CE National has brought to our attention three Grace Brethren pastors and leaders who turn 90 this summer. Dr. Homer Kent influenced prospective pastors, teachers, and leaders through his years as a professor and administrator at Grace College and Theological Seminary. Bill Smith is an evangelist and was a church-planting coach before that term was fashionable. Dean Risser impacted lives for Christ in the Grace Brethren congregations he led. Take a moment to wish these three men a happy birthday!
CE National values the long-term contributions of people who remain faithful in ministry. Psalm 71:18 says that the older we become the greater the responsibility we have towards the next generation. We have a number of friends who continue to be used by God in His work for His glory. We would like to honor three of these friends who turn 90 this month.
May the Lord continue to use you to a make a real difference in the lives of others as you have been doing for decades!
Dr. Homer Kent, Jr.
Raised a preacher’s kid, Dr. Kent was part of a Grace Brethren church his entire life. His dad, Homer Kent, Sr., was pastor of a church in Washington, D.C. When Dr. Kent was 14, they moved to Winona Lake, Ind., where his dad was asked to teach students at Grace Seminary how to be pastors. After college, Dr. Kent began his 50-year teaching career at Grace College and Seminary. He taught New Testament and Greek and served as president for ten years. Dr. Kent continues to be active in his church, Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.
If you would like to send a birthday card, mail it to 305 Sixth St. Winona Lake, IN 46590
Pastor Bill Smith
Pastor Smith has been a true renaissance man in his life, doing everything from selling cars to preaching in church revival meetings, but has always had a passion to share Christ with those he encounters, no matter what his vocation was at the time. Bill served with the Grace Brethren Board of Evangelism, as well as with Grace Brethren Home Missions and pastored churches in California, Indiana, and Florida. He has especially been used by God to encourage struggling churches to become thriving and outward reaching. He and his wife Phyllis have recently moved to Grace Village in Winona Lake, where he enjoys speaking in chapel services.
Bill’s daughter, Sherilyn Rank, is the Operation Barnabas Coordinator for CE National.
Pastor Dean Risser
Pastor Risser was the pastor of Grace Brethren churches in Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. He also played a key role in Vision Ohio and missions for the North Central Ohio District. Pastor Risser will be 90 on August 26.
If you would like to surprise him on his birthday, send a card to 821 Ohio Street, Ashland, OH 44805.