Allegheny Gospel Trails

Rhine and Anna were used to the creature comforts of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. Were they ready for the rigors and challenges of ministering to scattered churches in mountainous West Virginia?

When the Benner family stepped off the ancient train and looked uncertainly about, the mission board members watching from their surrey also wondered. “I doubt they’ll last through the first winter,” one of them said in a low voice, noting the new arrivals’ fair skin and slender builds.

There certainly were challenges. A weekend circuit of preaching assignments could easily be twenty-five miles on foot, in all kinds of weather. Most of the roads were impassable by car, and at first the mission board couldn’t afford a horse.

This true story portrays Rhine and Anna Benner’s love for God and for the souls of men and women. Their sacrificial service inspires and challenges us to greater faithfulness.