CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (INS)—Dr. Robert (Bob) V. Finley, who led a reformation in foreign missions and founded International Students, Inc. (ISI) and Christian Aid Mission (now known as Intercede international in Canada), departed to be with Christ His Saviour on March 22, 2019, at the age of 96.
“He was a great mentor and encourager to me,” said Rev. James Eagles, President of Intercede Interntional. “But I know, we will meet again and celebrate our Lord together. Dr. Bob I have known since 1974 when I first met him and I began to work as a volunteer with the mission—then known as Christian Aid Mission in Canada and the U.S.A. Today we are called Intercede International in Canada. He taught me many good things and encouraged me in the work of the Lord and he was the greatest advocate for supporting national missionary movements around the world and also reaching the nations here at home, by being a witness to foreign students on campuses in North America. He was the Visionary who started the movement to know and support what he called ‘indigenous missions.’ Dr. Finley’s legacy is living on today in countless multitudes in many nations who have taken up the challenge to proclaim Christ’s Gospel and plant the Lord’s church in their own nations.”
Born in Albemarle County, Virginia, Finley attended the University of Virginia where he served as undergraduate student body president, head of the Honor Committee, captain of the boxing team, and won the NCAA intercollegiate boxing championship in the middleweight division in 1944. At the time of his graduation that year, Finley was recruited as an evangelist by Youth for Christ and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Between 1945 and 1947, Finley spoke in universities, seminaries, Bible institutes, and churches throughout the United States and often shared the platform in large youth rallies with Billy Graham.
From 1948 to 1950, Finley spoke in evangelistic crusades throughout Asia, preaching with World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse founder, Bob Pierce, in South Korea.
While in Asia, Finley observed the effectiveness of indigenous Christians in reaching their own people with the Gospel. He also discovered that many of the most capable indigenous leaders had studied abroad.
He returned to the United States and, in 1953, founded International Students, Inc. At the same time, he established the A.I.D. Division (Assisting Indigenous Development) of ISI which, in 1970, was spun off as Christian Aid Mission.
Among those whose early support was crucial to Finley were Billy Graham, Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators, and Donald Grey Barnhouse, Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.