Narrative Summary
Interview with Lillian Luckey by Jeremy Eutsler
Growing up in a Presbyterian Church Lillian Luckey has always had a strong spiritual
background. Her parents raised her to place God first in her life and to always be in church when
the doors were open. But at the age of 20 Lillian Luckey felt she was missing something in her
life. Her friends and family would often attend revivals in the Quad City area in Iowa, but Lillian
never attended. One evening she felt a strong sense of conviction to attend. She went with her
sister and brother-in-law and knew something was going to change in her life that evening. That
night she responded to the altar call given by the Assemblies of God evangelist and accepted
Jesus as her savior. Her burden of feeling like the worst sinner was lifted and she felt an ecstasy
of spiritual love from God she had never experienced. After this she felt the need to transition
away from the Presbyterian Church and attend an Assemblies of God. Here she involved herself
in complete dedication to the church willing to serve in whatever way needed wanting to give
everything she had to the Lord.
After the death of Lillian Luckey’s first husband she felt the Lord guiding her to Central
Bible College in Springfield, Missouri to pursue a better understanding of the Bible. Here she
met her second husband Paul Luckey. Together they moved to Iowa and founded an Assemblies
of God church. After feeling they had completed the Lord’s work there they moved to Missouri
to retire. Unaware of God’s plan they bought a large house and soon felt the need to turn it into a
church. From here Battlefield Assembly of God was founded in September 1977. Eventually the
church grew needing to move out of the home into a property purchased by Paul and Lillian in
Battlefield, Missouri. Lillian Luckey was a devoted Pastor’s wife going with her husband doorto-door to spread the word of the church opening. She was President of Women’s Ministries
(WM’s) for the church. She led the youth choir and children’s choir. She was a counselor at
Missouri State University
Semester 20##
Religious Lives of Ozarks Women
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children’s camp every summer. She assisted the Royal Rangers and Missionettes ministries
through leading bible studies and driving the church van.
When Sister Luckey’s second husband and pastor, Paul, passed away Lillian did not stray
away from the church. While she admits she was angry at the Lord she understood he does all
things for a reason. She found comfort through her children, friends, and the Lord. She became
involved in Women’s Ministries at Republic Assembly of God in Republic, Missouri. She
continued to work with the children and assisted the pastor’s wife in any way possible.
Now residing in a retirement community, Lillian continues to be involved in the ministry
leading a bible study every week. At the age of 90 she meets with those who are sick offering
comfort and prayer. Every morning she thanks God for her life and for every moment he has
blessed her with. A pioneer in the spread of Assemblies of God in the Ozarks Lillian doesn’t give
herself credit for the work she has done but rather gives all the glory to God.
Missouri State University
Semester 20##
Religious Lives of Ozarks Women