For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Mark 9:41

And it thrills my heart. I can think of the story when the Shunammite woman had been kind to that man of God. She didn't do it to receive anything, but you just can't not help from receiving a reward when you're good to God's children. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you shall give one of these little ones as much as a cup of water, you will in no wise lose your reward." So be kind to one another.

57-0809 Blind Bartimaeus

He was walking to school when Brother Branham picked him up on the road. A young Don Munich probably had no idea that the man who was giving him a ride would be known the world over as the greatest prophet to come to earth since the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He also had no idea that, decades later, he would have an integral part in Brother Branham’s Ministry.

While on his way to work at the Indiana Public Service Company, Brother Branham often gave him a ride to school. Don continued in his studies, later becoming a successful dentist, geologist, and purchased a farm in the far northern reaches of the town of Jeffersonville, Indiana with his wife, Sue.

The two were pillars in society, and were especially concerned with the environment. One story was told by Mr Munich about an old business associate, who was looking for property that was rich in limestone for a cement plant. He called on Mr. Munich, one of the most respected geologists in the area. Mr. Munich couldn’t help the man right away because of work, so he took a week of vacation and went to Indianapolis to find geological documentation on the area. He found a publication from the early 1900’s by a geologist, who stated that there was limestone in this area. Mr. Munich knew that there were different kinds of limestone, some usable for cement and some not, but he knew that early century geologist would not call limestone “limestone” if it was not the type he needed for a quarry. He then went out to the location to see for himself. It was exactly what they needed. The company purchased the land the next day, and it was a successful limestone quarry for years to come. Like always, Mr. Munich had a soft heart for a friend and loved using his intelligence to find a solution.

In 1997, our paths crossed with the Munichs. VGR was quickly outgrowing our rented facility in downtown Jeffersonville, and the property would soon be sold at auction, so Brother Joseph began looking for a new location. We tried property after property, each time reaching a dead end until one day when Brother Joseph and Brother Billy Paul drove by the Munich’s property. It was striking to say the least, so Brother Joseph instructed one of the brothers to call and see if they would be willing to sell.

He called Mr. Munich, and it seemed like it would be another dead end. “We’re looking to buy some property and want to know if you’re interested in selling your land.” Mr Munich answered, “No sir. I’m sorry, but we’re not interested in selling the land.” The brother thanked him for his time, and just before they hung up the phone, Mr. Munich said, “Let me ask you, what were you going to do with the land? What was it for?” The brother responded, “We have a business in town and we’ve outgrown it. We need a new place to build a building.” Mr. Munich asked, “What’s the name of your business?” “Voice of…” He didn’t finish his sentence and Mr Munich interrupted, “You mean Bill Branham? Come on out. I want to see you.”

It was a rainy day when Brother Joseph arrived at their house. Mr. Munich ran outside with an umbrella, so Brother Joseph wouldn’t need to walk through the rain.

When they walked into the house, he said, “So you’re Bill Branham’s son? I remember Brother Bill. Back when I was a young man, he’d be down there fishing at the river. He’d pick us up and tell us fishing stories. Oh yeah, we knew him well. So you’re his son?”

Brother Joseph responded, “Yes sir.”

He continued with his stories about Brother Branham for a while, then talked about more recent history, “You know down at the falls of the river, they’ve got that museum down there (Falls of the Ohio). I spend a lot of time down there. I’ll be down there, and I’ll see your people. They are the best people in the world. I’ll see them down there and they’ll be looking around, and they’ll ask, ‘Do you know where Voice Of God Recordings is?’ I don’t know how to tell them, so I just get in my car and tell them to follow me.”

Their conversation continued. “So, you need to build another building? Well, why don’t you just buy the building you are in?” Brother Joseph responded, “Sir, I’ve tried. It’s going up for auction, and it’s too expensive. We’ve just been looking around for land.” Mr Munich said, “Well, you know we’re not interested in selling it. A lot of people have tried to buy it…Well, how much land would you need?” Brother Joseph said, “I don’t know, maybe 10 or 15 acres.” “You’ll have to worry about a treatment plant, and getting the water out here, and everything else to do that. We’re out in the country you know…I’ll tell you what, we’re getting ready to go out West for a little while. When we come back, we’ll get together. I’m sure we can work something out.”

They returned from vacation, and instead of “10 or 15” acres, we now have a beautifully manicured 73 acres for the VGR International Headquarters. Believers from all over the world enjoy visiting us here, and this would have never been possible if it were not for that name “Branham” bringing back fond memories in the Munichs' minds.

The couple has always treated us with the utmost respect, always willing to help out and never complaining (except when we mowed over their newly planted trees, and on more than one occasion, Mrs. Munich’s wildflowers). They have always been an example of kindness and love to all that meet them.

With sadness in our minds, but joy in our hearts, we announce that both Mr. and Mrs. Munich have gone to be with the Lord. Mrs. Munich passed away on Saturday, March 6, and Mr. Munich passed away on Tuesday, March 16. Both were in failing health.

We are sure that they are now enjoying their great reward for being so kind to God’s people.

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Munich. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.