time to the work of missions. He began as Executive Director and, following the retirement of Dr. Powell, became the President of BMFP, remaining so until September of 2021, when he was named President Emeritus. For his life’s work he was awarded 2 Doctorates, plus other special recognitions.
Dr. Burge was in the ministry for over 60 years. His life’s verses were Psalm 126: 5-6 – They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. During his many years of ministry, he preached the Word of God all over the world, in thousands of churches, reaching an unknowable number of people with the Gospel of Christ. He is directly responsible, through both his pastoral work as well as his work with Baptist Missions to Forgotten Peoples, for thousands of missionaries and their families scattered across the globe to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) He truly fulfilled the promise of the verses he carried with him his entire life.
Dr. Burge was preceded to heaven by his son Jonathan David Burge and parents Ancil & Helen Burge. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Alice J. Burge, his daughter Robin (Scott) Bowman, his son Marc (Maritza) Burge, and his three sisters Genevieve (Luther) George, Ethel (Louis) Fries, and Donna (Buck) Sprinkle. He has four grandchildren, Amber (Dyami) Krasko, Jordan Bowman, Paul (Brooke) Burge and Sonny Burge. He has two great grandchildren, Micah and Brody Krasko.
Services for Dr. Burge will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church in Martinsburg, WV. Viewing will be held at 9:00am, memorial service will follow at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Baptist Missions to Forgotten Peoples “Gene Burge Memorial Fund”.
Visitation Details Saturday September 11, 2021 9:00-10:00am Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church 2251 Williamsport Pike, Martinsburg, WV 25404
Service Details Saturday September 11, 2021 10:00am Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church 2251 Williamsport Pike, Martinsburg, WV 25404
Paul Burge (Cousin)
October 14, 2022, 8:30 am
So sorry for your loss
Tim and Kim Pledger(Son in the faith)
October 14, 2022, 8:30 am
Dr Burge, you influenced our lives more than our words can express. From the time I was a teenager throughout the period of 35 years of my life, you and Mrs Burge have loved me through the mountains and valleys. I will forever be indebted to you for the hours of counselling as well as your kindness to my parents. We love you and long to see you in heaven. Tim