We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Juan Baptiste August Kessler III. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Creamos un memorial de GatheringUs para celebrar la vida de Juan Baptiste August Kessler... see moreWe created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Juan Baptiste August Kessler III. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Creamos un memorial de GatheringUs para celebrar la vida de Juan Baptiste August Kessler III. Recopilar sus historias y recuerdos aquí nos ofrecerá una gran comodidad. Gracias por contribuir a este memorial duradero.
OBITUARY
John B.A. Kessler was born in England to Dutch parents. He studied physics and chemistry at Cambridge University in the years 1943 to 1945, where he accepted Jesus Christ as the lord of his life. He worked in Peru as a missionary together with his wife Margaret between 1949-1958 under the auspices of the Evangelical Union of South America (today Latin Link). His children Rachel and David were born during his time in Peru. Later he... see more
John B.A. Kessler was born in England to Dutch parents. He studied physics and chemistry at Cambridge University in the years 1943 to 1945, where he accepted Jesus Christ as the lord of his life. He worked in Peru as a missionary together with his wife Margaret between 1949-1958 under the auspices of the Evangelical Union of South America (today Latin Link). His children Rachel and David were born during his time in Peru. Later he completed his doctorate in theology at the University of Utrecht in 1967. His younger daughters Lydia, Elizabeth and Debbie were born in Holland during this time. In 1975 he was invited by IINDEF to work in Costa Rica as secretary of publications. Since then he has continued to faithfully support local churches, ministries and global missions through generosity, relentless prayer and publishing or translating books and resources. John will be remembered for his passion and focus, his humility and service, and of course for his love for telling light-hearted jokes with friends and family at the dinner table.
Juan B.A. Kessler nació en Inglaterra de padres holandeses. Estudió física y química en la Universidad de Cambridge en los años 1943 a 1945, donde aceptó a Jesu Cristo como el señor de su vida. Trabajó en el Perú como misionero junto con su esposa Margaret entre los años 1949-1958 bajo los auspicios de la Unión Evangélica de Sudamérica (hoy Latin Link). Sus hijos Rachel y David nacieron durante su tiempo en Perú. Posteriormente completó su doctorado en teología en la Universidad de Utrecht en 1967. Sus hijas menores, Lydia, Elizabeth y Debbie nacieron en Holanda durante este tiempo. En 1975 fue invitado por el IINDEF a trabajar en Costa Rica como secretario de publicaciones. Desde entonces, ha continuado apoyando fielmente a las iglesias locales, los ministerios y las misiones mundiales a través de la generosidad, la oración implacable y la publicación o traducción de libros y recursos. Juan será recordado por su pasión y enfoque, su humildad y servicio, y por supuesto por su amor por contar chistes alegres con amigos y familiares en la mesa.
Dear URCO Staff members and family of John Kessler
Having learned with, certainly with a twinge in the heart, but filled with joy, the departure of Dr. Juan Baptist August Kessler III, whom the Lord has effectively used for the spreading of the Gospel in... moreDear URCO Staff members and family of John Kessler
Having learned with, certainly with a twinge in the heart, but filled with joy, the departure of Dr. Juan Baptist August Kessler III, whom the Lord has effectively used for the spreading of the Gospel in the world, for eternal rest, the Direction of ATALTRAB, addresses to you, in the name of the President of the Board of Directors and of all the members of the Association, the most saddened condolences to the family.
In this moment of pain and sadness because of the emptiness created by the departure of the Servant of God, the consolation and comfort of the afflicted parents, children, friends and acquaintances can only come from God. We pray that the promises that we read in the following biblical passages will be fulfilled in order to calm the hearts of the family and the entire URCO team:
"The Lord is near those who are broken-hearted, and he saves those who are weak in spirit" Psalms 34:19.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes," said the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their works follow them," Revelation 14:13.
We pray that the Almighty God, the Comforter, may appease your afflicted hearts and keep them in His peace and love in Jesus Christ!
I am writing on behalf of the Portuguese Bible Institute. We were sad to read about the passing of Dr. John Kessler. In 2004 he taught classes on church history at our school (the picture in our post is from this time). Our school has also been a... moreI am writing on behalf of the Portuguese Bible Institute. We were sad to read about the passing of Dr. John Kessler. In 2004 he taught classes on church history at our school (the picture in our post is from this time). Our school has also been a recipient of grants from the URCO foundation. We praise the Lord for Dr. Kessler's dedication to the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be missed, but we also know that he is now home with His Lord and Savior. May God be praised.
Gary Camlin - Director of the Portuguese Bible Institute
Fabiano Fernandes - President of the Board of PBI less
I am writing on behalf of the Evangelical School of Theology Educational Center in Wroclaw, Poland. We were very saddened to read about the recent death of Dr. Kessler. We pray that his family, friends and co-workers will be... moreDear friends in Christ,
I am writing on behalf of the Evangelical School of Theology Educational Center in Wroclaw, Poland. We were very saddened to read about the recent death of Dr. Kessler. We pray that his family, friends and co-workers will be comforted and encouraged by our Lord Jesus Christ and may Dr. Kessler’s life and ministry continue to have an impact around the world. Psalm 71:5-8.
The students, graduates, faculty and staff of EST are very thankful for the ministry of Urco and its partnership in the training and development of men and women who are involved in ministry in Poland. We are grateful for Urco and its faithfulness and support for EST.
Blessings in our Lord,
Marek Kucharski, Chancellor
Evangelical School of Theology Education Center
Wroclaw, Poland less
Hello dear beloved in Christ. It was very hard and sad for us here at Lubumbashi city, Democratic Republic of Congo to hear that DR BAPTISTE was taken by our Father!
Our deeps condolences to the family and to the board of the Urco Foundation!
Let Him... moreHello dear beloved in Christ. It was very hard and sad for us here at Lubumbashi city, Democratic Republic of Congo to hear that DR BAPTISTE was taken by our Father!
Our deeps condolences to the family and to the board of the Urco Foundation!
Let Him rest in peace. Pastor Felix.Our hearts are with you less
Family holidays as a child and teenager at de Koppel with the Kessler family. Then taking my family for a wonderful holiday in Costa Rica in 1996. With John joining in with some adventures such as horse riding and white... moreFrom Helen Moore nee Wilson
Family holidays as a child and teenager at de Koppel with the Kessler family. Then taking my family for a wonderful holiday in Costa Rica in 1996. With John joining in with some adventures such as horse riding and white water rafting - see photos. less
My personal memories of Uncle John (as also my brother Peter and sister Helen) extend across many years, way back to spending summer holidays at the family home in Doorn as young children, and later some visits by... moreFrom Stephen Wilson and Katalin Lánczi
My personal memories of Uncle John (as also my brother Peter and sister Helen) extend across many years, way back to spending summer holidays at the family home in Doorn as young children, and later some visits by Peter and myself. Much more recently than that, Kati and I visited him while he was living once again back in Holland, in Zeist, as a prelude to a return to Costa Rica – not that this prevented Uncle John from many further visits to Europe and beyond.
For this and other, even more personal reasons – including close family links with Peru (where my mother and dear aunt Margaret were born) – south and central America remain close to our hearts. In more recent times Uncle John and I corresponded over his writing projects and my own much more modest endeavours; most recently this concerned the identity of the ‘three men’ Abraham encountered at the Oaks of Mamre in Genesis 18! My one regret is that we had not begun this kind of correspondence even earlier – though I do recall that whenever we did meet, the conversation always came round to theological discussion of some kind – and not a few jokes ..
Trusting our heavenly Father, we rejoice and give thanks that in Christ ‘…the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God’ (Wisdom 3:1)
“…Through (Christ our Passover) the children of light rise to eternal life
and the halls of the heavenly Kingdom
are thrown open to the faithful;
for his Death is our ransom from death,
and in his rising the life of all has risen.”
(from a Preface of Easter)
Amen, amen. less
hace varios años Don Juan tradujo este libro, la Sociedad Biblica lo publicó, hicimos un foro para jóvenes, luego con la Union Bíblica, Arturo viajo junto con Don Juan, impartiendo foros sobre el tema. Hace unos dos meses lo visite y me compartió... morehace varios años Don Juan tradujo este libro, la Sociedad Biblica lo publicó, hicimos un foro para jóvenes, luego con la Union Bíblica, Arturo viajo junto con Don Juan, impartiendo foros sobre el tema. Hace unos dos meses lo visite y me compartió que esperaba terminar su último libro ante de partir, porque sabia que Dios le había llamado. Fue un honor compartir con Don Juan, cuando regresó a Costa Rica, después de unos años en Europa, me dijo que traía un mensaje para la Iglesia en Costa Rica, el debía advertir a la Iglesia en Costa Rica de la creciente secularización que se venía sobre nuestro país, hicimos foros sobre el tema, visitamos al Obispo Barrantes, en aquel entonces. Dios honra todos los esfuerzos que este hombre hizo en beneficio de la la Iglesia en Costa Rica. less
Don Juan fue providencial en nuestro camino para el servicio en el curso del ministerio, sobre todo en una segunda etapa de la vida a partir del año 1991, desde Costa Rica. El facilitó etapa conclusiva de los estudios en UK (1989-90), como... moreDon Juan fue providencial en nuestro camino para el servicio en el curso del ministerio, sobre todo en una segunda etapa de la vida a partir del año 1991, desde Costa Rica. El facilitó etapa conclusiva de los estudios en UK (1989-90), como posteriormente nuestro arraigamiento como familia en Costa Rica, para el servicio con nuestra denominación, y luego de dicha etapa.
Le conocí brevemente en Perú, cuando yo servía en esos tiempos con el grupo universitario evangélico AGEUP, como encargado del programa de servicio social y su iniciativa especial de proyecto de desarrollo en el Callejón de Huaylas, en ayuda a la reconstrucción de la zona posteriormente a gran terremoto de 1970. Fue en una de sus visitas a Perú, que tuvimos reunión con don Juan, Pedro Arana (en ese momento Asesor Pastoral de IFES para los países bolivarianos), y yo, para ver por un posible apoyo financiero para dicho proyecto, vía agencia holandesa (ICCO) con la cual él tenía contacto; esta ayuda se hizo efectiva posteriormente. Don Juan había servido con la EUSA (hoy Latin Link) en el Perú y había realizado investigaciones relacionados a su conocida obra, “Historia de la Evangelización en el Perú”). Mis suegros, contemporáneamente a don Juan, como también Dorothy posteriormente, tuvieron también el privilegio de servir con la EUSA, en el Perú.
Mi segundo contacto con don Juan, esta vez por correspondencia, lo fue en la última etapa (1989-90) de mi investigación doctoral con la Universidad de Manchester, y estudios teológicos especializados en el Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, ambos en UK. Conociendo que vendríamos a Costa Rica para servir en la educación teológica (con el Seminario Nazareno de las Américas-SENDAS), país en el que ahora él residía y servía con IINDEF, es que fue decisivo su apoyo vía el Ulting Overseas Trust, con el cual él tenía contacto. Ya en Costa Rica, nuestro encuentro lo sería en diversas oportunidades alrededor del ministerio de la educación teológica. En varias oportunidades don Juan colaboró en diversas capacidades con el SENDAS (profesor, tutor, conferencista). Fue tutor de tesis de maestría de Dorothy, la cual se publicaría con CLIE (España) - “Hacia una Teología de Avivamiento”- escribiendo don Juan su prólogo.
En los últimos años, era notable su dedicación a escribir reflexiones y exhortaciones varias para orientación de las iglesias. Y era común verlo humildemente en eventos diversos ofreciendo y facilitando literatura a precios accesibles, pensando siempre en la edificación del pueblo de Dios. Últimamente, el contacto con él lo fue por Comisión de Historia de la Iglesia promovida por Cliff Holland, y en la cual está más involucrada Dorothy, realizándose algunas de las reuniones en nuestra casa en Sabanilla. En medio de los viajes a su casa, no muy lejana de la nuestra, sus infaltables chistes, broma fina y penetrante. Últimas conversaciones y correspondencia con don Juan lo fueron por contacto con el editor de la ‘Encyclopedia of Christianity in the Global South” (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2018) donde el escribiera los artículos sobre la historia de la iglesia protestante en Perú y en Costa Rica. Y en este último Febrero 2020, visitándole en su casa en el Centro Pastoral, en relación a su último manuscrito en vida, así lo creo: una adenda para la obra de Wilton Nelson sobre la ‘Historia de la Iglesia Evangélica en Costa Rica’, por precisiones relacionadas a instituciones teológicas (SENDAS y la UNELA).
Gracias don Juan por su vida, entrega incondicional y servicio al Señor y la causa de su Reino. Gracias por su amistad y apoyo, en diferentes etapas de nuestro ministerio y como familia. Un privilegio haber colaborado con usted, como consiervos en el Señor, y permitirnos contribuir también a la misma causa, de acuerdo a nuestros dones. / Nuestro especial aprecio a todos sus seres queridos en estos momentos de sentida ausencia.
‘Los entendidos resplandecerán…y los que enseñan la justicia a la multitud, como las estrellas a perpetua eternidad” (Daniel 12:3)
Opa’s love produced many fruits:
5 children, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grand children!
In the last years of his life he never stopped traveling far and long trying to keep in good contact with each and every one of his family members with yearly... moreOpa’s love produced many fruits:
5 children, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grand children!
In the last years of his life he never stopped traveling far and long trying to keep in good contact with each and every one of his family members with yearly visits to Holland, England and Italy. less
Don Juan fue parte del grupo junto a Sociedades Bíblicas y JUCUM en la presentación al Arzobispo en San José para su endose del proyecto “Una Biblia en cada hogar” Enero 6, 2015. 12:12 pm