EMM worker in Thailand dies in traffic accident
DET UDOM, Thailand -- John Hertzler, 36, an EMM missionary to Thailand, died July 24, in a traffic accident while traveling by motorcycle from his home in Det Udom to the monthly joint meeting of the Thai house churches in Palanchai, a one-and-a-half hour drive from his home.
Plans are for a memorial service in Thailand, July 28, followed by transport of his body to the U.S. for a funeral service here.
Glenn Kauffman, EMM Representative to Asia, traveled to Thailand, July 25, to join John's wife Janelle (Shantz) and one-year-old son Micah, and the Thai mission team and church for the memorial service there.
"We are praying for Janelle and Micah, the Hertzler and Shantz families, and the Thai mission team and churches as we together grieve this unanticipated departure of a beloved brother," said Richard Showalter, EMM president. "John has given exemplary service in supporting the development of an emerging circle of house churches among the Isaan people of Thailand in counsel, encouragement, and intercessory prayer."
"John was a passionate follower of Jesus, with a deep heart of love for God and the church," said Kauffman. "The Thai churches spoke with appreciation of his heart of humility and service with them. He was known for bringing cheer and encouragement."
Other EMM workers in Thailand include Lucille Zimmerman, also of Det Udom, Andre and Karen Provost of Bangkok and short-term summer workers, Kevin and Kristin Bucher.
John began service with EMM in 1987 as a member of a Youth Evangelism Service (YES) team to Belize. He served again in 1990 with YES in Costa Rica. From 1993-98 he served with EMM in Tegucagalpa, Honduras, teaching at Pine Grove Academy. In 1999 he led a YES team to Thailand.
John began long-term service in Thailand in 2000. He and Janelle Shantz, who had begun service with EMM in Thailand four years earlier met at the EMM Discovery and Enrichment Retreat at Black Rock in 2000, married in 2001, and have been serving together in Thailand since that time. At the time of his death, John had served a total of 11 years and 5 months in EMM short-and-long-term programs.
In May 2005, Hertzler had traveled with Pastor Joi, leader of the Life Enrichment Churches of Thailand to the meeting of the International Missions Association in Indonesia, and then assisted with the "coming of age" celebration of the Life Enrichment Churches in Palanchai.
John earned a BS in Physics from Penn State and an MS in Education from University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of Hopewell Christian Fellowship of Elverson, Pa., and the son of Truman and Virginia Hertzler. He is survived by siblings Philip and Thomas of Pamplin, Virginia, Paul, James, Anne, and Joseph all of Elverson, Pa.
Both viewings and funeral service will be held at Hopewell Christian Fellowship, 2286 Hopewell Road, Elverson. Directions can be found www.Hopewellchurch.org. Look for directions under Celebrate.
Monday, Aug. 1 Viewing 4-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 2 Viewing 9-10 a.m., followed by the funeral service. A meal for family and friends will be served.
Hear audio of EMM President Richard Showalter reading a eulogy written by EMM representative to Asia Glenn Kauffman
Read story written by Lancaster newspapers.
|
