Dear Ginnie and Jonathan,
I am stunned. My heart is overwhelmed for you. I have been offering up continual prayers for you and Jonathan since I heard the news. Your family has truly been an inspiration to all who have known and loved you. We are praying that our Lord will give you strength and peace for the days to follow.
Judy (Psalm 73:25-26)
First email sent out today 3/28/2012
Dear Friends,
I am writing this e-mail on behalf of my parents, Rex and Ginnie Switzer. During the past three weeks, dad and I have been in South Sudan. Last week dad began to become very ill and by Sunday we decided to get back to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for medical treatment. After getting back to Addis and getting some medical attention, it became apparent that his situation is dire. He has three strains of malaria, potential liver damage, and kidney failure. Please pray for him. We are trying to get him evacuated to better treatment.
Jonathan Switzer
Second email sent out a few hours later today
Dear Pastors,
I just received word from Jonathan Switzer that his dad, Rex went home to be with the Lord a few hours ago. Arrangements are being made to transport his body to OKC. Please be in prayer for Ginnie, Jonathan and family. Rex and Ginnie have been faithful missionaries for a long time and it was my privilege to be their sending pastor. I have known them for many years and served as her parents pastor for a few years in Oklahoma. Keep them in prayer.
Grace & Peace
Pastor Rick Stout, Enfield, CT
Missionary David Bennett sent this out when he received the news of Missionary Rex Switzer’s death.
A Soldier Has Just Left Us
A soldier has just left us, he gave his life away;
In duty for the Master he sacrificed alway.
A soldier has just left us, he died in full attire;
He died high in the saddle while facing heavy fire.
A soldier has just left us, but died not due to foes;
He died because of loving dear Sharon’s precious Rose.
A soldier has just left us for God has called him home;
His work on earth is ended, he nevermore shall roam.
A soldier has just left us, oh, hear the trumpets sound
For angels are announcing in Heav’n the news around.
A soldier has just left us, a hero strong and true;
His life has left us better, now Heaven’s better too.
A soldier has just left us, he died with dying grace;
In death the soldier’s fallen. Now who will take his place?
Closing Refrain:
Now who will take his place? Yes, who will take his place
To tell a dying world of Christ Jesus and His grace?
Email from Ginnie Switzer
March 29, 2012 Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Precious Friends
Words cannot express what your notes of compassion and prayer means to Jonathan, Katie & I.
I would desire to answer each personally but we have received countless messages & this is the only way, at this time, I can respond.
As I read the names attached to each email memories flooded back. Each of you had a very special place in his life. You were colleagues, friends and family.
We are still in shock. This happened so quickly that we are still trying to process it all. He was with the people he treasured & loved & with his son he adored, when he became sick. He was thrilled that God would choose to allow us to finish our course in South Sudan. It was a joy to his heart when God brought Jonathan, Katie & Jeremiah to do their internship with us. There were father & son, but also friend & co-worker in this ministry.
The days ahead for the 4 of us are uncertain & painful but we know the One who had been before us & He knows the way. Those are not just words on a page, it is a principle truth that comes from God’s Word which Rex loved with all his being. Rex & I firmly believed that nothing touches us that doesn’t pass through God’s hands first. I hold that truth close in my heart today.
We will be returning to the United State soon. No date has been organized, as of yet.
A memorial service will be at Southwest Baptist Church in Okla City., Ok. This church is Jonathan’s sending church & a church that has been our “family” in recent years. A date & time has not yet been decided.
Nancy Wutka our stateside secretary will be sending an email with this information as soon as it is available. If you have questions regarding any of this, you are welcome to contact her at
Email sent out to announce funeral
Memorial Service for Rex Switzer
Time: 2 PM
PLACE
Southwest Baptist Church
1300 S.W. 54th Street
Okla City, OK 73119
Rex Switzer Missions Memorial Fund
Southwest Baptist Church
Okla City, OK 73119
Southwest Baptist Church
Rex knew where God lead him and he went. Other missionaries would talk about the dangers: animals, weather, politics, disease and so on.One time I remember hearing him tell another missionary in our home in Addis that if he didn’t want to go on a certain trip, that was ok.
Rex said, I’m going. That is where God is leading. I know the difficulties but it is all in God’s hands, His total control. I’m going forward until God tells me to stop….and he did, even to death.
Judy:
Just read this information. I think it is great that you have done this. It simply means that a lot of people wouldn’t have known this info if you hadn’t posted this.
Your thoughts and information is really good
Thank you