For more than a century, missionaries have been ministering to the people of the South American nation of Ecuador.  Earlier this year, the Christian and Missionary Alliance deemed it no longer necessary to have missionaries serving in Ecuador, as it has, from the Alliance point of view, been reached.  What that means is that it has established a strong national church and has a program through which it can train ministers to continue the work.  The nation of Ecuador has also taken the next step, as it has also been sending its own people to other nations as missionaries.

While the success of sharing the Good News of Jesus in Ecuador is to be celebrated, the event is bittersweet for people such as Paul and Nelda Johnson, who have been serving as full-time missionaries to the people of Ecuador for the past 34 years.  The couple, with roots in Minnesota, were among the last to leave the nation earlier this year.

“The mission officially closed in 2009,” said Paul Johnson.  The couple stayed on to fill roles, including that of the coordinator for short-term missions groups who do various projects in the country.  The change — from a nation where the evangelical church had been all but non-existent, with less than 3 percent deemed evangelical Christian, to one with nearly 15 percent evangelical Christian — is a demonstration of God’s faithfulness.

Paul and Nelda Johnson will be speaking at the Danville Alliance Church as part of our Annual Missions Celebration.  The two met at St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College), and while neither had the initial intent to end up on the mission field, both ultimately felt the call to serve God in that way.  Nelda, who grew up in Latin America as a child of missionaries, came to the U.S. for college, while Paul, who grew up in Milaca, Minnesota, said he attended Bible college at first because so many of his friends from church were going.

After earning degrees, the couple served in a pastorate in Wisconsin for six years.  Feeling the call to overseas work, the two then applied to the missions program, were accepted and received added training, including spending one year in Costa Rica learning Spanish.  “I grew up speaking Spanish, so it was easy for me,” said Nelda.  Paul, however, learned even an entire year of immersion would not fully prepare him to communicate in Ecuador – the country they were selected to serve.

Their work varied from serving as church planters in southern Ecuador to helping coordinate short-term missions trips.  This June Paul turns 66 and is retiring from missions work, but that does not mean his time in ministry is over.  In fact, he hopes to find a new calling, adding, with a smile, he hopes by June God tells him just what that is. The Johnsons said they are going to miss their work in Ecuador and the people, and are hoping to regularly return to renew those relationships.  While the mission is closed, Paul said the light in Ecuador remains as the church serves the people and brings the Good News of Jesus to more and more people who have never heard.

2012 Annual Missions Celebration

BE LIGHT:

Shining the Light of Jesus,

Everywhere We Go

Sunday, March 4 through Wednesday, March 7

Schedule

Sunday, March 4 at 9:30 A.M… Sunday School attendees will gather around a light breakfast and listen to Paul as he shares with us a presentation “You… A Short Term Missions Team Member”.

Sunday, March 4 at 10:45.A.M… Danville Alliance Church Worship Service. Paul will be bringing us a message entitled, “We Didn’t Turn Off The Lights”, from Ephesians 5:8. A love offering will be taken for Paul and Nelda during this hour, however feel free to give throughout the week as well – simply mark your gift made payable to the Danville Alliance Church, “Johnsons”.

Sunday, March 4 at 6:00 P.M… Please plan to join us for our Annual Missions Banquet as we enjoy a hearty meal from Ecuador! We will be viewing a presentation entitled, “Ecuador” as we get to know Paul and Nelda. Please sign up for the meal if you are planning on attending.

Monday Evening, March 5 at 6:30 P.M… Brought back by popular request, “Simple, But Satisfying Suppers”. We will eat promptly at 6:30. Tonight’s feature is “Top Your Tator!” There will be a variety of yummy toppings for baked potatoes among other good foods. Nelda will be sharing with us on her view of “Being Light” to the Women in Ecuador.

Tuesday, March 6 at 11:30 A.M… It’s time for a little Q & A as we meet at the #1 Hibachi Grill and Buffet (near Wal-Mart) for an informal time with questions and answers pertaining to Ecuador. Join us for some great food, fellowship and a wonderful opportunity to get to know Paul and Nelda a bit better.

Tuesday, March 6 at 6:30 P.M… “Mama Mia, That’s a Meatball!” is on the menu for tonight’s meal as we sit down and enjoy some baked spaghetti pies. There will also be pies for desserts (rumor has it, Paul LOVES pie!) Come and hear how God has used the Johnsons in Ecuador for the past 34 years.

Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 P.M… We will conclude this aspect of our Missions Celebration with Cajun Stew (a less spicy stew will be offered for the “weak” as well). Nelda will round out our celebration as she shares those things the Lord has laid upon her heart.