Pastor Anderson goes to be with the Lord

Yesterday, at 2 AM, Pastor Anderson - the pastor who was Senior when I first came to Calvary and who was Pastor Dave's mentor - passed away and was welcomed into Glory by Christ. Pastor Dave sent out this note to all members.

Dear Calvary Family,
Early this morning the Lord called to Himself one of His very choice servants, Pastor Paul H. Anderson. "Pastor A", as he was affectionately known, is responsible for so many of the blessings which we enjoy today as a church. His great vision and dedication to the work of ministry for 37 years were used by the Lord to bring stability to a church whose average previous pastorate was less than 5 years; growth as people came to faith (even non-Norwegians!); and expansion of ministry for the glory of God. Under Pastor &quotA's" leadership Calvary moved from Bridgeport into the "wilderness" of Trumbull. Our location, the church on the hill by the Parkway, was a direct result of his commitment to Christ and passion to grow the work for God's glory.
It was "Pastor and Mrs. A" who began Calvary's emphasis on missions and the annual missions conference. They were responsible for starting the annual Good Friday Services and Vacation Bible School. Their vision inaugurated Weekday Church School which evolved into a special passion, Christian Heritage School.
Pastor Anderson's service for the Lord spread far and wide. Their interest in missions found Pastor and Mrs &quotA" visiting many of our missionaries on the field and making missions a special emphasis at Calvary. Pastor Anderson served on the Board of The Evangelical Alliance Mission and also the Board of The King's College. In addition he served the Evangelical Free Church in various capacities.
If you call Calvary Church "home," then your life has been touched by Pastor Anderson, even if you never met him. He has had a profound influence on many lives over the years and some of those who have been influenced by him most are still at Calvary. So many of our "old timers" have been shaped by his ministry. Both Pastor Randy and I served under his leadership and are richer for it. I was particularly blessed by my relationship with "Pastor A" he was my spiritual mentor. So many ministry lessons and principles I learned from Pastor Anderson. I will be eternally grateful for his strong and significant presence in my life.
He knew how to have fun and enjoy the life God gave. His laugh was deep and loud! He also knew how to work...hard. He was mentally and physically strong. He was spiritually focused. His love for the Lord Jesus was crystal clear.
Please be in prayer for the Anderson family as they grieve. I encourage you to attend the calling hours next Monday, October 29, at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home and the memorial service that evening at 7:00 pm at Christian Heritage School to offer your support to "Mrs. A" and the family and to celebrate his life.
May his example of a life well lived motivate us to serve the King with distinction.

Please be praying for Mrs. A, and the Anderson family in this time of both grief and joy. Grief at his departure, and joy at the confidence in his eternal rest.