About Us

ABOUT

Rev. Robert Charles Cook

March 24, 1943 to April 30, 2025.

It is with deep reverence and heartfelt gratitude that we remember

a life dedicated to service, faith, and compassion. As a devoted missionary in

El Salvador and a retired Presbyterian minister, Robert Cook devoted his life to

uplifting those in need and sharing the message of hope and love.

Rev. Cook was born, in Dexter, Iowa to Ray and Audrey (Jenson) Cook. He devoted his life to God and service, pastoring to hundreds of people over his 50+ year career in the ministry.

His generosity knew no bounds—he actually was the kind of person who would give away his last dollar and shirt off his back if it meant easing someone else’s burden. This extraordinary kindness was not just a testament to his character but also a beacon of hope for many who crossed his path.

Throughout his life and ministry, he nurtured communities and inspired countless lives with his selfless spirit, reminding us all that true wealth lies in the love we share and the compassion we extend to others. His legacy leaves an indelible mark, and his teachings will continue to guide us on our own paths of service and humility.

Those who have knew and worked beside him regarded him as a man driven by a heart that desired to be employed in the work of the Realm of God. He was a vocal and fearless advocate for the voiceless, powerless victims of poverty and a thorn in the side of those responsible for it.

We celebrate his life, honor his memory, and are forever grateful for the light he shed on us all.

ABOUT

Origin of Legacy of Light Project

Legacy of Light resulted from a message from Rev. Cook’s friend Fr. Candido in Spring 2016. It was sent to me in Des Moines, Iowa, where I was living at the time. It was an email from Milagro Rodreguez, who was assisting Fr. Candido. She said that Fr. Candido has asked to send me a message to ask me to consider organizing a solar electricity project for the small farm family homes on the Berlin Mountain. He remembered the Lay Missionary Card the Bishop had given and saw that card as relevant authority for my overseeing the project. It was as though God was teasing me... “Remember Me? Do you remember that prayer you sent me twenty-five years ago? Yes, I think you are ready and have the authority from the church to bring solar electricity to the poor you love in Berlin, El Salvador.” I had long wished, since the time of my visits to the cantons above Berlin, and my memories of how dark it was during the nights there, that I could do something to bring light for the families of the cantons; not just because of the reminder of my fears in the dark, but also because it seemed just that the people who lived constantly in darkness deserved as much as I the benefit of the light. As I pondered what the request means, what it would entail, the words that the Prophet Isaiah, “Those who live in a land of deep darkness will see a brilliant light!” (Excerpt from Rev. Cook’s autobiographical book “Miracles in El Salvador: A Minister’s journey for Justice and Hope.

Board Members of Legacy of Light

Doug Maben

Presbyterian Minister, Retired

Board President

Judy Anderson

Treasurer

Rev. Bill O’Connell

Lead Pastor, St Paul Presbyterian Church, Johnston, IA.

Cecilia Garcia

Funder and CEO of One Hundred Angels Org.

Rev. Duane “Doc” Skidmore

Methodist Minister, retired

Kimberly Schnell

Social justice activist and ESL instructor in El Salvador since 2005

Primary contact for communication:

Doug Maben—erdm320@gmail.com

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