An Amazing Tribute & Celebration of James Paul Ward, Sr.
Author: Rick Haug
The late morning North Carolina lay heavy under cloudy skies as scores of individuals made their way to the beautiful North Pointe Church facility in High Point, NC on June 27, 2020.
Family and friends from across the U.S.A.'s lower forty-eight and Alaska gathered to pay an amazing tribute to the godly patriarch of the Ward clan. Rev. James Paul Ward, Sr.'s memory was feted by a cadre of family, friends and IPHC dignitaries. Pastor Darrell Greene set an eloquent tone for the celebration as he welcomed attendees, expressed condolences to the Ward family and offered a touching invocation.
Grandchildren of James and Joyce Ward shared Old and New Testament passages during the service. The inimitable James Paul Ward, III (Tres) led the congregation in a spirited rendition of "Blessed Assurance". Bishop Doyle Marley (life long friend) took the podium to describe a 50+ year acquaintance and affection that the Wards and Marleys shared from their Holmes Bible College days. Bishop Marley stressed the sincerity, simplicity and spirituality of the godly friend, whose passing he grieved. It was a heartfelt presentation.
Tres Ward rendered an eloquent summation of the life and ministry of his grandfather. The narrative reflected his brilliant and insightful admiration of his beloved family patriarch. It was an overarching theme throughout the service. James Ward, Sr. had impacted his homeland and also foreign countries with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His humble, gracious demeanor moved people to come to a saving knowledge of his Lord. From pastoring, to children's ministry to teaching to short-term missions work, James and Joyce Ward blazed a path for generations of believers to follow.
The Ward family made their way to the platform and surrounded Tres at the keyboard. Their "Gaitheresque" musical tribute left the attendees rejoicing and praising God. The medley included "At the Cross; When He Was On The Cross; Mercy Came Running; Sheltered In the Arms of God; A Happy Journey (by T.N. Ward)". It was a glorious and profound presentation.
The Director of World Missions for the IPHC, Bishop Tal Gardner, paid a superb tribute to James Ward, Sr.( as only he can). His sincerity and compassion expressed beyond words the IPHC appreciation for its beloved missionary. (It should be noted the IPHC Missionary Statesmen Joe & Elsie Arthur were in the audience).
North Pointe Lead Pastor Darrell Greene brought solace to the Ward family and the congregation. In a gentle and gracious fashion, he wove Scripture and consolation together of several notable Biblical characters whose lives were full-lived, Spirit empowered and then "gathered to their people." It was a masterful job in uplifting the family and many friends assembled.
Cornerstone Conference Superintendent, Bishop Mike Ainsworth, spoke kindly of the blessing that James Paul Ward, Sr. had been to the conference and denomination. He then presented a beautiful bronze medallion to Sister Joyce Ward in honor and memory of James' devotion and service to the Kingdom of God.
In conclusion, a heart-tugging video tribute by Guatamalan Bishop Atilio Chavez highlighted the appreciation of the people of Guatamala for their beloved "Santiago"- James Paul Ward. It was a remarkable presentation.
Attendees included the notable Dr. Jack & Frankie Goodson (retired General Treasurer), Pastor Bill Rose (First Church, Goldsboro, NC), singing greats Don and Parmalee Tuttle, Dr. Tim Nelson and his wife; Pastor Stan Tuttle; Rev. Eddie & Lisa Mishoe; the aforementioned Rev. Joe & Elsie Arthur; and a throng of friends and fellow soldiers of the Cross!
P.S. Resplendent in his Army dress uniform was Chaplain (Major) James and Joy Ward, II of Ft. Richardson Army Base, Anchorage, Alaska. James is soon to be assigned to a new post in Kansas. He carries on his father's tremendous devotion and commitment to the Kingdom!
Rick Haug
Lead Pastor
Living Word Church
Maiden, NC
828-428-2351
Author: Rick Haug
The late morning North Carolina lay heavy under cloudy skies as scores of individuals made their way to the beautiful North Pointe Church facility in High Point, NC on June 27, 2020.
Family and friends from across the U.S.A.'s lower forty-eight and Alaska gathered to pay an amazing tribute to the godly patriarch of the Ward clan. Rev. James Paul Ward, Sr.'s memory was feted by a cadre of family, friends and IPHC dignitaries. Pastor Darrell Greene set an eloquent tone for the celebration as he welcomed attendees, expressed condolences to the Ward family and offered a touching invocation.
Grandchildren of James and Joyce Ward shared Old and New Testament passages during the service. The inimitable James Paul Ward, III (Tres) led the congregation in a spirited rendition of "Blessed Assurance". Bishop Doyle Marley (life long friend) took the podium to describe a 50+ year acquaintance and affection that the Wards and Marleys shared from their Holmes Bible College days. Bishop Marley stressed the sincerity, simplicity and spirituality of the godly friend, whose passing he grieved. It was a heartfelt presentation.
Tres Ward rendered an eloquent summation of the life and ministry of his grandfather. The narrative reflected his brilliant and insightful admiration of his beloved family patriarch. It was an overarching theme throughout the service. James Ward, Sr. had impacted his homeland and also foreign countries with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His humble, gracious demeanor moved people to come to a saving knowledge of his Lord. From pastoring, to children's ministry to teaching to short-term missions work, James and Joyce Ward blazed a path for generations of believers to follow.
The Ward family made their way to the platform and surrounded Tres at the keyboard. Their "Gaitheresque" musical tribute left the attendees rejoicing and praising God. The medley included "At the Cross; When He Was On The Cross; Mercy Came Running; Sheltered In the Arms of God; A Happy Journey (by T.N. Ward)". It was a glorious and profound presentation.
The Director of World Missions for the IPHC, Bishop Tal Gardner, paid a superb tribute to James Ward, Sr.( as only he can). His sincerity and compassion expressed beyond words the IPHC appreciation for its beloved missionary. (It should be noted the IPHC Missionary Statesmen Joe & Elsie Arthur were in the audience).
North Pointe Lead Pastor Darrell Greene brought solace to the Ward family and the congregation. In a gentle and gracious fashion, he wove Scripture and consolation together of several notable Biblical characters whose lives were full-lived, Spirit empowered and then "gathered to their people." It was a masterful job in uplifting the family and many friends assembled.
Cornerstone Conference Superintendent, Bishop Mike Ainsworth, spoke kindly of the blessing that James Paul Ward, Sr. had been to the conference and denomination. He then presented a beautiful bronze medallion to Sister Joyce Ward in honor and memory of James' devotion and service to the Kingdom of God.
In conclusion, a heart-tugging video tribute by Guatamalan Bishop Atilio Chavez highlighted the appreciation of the people of Guatamala for their beloved "Santiago"- James Paul Ward. It was a remarkable presentation.
Attendees included the notable Dr. Jack & Frankie Goodson (retired General Treasurer), Pastor Bill Rose (First Church, Goldsboro, NC), singing greats Don and Parmalee Tuttle, Dr. Tim Nelson and his wife; Pastor Stan Tuttle; Rev. Eddie & Lisa Mishoe; the aforementioned Rev. Joe & Elsie Arthur; and a throng of friends and fellow soldiers of the Cross!
P.S. Resplendent in his Army dress uniform was Chaplain (Major) James and Joy Ward, II of Ft. Richardson Army Base, Anchorage, Alaska. James is soon to be assigned to a new post in Kansas. He carries on his father's tremendous devotion and commitment to the Kingdom!
Rick Haug
Lead Pastor
Living Word Church
Maiden, NC
828-428-2351