Don & Sue Lawson
MORENO VALLEY, California—The Moreno Valley church was host for a retirement celebration for Don and Sue Lawson, Aug. 16.
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The tri-church area of San Bernardino, Palm Springs and Moreno Valley under Pastor Tom Ecker combined with many others to wish the Lawsons a happy retirement.
Mr. Lawson started serving in the ministry in 1963. He was made a district superintendent in 1996 and served in the Southern Plains district until 2002, when he and Sue moved to the Palm Springs area. They served in the Palm Springs church, and also assisted Curtis May, district superintendent, in the Southwest district.
After a sermon by Mr. May, the tri-church congregations presented the Lawsons with several gifts, and members did readings from the many letters, e-mails and words sent to honor the Lawsons on their 40 years of ministry.
It all began in Oklahoma
Don and Sue grew up in the Church of God (Seventh Day). Both were born in Oklahoma and their folks moved to Oregon, Don when he was seven months old and Sue when she was six years old.
They did not meet until 1953 at a youth rally when Don was 16 and Sue was 15. Sue was the only girl Don dated. They celebrated 48 years of marriage Aug. 7. They have three daughters, one son, 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Sue began to attend the WCG in 1958, and Don began to attend in 1959. They were soon involved in the visiting program, and Don began to speak in church in 1961. Don was ordained on July 6, 1963 and 40 years later retired on July 6, 2003. Even though it wasn’t planned that way, it was exactly 40 years of ministry.
Full time ministry
Don was hired full time in 1965 as an associate pastor in Eugene and Medford, Oregon. In 1966, they came to Pasadena with a number of other elders for a year of education at Ambassador College. In 1967, they were sent to pastor the Amarillo, Texas, and Liberal, Kansas, churches. While there they began the Lubbock, Texas, church. They served these areas until 1973.
They were transferred to Indianapolis, Indiana, and pastored several churches there from 1973 to 1976. From there they were transferred to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they served until 1984.
Then they went to Salt Lake City, Utah, and served there from 1984 until 1989. They were then transferred to the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, area, where they served until 1996.
District superintendent
Don was made a district superintendent in 1996 and served the Southern Plains district until 2002.
About their years in the ministry, Don said: “We are thankful for the opportunity to meet and serve so many wonderful people for this period of 40 years. We especially thank God that we were able to serve during the time God moved the WCG from legalism into the light of his mercy and grace. We thank God for the movement of his Holy Spirit in the WCG. It is our desire to continue to serve in whatever way God allows.”
From Terry and Donna David, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We have many fond memories during your ministry in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have not been the same since you left. Do you remember that people often mistook you for quarterback Terry Bradshaw? The hairlines and hair color were similar, but the physiques were different. You were definitely more muscular than Terry Bradshaw!
From Dave Fiedler, Waukesha, Wisconsin
When I think of my brother and sister, Don and Sue, I think of Hebrews 11. Their lives are characterized by faith and faithfulness.
They were in Liberal, Kansas, shortly before I began pastoring there in the 1970s. If they had goofed up, it would have been much easier following them. But no, they were the model examples of a genuine pastoral heart.
Their faithfulness to their calling through all the years and trials has truly been inspirational to us all. Especially considering our journey, their faith and authentic Christianity have really been remarkable. My life has been indelibly marked for the better by knowing them!
From Joseph, Tammy, Joe III and Stephanie Tkach, Pasadena
Don and Sue served many people in many areas and leave the church a legacy of kindness and sound teaching. We praise God for the loving servants that they are. As a bonus, they have fed me some of the best fish that I have ever eaten in my life. In fact, I once tried to show how much I appreciated the fresh fish they caught and cooked by eating over 20 of those fried fillets.
As a couple they are not only great at aquatic fishing, but also as fishers of humanity for the kingdom of God. We pray for blessings beyond what they can think and imagine. Love from the entire Tkach family.
Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2003