Pastor Johnraymond Emmans

Pastor John Raymond Emmans died in Orlando, FL on January 9, 2008. After a long battle with congestive heart failure, with his devoted wife Jean by his bedside, Pastor John peacefully slipped into the presence of his Lord surrounded by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pastor John's preaching ministry began at the age of 17 in Berryville, VA and was cultivated with formal theological training at Pennsylvania Bible Institute and Eastern Baptist Seminary. His lifelong devotion to God and his church took him to 5 different states and 10 churches in his ministry of more than 60 years. His reputation as a caring pastor and effective Bible teacher opened doors for expanded ministry as a Chaplain to the Staff with Campus Crusade for Christ International and his last role as Minister-at-Large with Bible Centered Ministries.

Pastor John, as he was lovingly called, was best known for his ability to communicate the heart of God to the hearts of people. His easy going style and quick wit made his preaching a delight to hear and impossible to forget.

Pastor John was born December 5, 1924 in Passaic, NJ to George and Gladys Emmans. Pastor John's love of music was inherited from his father, a well known and widely traveled East Coast theater organist. On December 19, 1944 John married the love of his life and ministry partner, Jean Marie.

Pastor John is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter, Susan Arvan (Bill); sons Stephen (Jan) and John (Cathy); seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Pastor John found great joy in knowing that his devotion to Christ and the ministry of His Gospel is being carried on by his children and grandchildren.

A private family burial is planned for Sunday, January 13, 2008 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida. A public memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2008, starting at 6:00 PM, in the East Main Conference Room at the international headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ, 100 Lake Hart Drive, Orlando, Florida, 32832.

Immediately following the public memorial service, all guests are invited to an open-house and light supper at the nearby home of John and Cathy Emmans.

Jean Emmans and her family have asked that, in lieu of flowers, gifts be designated to Campus Crusade For Christ to support Rebecca Elizabeth Arvan, Pastor John's oldest grandchild, who serves in Riga, Latvia. Memorial gifts may be sent to Campus Crusade for Christ, 100 Lake Hart Drive, Orlando, Florida, 32832 and designated for the support of Rebecca Arvan account # 0472912.

While Jean and the entire family are grieving, by God's grace they are not grieving like those who have no hope. They covet your prayers and would love to hear from you, personal messages can be left on this website for Jean and her family to read.

Pastor John's death, like all of God's saints', was precious in the sight of the Lord!

"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light." John 1:6-8