If you’d asked Robert’s mother Elizabeth about her teenage son, she may have replied, “He is a strong-willed, rebellious daredevil. If God doesn’t get ahold of him, he may not make it to twenty!”
No doubt Robert’s parents wondered if they’d made the right decision, when they allowed him to drop out of school at age fourteen and work in an iron foundry. But given his learning difficulties, on-the-job training seemed appropriate, to prepare Robert for his future.
Two years later in 1904, God answered the concerned parents’ prayers for their son. Robert decided hell was not an option he wanted to risk and at age sixteen invited Jesus into his life.
Later he would write, “No bolts of lightning hit me. No great flash of awareness. I just prayed to the Lord to save me, and then I was aware of another presence. No words were spoken. I received no messages. It was just that all of my bitterness was drained away, and I was filled with such a vast relief that I could not contain it all.”[1]
Robert moved from one uninspiring tradesmen job to another until he became an auto mechanic and discovered his passion—machinery. He opened his own garage with a business partner in 1911.
In April of 1917 the U.S. entered World War I. Robert volunteered for the war effort, working in a naval shipyard north of San Francisco. In August of that year he married Evelyn Peterson.
Upon returning home to Stockton, CA in 1918, Robert discovered his partner had sunk their business into debt. Robert carried $5000 of that liability.
He wondered, was God trying to transition him out of business? Should he become a missionary so he could work for God more directly? Robert sought guidance from his pastor and after praying together the clergyman remarked, “You know God needs businessmen too.”
Not long after, a rancher asked Robert to level a large parcel of land. The job paid well and Robert signed on. He satisfactorily completed the task in good time and actually enjoyed the work.
Through the 1920s earth-moving contracts kept coming Robert’s way. He bought land and built an engineering shop where he put his ingenuity and giftedness for engineering to work, designing machines that completed the task more efficiently. Most other companies still used mules with plows and dozens of men with shovels.
But even as a top-notch, road-construction contractor, financial struggles still plagued Robert. Now and then he’d sell one of his earth-moving inventions to help make ends meet for his growing family. (He and Evelyn had five children, though tragically their first died during the Spanish influenza epidemic.)
In the early 1930s, Robert’s attorney suggested, “Why don’t you focus on manufacturing your machines? That might prove more profitable.”
Robert decided to try, even though the nation was suffering through the Great Depression. During his first year in 1932, he earned a profit of more than $52,000 and by 1935, well over two million.[2]
It was then that he and Evelyn decided to live on 10% of Robert’s income and give 90% to Christian mission work, colleges, and institutions. Meanwhile Evelyn started Sunday Schools and youth camps. God blessed each of their endeavors.
Robert not only invented the earth mover, but also the bulldozer, the electric wheel, the tree crusher, the log picker, the Tournawheel (a two-wheel tractor), and more. Eventually he’d own 300 patents and construction plants on four continents. He’d also design the first off-shore oil rig.
During World War II Robert’s company supplied 70% of the U.S. Army’s earth-moving equipment, making it possible for the Allies to quickly build roads, airports, and military bases.
After the war, Robert’s machinery helped construct the 48,000 miles of U.S. interstate highways.
In 1946 he and Evelyn founded the LeTourneau Polytechnic Institute, a Christ-centered school especially for veterans who desired training in engineering. It has since become LeTourneau University.
Business and philanthropy weren’t Robert’s only pursuits. Though he’d always feared public speaking, Robert felt compelled to accept an invitation to share his story at a banquet in 1935. Soon he was speaking all over America and even overseas. Robert would encourage others to honor God with their wallets and see what God would do.
“You will never know what you can accomplish
until you say a great big yes to the Lord.”
Robert Gilmour LeTourneau (1888-1969)
How has God blessed you as you’ve honored him with your wallet? Please share your story in the comment section below!
[1] https://www.wayoflife.org/reports/christian_inventor_rg_letourneau.html
[2] Ibid
Other sources:
http://www.giantsforgod.com/rg-letourneau/
https://www.letu.edu/75/exhibit/panel-faith.html, and subsequent panels
https://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2011/jan/rg-letourneau
Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.wikimedia.org; Margaret Estes Library, LeTourneau University (2); http://www.dailyverses.net.
Special thanks to Shelby Ware at the Margaret Estes Library, LeTourneau University, for arranging permission to use the two images of R. G. LeTourneau in this post.
I’ve read about LeTourneau’s 90% tithe before. It was quite a challenge to me back then when I was struggling to reach the tithe level in my own giving. But I eventually got there and now a tithe comes first and off the top even as our income is dramatically less in retirement.
I too had heard that much about LeTourneau, but knew little else. I’m inspired by the trajectory of his life story and felt sure others would be too. God bless you Robert as you honor God with your firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9)!
Wow, Nancy, what an incredibly inspiring story! When I’ve given generously to others, God has always blessed me in one way or another, and I’ve never gone without. I don’t know how He does it, but I’m just so grateful that He does.
Have a wonderful week!
My generous-hearted husband is frequently blessing others with financial gifts, though you have to know, as a retired preacher and teacher, we are NOT wealthy. But God has ALWAYS supplied our needs and many of our wants–sometimes beyond our imaginings. One way he makes that happen: he provides bargains-beyond-belief. One post that includes an example: https://nancyaruegg.com/2018/03/08/radical-blessings/. (Scroll down to the story about sneakers!)
I never heard this story before. What an inspirational life he led. Thanks for sharing
I certainly found LeTourneau inspirational as I researched; I’m so glad you found inspiration here too, Jean!
Nancy, the name Robert G. LeTourneau has been familiar to me for years but I never heard the story of his background. Thank you for sharing such an incredible story. Love to you and Steve.
You’re welcome, Ruth. His story IS amazing, isn’t it? I’m glad you enjoyed learning about his background. Love back to you, dear friend! 😊
What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Bridget. God DOES accomplish amazing things through his people, and LeTourneau is a prime example!
God’s scoop is way bigger!
My goodness, Cindy. You practically quoted from one of LeTourneau’s quotes: “I shovel [money] out, and God shovels it back…but God has a bigger shovel!” Were those words stashed in your memory?!
What a great testimony! Beautiful generosity and faith!! Thanks for sharing Nancy!
You’re welcome, Alicia! I found the LeTourneaus’ story uplifting and encouraging too as I completed the research.
❤️
Thanks for sharing such an inspiring testimony! If he could do so well throughout wars and depression, we need to have faith God would help us even in today’s world!
Amen, Jerralea! God WILL see us through until we’re home with him. (I need to be reminded of that now and then–thank you!)
I love a great story, Nancy, especially one I haven’t heard! This gentleman’s challenge to open our wallets and see what God does is spot on. There have been many times, in my Christian life, when I felt God calling me to give to someone else. Many of these times He turned around and blessed me back financially.
We’ve experienced the same numerous times, David. It’s an exciting way to live, to see what God will do next. One example: my husband gave money to a struggling family, even though we were struggling a bit ourselves. God paid us back DOUBLE through an unexpected honorarium and a gift!
Although I was familiar with the name I had never heard his story before. I found it exciting to read and couldn’t wait to see how the Lord would be working in his life next. I pray that I have that same attitude of expectancy in my relationship with Christ instead of so much anxiety for the remaining years here on earth before the Rapture! I found this so very helpful and appropriate for me. Thank you! (And you KNOW how much I love learning about the spiritual journeys of Christians!)
So glad you found LeTourneau’s story helpful, Cheri. Yes, his attitude of expectancy about God’s sufficiency offers an upbeat, silver-lined way to live!
This is an inspirational story. Giving is truly a matter of the heart, one that is tuned to God. Thank you, Nancy for sharing!
You’re welcome, Pam. I’m so glad you found inspiration here!
I always enjoy your inspirational bio pieces, Nancy.
Thank you, Mitch!
Great story! I’ve heard his name before, but didn’t know anything about his story. Wonderful reminder that with God, ALL things are possible.
So glad you enjoyed the story, Tina! I knew very little about LeTourneau myself. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
Thanks for sharing this Nancy! We never know how God will use us. That’s why obeying His leading and taking the necessary steps that He tells us to is important. Blessings!
So true, Dawn. We may not build a multi-million dollar business, but God can also use small accomplishments (by the world’s standards) in big ways. I imagine one of the joys of heaven will be the unveiling of the great tapestry God has been weaving through all of time as each of us has played his/her part in his kingdom. I have a feeling the ripple effect from our lives will surprise us most of all!
Amen! With God even the little things mean a lot.
Absolutely!
This story is so amazing! I love biographical stories like this that teach us so much about how to live our lives, especially as believers. We have a friend who taught at LeTourneau University until a major stroke ended that chapter of his life. Thank you so much for sharing this impacting true story.
I’m so glad you found encouragement through LeTourneau’s story. I did too! How interesting you have a personal connection to the university he founded.