Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, honored four individuals who have announced their retirement after years of service as church leaders.
Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, honored four individuals who have announced their retirement after years of service as church leaders.
“I want to honor four people ... well, eight people really,” said Paulsen speaking September 25 at Annual Council, a meeting of the church’s executive committee. “These individuals and their spouses have given so much to the church. We will miss them all.”
Dr. Calvin Rock and his wife Clara have given 50 years of service to the Adventist Church. Rock served 16 years as a vice president of the international denomination. “He is one of my closest associates,” said Paulsen. “He’s a good friend, and a good colleague.”
Rock served as an advisor to the Adventist Church’s education department, drawing from his experience as president of Oakwood College, located in Alabama, United States. “We honor him and his wife Clara for what they have given to this church,” said Paulsen.
George Reid and his wife Julia have served the church for 45 years. For the past 20 years, Reid has worked at the Adventist Church world headquarters, initially with the Adventist Review and then as director of the Biblical Research Institute.
Reid is one of the eminent scholars of the church, said Paulsen. “He has a well-disciplined and informed mind. He has been an outstanding leader of scholars. Dr. Reid, thank you for outstanding service to the church. We are indebted to you.”
Ralph Watts and his wife Pat are “wonderful people” said Paulsen. For 16 years Watts has been president of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA). “He came in at a time when ADRA was very new and was really learning to walk, as it were,” said Paulsen. He thanked Watts for his leadership in setting up ADRA regional offices around the world, which offer assistance to those in need. “I want to honor them for the service they’ve given,” said Paulsen.
Paulsen also honored Don Jacobsen and his wife Ruth. Jacobsen, president of Adventist World Radio (AWR), announced his retirement at an AWR board meeting September 25. He has served within the church world headquarters for the past five years as president of AWR. Paulsen thanked Jacobsen and his wife for the service they have given. “The Lord has blessed us richly through their ministry,” he said.
