The Spelunking Missionary

Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri, is one of only four of its kind of caves in the world, and the only one in North America. Offering tours in Jeep-drawn trams, the cave was discovered in the 1800s and was initially explored by women. It was key during the Civil War, and a speakeasy during the days of prohibition. It boasts the Hall of Giants — giant columns glittering from floor to ceiling, along with stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, sink holes, cave creatures, and many other wonders. It also remains a cool 60 degrees year-round, a refreshing temperature in Missouri’s weather extremes.

Yet it was not these wonders that attracted retired AG World Missions (AGWM) missionary Mark Alexander, 72, to apply for employment at the caverns. It was the proximity to people.

In 2014, when Alexander and his wife Vickie returned from Togo, West Africa, to care for Vickie’s aging mother, they took her on a tour of the caverns. Alexander was intrigued, immediately sensing that the caves would be a great place to meet and minister to people.

“I thought it was an interesting idea and set it on the back burner,” he says.

In 2021, Mark and Vickie officially retired, having spent 27 years building tabernacles, drilling wells, furthering biblical education, and much more in South Africa and Togo.

In January 2022, Alexander began employment at Fantastic Caverns.

“I really enjoy visiting with people and enhancing their time in the cave,” he says. “Being in missions and experiencing itineration are gifts that prepared me to connect with people from everywhere.”

Yet he recalls feeling almost as though he needed to apologize for doing something other than ‘formal missions.’

Vickie, gifted with hospitality and a kind spirit, says, “There is a lot of life and service to find and give after formal missions and ministry. The Lord can use anything and everything we’ve done over the years to help us connect and interact with others.”

Meeting and Greeting

In addition to locals and those from around the U.S., Alexander hosts busloads of tourists from France, Germany, Russia, Poland, Great Britain, and more. Finals for national dog competitions are also held in the area — he recalls hosting one tour comprised of 11 people and 21 dogs. AGWM missionary kids (MKs) are brought during AGWM training times.

“The cave is a good place for me,” says the quick witted and deeply personable Alexander. “I wanted to be in the secular world and am refreshed by working with all kinds of people. I can share my faith at work, which is done in two ways: the first is actually living it out, and the second is truly caring about others.”

When one colleague of Alexander’s lost her adult daughter, he was able to talk and pray with her. “She appreciated that someone would care,” he remembers.

He has been able to build friendships with those of many walks and persuasions. He knows that, just as those he and Vickie encountered in their decades of formal missionary service, the most difficult and complex individuals are those who are hurting and need Christlike love the most.

People at the caves call Alexander out with comments like, “Hey, you’re a believer, aren’t you?” Those who do not share his convictions recall that he is “some kind of a minister” and often modify their language around Alexander out of respect.

Colleagues share his interesting background as a missionary to Africa with guests. “He’s been everywhere!” said one coworker.

Caring and Connecting

Alexander notices and feels particularly burdened by the hardness he sees in high schoolers coming through. “I talk with them, and I assure them of my and Vickie’s prayers and concern.” One person responded, “You really care.”

“I have found that if you just ask questions, people will tell you. It is very easy to talk,” he says.

Between tours, when Alexander and the other tour guides sweep up popcorn and clean restrooms, Alexander continues to engage others, starting conversation with quips and good humor.

While actively tour guiding, he offers comfort to children who become frightened in the cave, supplying small treats and enlisting them to “help” on the tour; he also gives comfort and dignity to people of all ages who are overcome by claustrophobia, leading them out on foot and assuring them that everyone has things they are afraid of.

“I like to tell them that my fear is of healthy food,” he jokes.

Alexander’s experience at Fantastic Caverns is proof of what he and Vickie and many other missionaries have discovered — that while circumstances and cultures may vary, the human soul is the same. The need for Jesus is the same.

And whether connecting with children in African villages by playing simple string tricks or assuring children fearful in a dark Ozarks cave, coming alongside African pastors or befriending jaded Americans, with Christ’s help, Mark Alexander is ready to witness.