Missionaries Rebekah Bouma and Austin Wesson were killed in a car crash one day after their wedding

Lake Highlands United Methodist Church members are grieving after learning a missionary affiliated with their Camp in the City program was killed in a car accident with his new wife Aug. 5, one day after their wedding.

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Austin Wesson, a native of South Africa, came to Lake Highlands July 29th with other counselors from Pine Cove Christian Camps, which teams up with LHUMC one week each summer to provide daily activities at the church. Austin was assigned to bunk with Larry and Gayla Engel, volunteer hosts and longtime church members.

Before the week was over, Austin’s fiancé, Rebekah Bouma, arrived with her parents, and they returned to her home in Kansas. The couple was married Aug. 4th.

The next evening, the couple lost control of the truck they were driving and hit a tree. Austin was killed instantly, and Rebekah died hours later at the hospital.

Though Gayla knew Austin just a short time, she is heartbroken.

“Austin exhibited such joy, unashamed love for God and enthusiasm for life,” said Gayla. “I am grateful that this young couple was able to spend a week together and to marry. I will always remember his sweet spirit.”

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.